Getting Error Code 0x80070035 on Windows? How to Fix It

Jul. 21, 2025 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows Driver Solutions

fix-error-code-0x80070035-on-windows

Many Windows users face the frustrating error "Error Code 0x80070035: The network path was not found" when trying to access shared folders on a local area network (LAN).

This issue usually occurs when accessing another device by its computer name. In this article, we'll explain the common causes behind the 0x80070035 error and offer effective solutions to help you quickly restore file-sharing access.

What Is Error Code 0x80070035?

Error 0x80070035, officially known as "The network path was not found", typically appears when attempting to access a shared folder or network drive over a LAN. It means the system is unable to locate the target device's network path based on current settings.

Common scenarios include:

Accessing shared folders via \\ComputerName\SharedFolder fails.
Mapped network drives appear unavailable.
Error pops up when entering a network path in File Explorer.

Causes of Error Code 0x80070035

SMB protocol not enabled or version mismatch.
Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible network drivers.
Firewall or security software blocking the connection.
Network discovery not turned on.
Target device not properly sharing folders or required services disabled.
DNS or NetBIOS resolution failure.
Insufficient permissions or incorrect login credentials.

How to Fix Error Code 0x80070035

Method 1: Update Your Network Driver

Driver issues are a common reason for the "0x80070035: Network path not found" error. If you're unfamiliar with manually updating drivers, it's recommend to use Driver Talent, which automatically detects faulty or missing drivers and provides one-click fixes.

Download Driver Talent

Download and install the latest version of Driver Talent. Launch the app and click "Scan".

After scanning, locate the network adapter driver and click "Update".

driver-update

Once updated, restart your PC to apply changes.

Method 2: Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing

Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.

Expand your current network profile (Private or Public). Enable these options:

Turn on network discovery
Turn on file and printer sharing

enable-network-discovery-and-file-sharing

Save the settings and restart your PC.

Method 3: Ensure SMB Protocol Is Enabled

Press Win + R, type "optionalfeatures", and press Enter.

Check "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support" if needed for older devices.
Optionally verify that SMB Direct is enabled.

Click "OK" and reboot the system.

Note: SMB1 is outdated and poses security risks. Prefer SMBv2 or SMBv3 if supported.

Method 4: Temporarily Disable Firewall or Add Exceptions

Go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall.

Click "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off".

Temporarily disable the firewall for private and public networks.

temporarily-disable-the-firewall

If this resolves the issue, add "File and Printer Sharing" to the list of allowed apps instead of keeping the firewall off permanently.

Method 5: Reset Network Settings

If the above methods don't work:

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
Scroll down and click "Network reset".
Click "Reset now", this will restore all network settings to default.

click-reset-now

Method 6: Check Sharing Settings on the Target Device

On the device hosting the shared folder:

Right-click the shared folder > Properties > Sharing.
Ensure "Share this folder" is checked and the correct user is added.
Under Permissions, make sure "Read" or "Full Control" is granted.

Method 7: Modify Local Security Policy (Windows Pro Only)

Press Win + R, type "secpol.msc", and press Enter.

Navigate to Local Policies > Security Options.

Find "Network security: LAN Manager authentication level".

Set it to "Send LM & NTLM – use NTLMv2 session security if negotiated".

Save changes and reboot.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Only some computers get this error when accessing a shared folder. What should I do?

A: Make sure the shared device has SMB enabled and sharing permissions and network discovery properly configured.

Q2: Could 0x80070035 be caused by antivirus software?

A: Yes. Some antivirus programs block file-sharing traffic. Try disabling the software temporarily or configuring exceptions.

Q3: I changed IP segments and now can't access shared folders. What next?

A: Ensure all devices are on the same subnet and reconfigure your firewall and sharing settings accordingly.