0x00000035 ERROR_BAD_NETPATH Windows Error [FIXED]

Have you ever encountered a network path error while using your Windows machine? It can be frustrating when you’re unable to access a shared folder or connect to a remote server. One of the common network path errors that users face is the 0x00000035 ERROR_BAD_NETPATH Windows Error. This error code indicates that the network path to the desired resource cannot be found.

Let’s dive into the story to understand the impact of this error and how you can resolve it.

Meet Sarah, a dedicated IT administrator who manages a network of Windows machines in her organization. One day, she received an urgent request from a colleague who was unable to access a shared folder on their Windows machine due to a network path error.

Sarah quickly realized that the error code displayed was 0x00000035 ERROR_BAD_NETPATH. Determined to help her colleague, she decided to troubleshoot the issue and find a solution.

After investigating the problem further, Sarah discovered that the Windows machine was unable to reach the administrative share (admin$). This share is essential for various system functions and needs to be accessible for smooth network operations.

She knew that there could be several underlying causes for this error, such as a powered-off machine, DNS resolution issues, firewall blocking the connection, disabled Server service, or the absence of the ADMIN$ share.

With her expertise and determination, Sarah followed a step-by-step troubleshooting process to resolve the 0x00000035 ERROR_BAD_NETPATH Windows Error. She ensured that the machine was powered on, checked DNS resolution, verified port 445 accessibility, confirmed the Server service was running, and verified the presence of the ADMIN$ share.

After successfully addressing each possible cause, Sarah was able to fix the network path error, allowing her colleague to access the shared folder without any issues.

Key Takeaways

  • The 0x00000035 ERROR_BAD_NETPATH Windows Error indicates a network path issue that prevents access to shared resources.
  • Possible causes of this error include a powered-off machine, DNS resolution issues, firewall blocking the connection, disabled Server service, or the absence of the ADMIN$ share.
  • To resolve this error, ensure that the machine is powered on, check DNS resolution, verify access to port 445, ensure the Server service is running, and confirm the presence of the ADMIN$ share.
  • Troubleshooting network path errors requires a systematic approach and attention to detail.
  • By following the recommended steps, you can fix the network path error and regain access to shared resources on your Windows machine.

Troubleshooting DNS Resolution Issues

When encountering DNS resolution issues, it’s important to identify and resolve them promptly to ensure smooth network connectivity. Here are the steps to troubleshoot and fix DNS resolution problems:

  1. Use the nslookup command from the Veeam Backup Server to check the IP address of the Windows machine that is failing to rescan.
  2. Compare the IP obtained from nslookup with the IP obtained from running ipconfig within the Windows machine.
  3. If the IPs do not match, it indicates a DNS issue that needs to be resolved.
  4. Ensure that DNS is properly resolving the hostname or Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) to the correct IP address.

If DNS is not resolving the hostname or FQDN correctly, it could lead to DNS not resolving the desired address, causing various network issues. By troubleshooting and fixing DNS resolution problems, you can ensure seamless network connectivity and resolve any Windows DNS resolution errors.

Example:

You can use the following commands to troubleshoot DNS resolution:

  • To check the IP address using nslookup: nslookup hostname
  • To view the IP address using ipconfig: ipconfig

By following these steps and ensuring correct DNS resolution, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix DNS resolution issues, resolving the problem of DNS not resolving the hostname or FQDN.

Common DNS Resolution IssuesPossible Solutions
DNS resolving the wrong IP addressCheck DNS settings and update if necessary
DNS not resolving the hostname or FQDNVerify DNS configuration and correct any misconfigurations
DNS cache not refreshing properlyFlush DNS cache and renew DNS settings

Checking Port 445 Accessibility

To ensure the smooth functioning of Veeam Agent for Microsoft Windows and resolve any port-related connection issues, it is essential to check the accessibility of port 445. Port 445 is the default Server Message Block (SMB) port used for file sharing and communication between Windows machines.

To check the accessibility of port 445 on the Windows machine that is failing to rescan, follow these steps:

  1. Open PowerShell on the Veeam Backup Server.
  2. Run the following command: Test-NetConnection -ComputerName hostname -Port 445, replacing hostname with the name of the Windows machine you are testing.

The command will perform a connectivity test to port 445 on the specified Windows machine. If the results indicate that the port is not reachable (TcpTestSucceeded : False), it signifies that either a firewall is blocking the connection or the Server service is not running within the guest.

To fix the port 445 connection issue, perform the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check the firewall settings on the Windows machine to ensure that port 445 is not blocked by any inbound or outbound rules. Adjust the firewall configuration as needed to allow communication through port 445.
  2. Verify that the Server service is running on the Windows machine by navigating to the Services management console (services.msc). If the Server service is not running, start it to enable proper communication.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that port 445 is accessible and resolve any connectivity issues related to the SMB port. This will enable successful rescanning of the Windows machine with Veeam Backup & Replication.

Common Port 445 Accessibility Issues and Troubleshooting Steps

IssueTroubleshooting Steps
Port 445 is not reachable– Check firewall settings to allow port 445
– Verify Server service status and start if necessary
Firewall blocking port 445– Adjust firewall configuration to allow inbound/outbound communication through port 445
Server service not running– Start the Server service to enable proper communication

Verifying Server Service Status and ADMIN$ Share Presence

To resolve the 0x00000035 ERROR_BAD_NETPATH Windows Error, it is essential to verify the status of the Server service and the presence of the ADMIN$ share. Follow these steps to ensure the smooth operation of your Windows machine:

  1. Connect to the Windows machine that is failing to rescan.
  2. Open the Services management console by typing services.msc in the Run dialog box.
  3. Check if the Server service is running. If it is not running, right-click on the Server service and select “Start” to initiate the service.
  4. Verify the presence of the ADMIN$ share by accessing the Computer Management console.
  5. Navigate to Shared Folders > Shares.
  6. Look for the entry of the ADMIN$ share. If it is missing, proceed to restart the Server service.
  7. If the share is still not present after restarting the Server service, modify the registry settings.
  8. Open the Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesLanmanServerParameters.
  9. Check if the AutoShareServer value is set to 0. If it is, modify the value to 1.
  10. Restart the Server service once again to apply the changes.

By following these steps, you can ensure the proper functioning of the Server service and the presence of the ADMIN$ share, resolving any issues related to the Windows Server service not running or the Windows ADMIN$ share missing.

Troubleshooting Steps for Verifying Server Service Status and ADMIN$ Share Presence

StepAction
1Connect to the Windows machine that is failing to rescan.
2Open the Services management console (services.msc).
3Check if the Server service is running.
4Access the Computer Management console.
5Navigate to Shared Folders > Shares.
6Verify the presence of the ADMIN$ share.
7Restart the Server service if the ADMIN$ share is missing.
8Check and modify the registry settings if necessary.
9Restart the Server service to apply the changes.

Conclusion

To resolve the 0x00000035 ERROR_BAD_NETPATH Windows Error, it is crucial to follow the troubleshooting steps discussed in this article. By addressing each possible cause of the error, you can fix the network path error and successfully rescan your Windows machines.

First and foremost, ensure that the machine in question is powered on. Next, verify that the DNS resolution is correct by comparing the IP obtained from nslookup with the IP obtained from running ipconfig within the Windows machine. This will help identify any DNS-related issues.

Additionally, check the accessibility of port 445, which is the default SMB port, on the Windows machine. Test the port connectivity using PowerShell command “Test-NetConnection -ComputerName hostname -Port 445”. If the port is not reachable, confirm that there are no firewall restrictions and the Server service is running within the guest.

Finally, verify the status of the Server service and ensure that the ADMIN$ share is present. If the Server service is not running, start it, and if the ADMIN$ share is missing, restart the Server service. Check the registry settings if needed and restart the Server service again.

Resolving the 0x00000035 ERROR_BAD_NETPATH Windows Error requires a comprehensive approach that addresses each possible cause. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can overcome this error and ensure a smooth network path for your Windows machines.

Nilesh Kamble is Certified in Microsoft & GCP, having 13+ Years of Experience in IT Industry. As a Senior IT Employee, having vast experience on Windows Server, Windows Client, Powershell, Cloud Technologies. Passionate about Laptop, Mobiles & Other emerging Technologies.