Network Shortcut to MS-DOS-Based Program Does Not Remap Drive

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

If you map a network drive with Windows Explorer, create a shortcut to an MS-DOS-based program on the mapped drive, and then disconnect the mapped drive, the drive is not reconnected automatically when you try to use the shortcut. Instead, you receive the following error message:

   Cannot find the working folder for this program. The program may have
   difficulty locating its files and documents. Make sure that the working
   folder is specified correctly in the property sheets for the program
   and any shortcuts to it.

   Do you wish to run the program anyway?

   Cannot find the file '<drive>:\<path>\<program filename>.' Make
   sure the file exists on your system and that the path and filename
   are correct.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, click the Reconnect At Logon check box when you map the network drive. This option remaps the drive each time you start Windows 95. Do not disconnect the drive manually.

Or, use a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) name in the MS-DOS-based program's command line in the shortcut.

STATUS

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem affects only shortcuts to MS-DOS-based programs. Shortcuts to Windows-based programs work correctly even if you disconnect the mapped network drive.