XCLN: Cannot Delete a Network Connection After Inserting File

• Microsoft Exchange Windows 95 client, versions 4.0 and 5.0
• Microsoft Exchange Windows 3.x client, versions 4.0 and 5.0
• Microsoft Exchange Windows NT client, versions 4.0 and 5.0
• Microsoft Exchange MS-DOS client, versions 4.0 and 5.0

SYMPTOMS

You cannot delete a network connection that has a reference to a file that has been inserted into a message in the Exchange client. When you try to delete the network connection from a DOS prompt you will receive this error: " There are open files on the connection. Close all files and quit all programs related to the connection before you try to delete". There is more help available by typing NET HELPMSG 2404." If you try to disconnect the drive from file manager, you get this error: "There are currently files open on <drive>: connected to \\server\share. If you do not close the files before disconnecting from the network device, data may be lost. Do you want to disconnect the device anyway?" and you are given an option to disconnect the drive.

CAUSE

This is caused by the Microsoft Exchange client keeping a open reference to the last opened drive or directory. For example, if another message is created referencing a file on a different share, the mapped drive letter referencing the share in the first message can be now be deleted.

RESOLUTION

Exit and Log Off from of the Exchange client. You can then remove the mapped drive through either the File Manager or the MS-DOS prompt using the net use <drive> /d.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Exchange version 4.0 clients. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.