If you’ve ever tried to access a shared folder or network drive on your Windows PC, only to be met with the frustrating message, “Windows cannot access, check the spelling of the name. Otherwise, there might be a problem with your network,” you know how disruptive it can be. This error, often accompanied by error code 0x80070035, essentially means Windows cannot locate the network path you specified. But don’t worry—this is a common issue with straightforward solutions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through two effective methods to resolve the “Windows cannot access check spelling” error and get your network shares working again.
Understanding the “Windows Cannot Access Check Spelling” Error
This network error typically appears when you try to connect to another computer or a shared folder on your local network. The full message reads: “Windows cannot access \[computer name][share name]. Check the spelling of the name. Otherwise, there might be a problem with your network.” It’s a catch-all message that can stem from several underlying issues, including incorrect network settings, firewall interference, or corrupted registry entries. Building on this, the error code 0x80070035 is specifically known as “The network path was not found.” This means that while your computer might be able to see other devices on the network, it cannot establish a proper connection to the shared resource. As a result, you’re locked out of files, printers, and other shared resources that are critical for productivity.
Method 1: Quick Fix via Network Settings
Before diving into more advanced solutions, it’s worth trying a simple adjustment to your network settings. This method is ideal for users who are not comfortable editing the registry. Here’s how to do it:
1. **Open Network and Sharing Center:** Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
2. **Enable Network Discovery:** Make sure “Turn on network discovery” is selected. Also, enable “Turn on file and printer sharing.”
3. **Check Credential Manager:** Press Windows Key + R, type `control keymgr.dll`, and hit Enter. Look for any saved credentials related to the target computer. If you find any, remove them and try accessing the share again.
4. **Disable IPv6:** Sometimes IPv6 can cause conflicts. Go to Network Connections (ncpa.cpl), right-click your active connection, select Properties, uncheck “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6),” and click OK.
5. **Restart Services:** Press Windows Key + R, type `services.msc`, and ensure that services like “Function Discovery Resource Publication,” “SSDP Discovery,” and “UPnP Device Host” are running and set to Automatic.
This method often resolves the “Windows cannot access check spelling” error without requiring advanced tweaks. However, if the problem persists, you’ll need to move on to the registry fix.
Method 2: Registry Editor Fix for Error 0x80070035
For more stubborn cases, modifying the Windows Registry can permanently eliminate the network path not found error. Caution: Editing the registry can be risky, so back up your registry before proceeding. Follow these steps carefully:
1. **Open Registry Editor:** Press Windows Key + R, type `regedit`, and press Enter.
2. **Navigate to the Key:** Go to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesLanmanWorkstationParameters`.
3. **Create a New DWORD:** Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it `AllowInsecureGuestAuth`.
4. **Set the Value:** Double-click the new DWORD and set its value to `1`. This allows guest authentication even in secure environments.
5. **Restart Your Computer:** Close Registry Editor and restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
After the restart, try accessing the network share again. This registry tweak directly addresses the underlying authentication issue that often triggers the “Windows cannot access, check the spelling of the name” error. In addition, it ensures that legacy network protocols work correctly with modern Windows versions.
Why These Methods Work and What to Do Next
Both methods target the root causes of the error 0x80070035. The first method adjusts network discovery and service settings, which are often misconfigured after Windows updates or network changes. The second method, editing the registry, forces Windows to allow insecure guest authentication—a setting that Microsoft tightened for security but which can block legitimate network access in home or small office environments.
If you’ve tried both methods and still see the error, consider checking your firewall settings, ensuring that all devices are on the same subnet, and verifying that the target computer has file sharing enabled. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a typo in the computer name or share path. Therefore, double-check the spelling in the address bar.
Conclusion
The “Windows cannot access check spelling” error can be a major roadblock, but with the steps outlined above, you can quickly regain access to your network resources. Whether you choose the quick network settings fix or the more permanent registry edit, you now have the tools to resolve error 0x80070035 and the network path not found issue. Watch the full video tutorial for a visual walkthrough of these methods, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more tech solutions. With a bit of patience, you’ll be back to sharing files and printers seamlessly across your network.
