Getting error code 0x80070035 "Network Path Not Found" when accessing shared folders on Windows? This guide covers the key fixes — enabling Network Discovery and File Sharing, temporarily disabling the firewall to test, enabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP, turning on SMB 1.0/CIFS Client for older devices, and updating network drivers with Driver Sentry — to restore local network access fast.
Check Network Sharing and Firewall Settings
If the drivers are current, the next most likely culprits are incorrect sharing permissions or an overzealous firewall blocking the connection.
Solution 1: Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing
Both the client PC (the one accessing the share) and the host PC (the one sharing the folder) must have these settings enabled.
Windows sharing will not work properly if network discovery or file sharing is turned off
On both the computer accessing the folder and the computer hosting it, make sure network discovery is enabled and file and printer sharing is turned on
Also confirm that the network profile is set to Private rather than Public, because public profiles often block local sharing features
Solution 2: Temporarily Disable Firewall
Windows Defender Firewall or third-party security software may block local file sharing traffic.
Temporarily disable the firewall on the private network profile and test the connection again
If the shared path opens normally, turn the firewall back on and allow File and Printer Sharing through it. Do not leave the firewall disabled permanently
Protocol and Security Setting Adjustments
This error can occur when two devices cannot agree on the same security or communication protocol. These advanced fixes address those discrepancies.
Solution 1: Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP
The NetBIOS protocol helps identify network devices by name, which is often crucial for network path resolution.
Some Windows networks still rely on NetBIOS to find shared devices by name
If NetBIOS is disabled, Windows may fail to locate the target computer and show 0x80070035
Open the properties of your active network adapter, go to IPv4 settings, choose Advanced, then open the WINS tab and enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Save the change and restart the PC
Click "OK" on all windows to save the changes.
Solution 2: Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS Client (For Older Devices)
While modern Windows relies on SMB 3.0, some older network devices or NAS drives require the legacy SMB 1.0 protocol.
Search for "Turn Windows features on or off" and open the utility.
Scroll down to "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support".
Check the box next to "SMB 1.0/CIFS Client" (and "SMB 1.0/CIFS Server" if the PC is the host).
Click "OK" and allow Windows to install the feature. Restart your computer when prompted.
Update Network Drivers
A faulty or outdated network adapter driver is one of the most common reasons this error appears.
If the Ethernet or Wi-Fi driver is unstable, Windows may fail to detect shared devices or connect to them correctly
A simple first step is to scan the PC with Driver Sentry and update the network adapter driver, along with related chipset drivers if needed. After updating, restart the computer and try opening the shared path again
Final Thoughts
Error code 0x80070035 usually means Windows cannot complete the connection because of driver problems, disabled sharing, blocked firewall traffic, name resolution failure, or SMB compatibility issues. The best approach is to start with the network driver, then check sharing settings, firewall rules, NetBIOS, permissions, and protocol support step by step.
