JSI Tip 3533. Error 51 or 53 when accessing a Windows 2000 share?

When you try to use a net view, net use, or a UNC path to access a Windows 2000 based share, you receive one of the following:

System error 53 has occurred. The network path was not found. System error 51 has occurred. The remote computer is not available.

If you use Server Manager on a Windows NT 4.0 Domain Controller to view the Properties of the Windows 2000 computer, you receive:

The remote computer is not available. net use * \servershare System error 53 has occurred. The network path was not found.

Network Neighborhood may not show the Windows 2000 computer.

If File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is disabled on the associated network connect, or uninstalled entirely, the above errors will be generated.

To fix the problem, on the Windows 2000 computer that should be hosting the share:

1. Double-click My Computer.

2. Double-click Control Panel.

3. Double-click Network and Dial-Up Connections.

4. Right-click the network connection you want to change and press Properties.

5. If File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is NOT listed on the General tabs' Components checked are used by this connection area, press the Install button and double-click Service. Select File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks and press OK.

6. Check the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks box on the General tab.

7. Press OK.

NOTE: Think of File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks as the equivalent of the Windows NT 4.0 Server service.

NOTE: On a Windows 2000 Active Directory domain controller, File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks must be enabled on the 'network'.

NOTE: You can uncheck File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks on specific interfaces where it is not required, such as on a dedicated internet connections.