Windows Error Code 0x80070035 usually means Windows cannot locate or establish a connection to a network path. Start by confirming that both computers are on the same network, then enable Network Discovery and File and printer sharing.
If that does not help, check the relevant Windows services, folder permissions, firewall settings, and computer-name resolution. Testing the connection through an IP address is especially useful because it can quickly reveal whether the problem is related to network discovery or name resolution.
For persistent problems, a network reset can be worthwhile. If you are connecting to older hardware, also investigate SMB compatibility without unnecessarily enabling outdated protocols.
Let’s learn everything in detail!
Quick Steps
- To fix error 0x80070035, check that both computers are connected to the same network and that network discovery and file sharing are enabled.
- To do this, open Windows Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings and turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
- To fix connection problems, restart the computers and make sure important networking services, including Function Discovery Provider Host and Function Discovery Resource Publication, are running.
- To troubleshoot the network path, test the shared computer using its IP address instead of its computer name.
- To resolve name or connection problems, flush the DNS cache, reset networking components, and check Windows Firewall settings.
- To fix older file-sharing connections, check whether SMB compatibility is required, but avoid enabling outdated SMB 1.0 unless absolutely necessary.
Windows Error Code 0x80070035 [Fixes]
The steps below start with simple checks and gradually move toward more technical troubleshooting.
Step 1: Confirm Both Computers Are on the Same Network
Before changing Windows settings, check the basic network connection. If you are trying to access another computer on your home or office network, both devices should normally be connected to the same local network.
Check the Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection on both computers. If one PC is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network while the other is connected to the main network, they may not be able to communicate with each other.
If you are using Wi-Fi, disconnect and reconnect to the network. If possible, restart your router and then restart both computers.
After reconnecting, open File Explorer > Network and see whether the other computer appears. If it does not, continue with the next step.
Step 2: Turn On Network Discovery and File Sharing
Windows can prevent your computer from discovering other devices when network discovery is disabled.
Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings. Under the network profile you are currently using, turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
If your computer is connected to a trusted home or office network, make sure Windows is treating that connection appropriately. A Public network profile can apply stricter sharing restrictions than a private network.
Once you change these settings, close File Explorer and open it again. Try accessing the shared computer.
Step 3: Make Sure the Required Network Services Are Running
Windows depends on several services for network discovery and shared-resource access. If an important service has stopped, the computer may fail to locate other devices.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Look for Function Discovery Provider Host and Function Discovery Resource Publication.
Double-click each service and check its Service status. If it is stopped, select Start. You can also set the Startup type to Automatic where appropriate, then select Apply and OK.
Restart the computer after making these changes and test the shared folder again.
The problem may not be your network at all. The folder you are trying to open may not actually be shared or your account may not have permission to access it.
On the computer hosting the folder, right-click the folder and select Properties > Sharing. Check whether the folder is shared and review the available sharing permissions.
Then open Properties > Security and verify that your Windows account has appropriate access.
If you are using a username and password to access the other computer, make sure you are entering the correct credentials. A network connection can fail even when the destination computer itself is online.
Step 5: Test the Computer Using Its IP Address
Sometimes Windows cannot resolve a computer name correctly. Testing the device through its IP address can help determine whether name resolution is the problem.
On the computer you want to access, open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig
Find the IPv4 Address, which will usually look something like 192.168.1.25.
Now, on your own computer, open File Explorer and enter the following in the address bar:
\\192.168.1.25
Replace the example address with the actual IPv4 address of the other computer.
If the IP address works but \\ComputerName does not, you are likely dealing with a name-resolution problem rather than a basic network connection problem.
Step 6: Flush the DNS Cache
A corrupted or outdated DNS cache can sometimes interfere with network name resolution.
Open Command Prompt as administrator. You can do this by opening Start, searching for Command Prompt, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.
Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
Press Enter and wait for Windows to confirm that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
You can then restart the computer and try the network path again.
Step 7: Check Windows Firewall Settings
Your firewall protects the computer from unwanted network traffic, but incorrect rules can also interfere with legitimate file sharing.
Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall. Check whether File and Printer Sharing is permitted for the network profile you are using.
Do not permanently disable the firewall simply to test the connection. Instead, review the sharing permissions and firewall configuration carefully.
If you use third-party security software, check whether it has its own network protection or firewall feature that could be blocking local network communication.
Step 8: Restart Important Network Components
If the connection still fails, resetting the network stack can resolve configuration problems.
Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Review the warning shown by Windows before selecting Reset now.
A network reset can remove and reinstall network adapters and return certain networking settings to their defaults. You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward.
Because this is a more significant change, try the earlier steps first.
Step 9: Check SMB Compatibility
Windows uses Server Message Block, or SMB, for many network file-sharing functions. Differences between Windows versions, NAS devices, or older computers can sometimes create compatibility problems.
If you are connecting to a very old device, investigate which SMB version it requires before changing anything.
Avoid enabling SMB 1.0/CIFS unless you have a specific compatibility requirement. SMB1 is an outdated protocol with known security weaknesses. Modern Windows systems and devices should use newer SMB versions whenever possible.
Step 10: Restart Both Computers and Test Again
After completing the changes, restart both computers. This is particularly useful after modifying services, network settings, firewall permissions, or networking components.
Once Windows loads, confirm that both devices are connected to the same network. Then open File Explorer and try the shared path again.
If you know the IP address, test both:
\\ComputerName
and
\\IP-Address
This comparison can tell you whether the remaining problem involves computer-name resolution or the network connection itself.
FAQs
What does Windows error 0x80070035 mean?
Error 0x80070035 means Windows could not find or reach the specified network path. It commonly appears when accessing shared folders, computers, printers, or other network resources.
Why can’t Windows find another computer on my network?
The most common causes include disabled Network Discovery, incorrect network profiles, stopped discovery services, firewall restrictions, network isolation, or name-resolution problems.
Can restarting the router fix error 0x80070035?
Yes, restarting the router can help when the problem is caused by a temporary network or DHCP issue. However, it will not fix Windows sharing permissions or disabled services.
Should I enable SMB 1.0 to fix this error?
Not automatically. SMB 1.0 is outdated and has security weaknesses. Only consider it when connecting to an older device that specifically requires SMB1, and use a newer SMB version whenever possible.
Why does the IP address work but the computer name does not?
This usually indicates a name-resolution issue. Your computer can reach the destination but is having trouble translating its computer name into the correct IP address.
Does error 0x80070035 mean my hard drive is damaged?
No. This error is generally associated with network connectivity and file-sharing configuration, not physical hard-drive failure.