WFWG Server Cannot Share Virtual Drives

 Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
Article ID: Q89719
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

The following error message appears if a Windows for Workgroups server is attempting to share virtual drives created using the MS-DOS SUBST command: 

   The specified drive letter or device is invalid. If you specified a
   drive, it may be past the value specified by the LASTDRIVE command
   in the CONFIG.SYS file.

CAUSE

Sharing virtual drives is not supported under Windows for Workgroups.

WORKAROUND

The only way to properly share a directory with Windows for Workgroups is to share the actual directory as specified in the Windows for Workgroups documentation.

MORE INFORMATION

The SUBST command allows you to specify a drive letter for a PATH, which enables easier access to programs and data files. In Windows for Workgroups, these virtual drives cannot be shared.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

  1. Add the following commands to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file: 

          SUBST X: C:\DOS
      SUBST Y: C:\WINDOWS
      SUBST Z: C:\

    (The above directories are an example; you can use any directory.)

  2. Add the following command to the CONFIG.SYS file: 

          LASTDRIVE=Z

  3. Restart the computer, then start Windows for Workgroups.

  4. From the Main Group, start File Manager. You should see drive icons for drive X, Y, and Z.

  5. Choose the drive X icon.

  6. From the File menu, choose Share As.

  7. Choose the OK button.

  8. The following error message appears: 

          The specified drive letter or device is invalid. If you
      specified a drive, it may be past the value specified by the
      LASTDRIVE command in the CONFIG.SYS file.

Steps to Properly Share a Directory

To share the C:\WINDOWS directory properly, do the following:

  1. Choose the drive C icon.

  2. From the directory tree, select the C:\WINDOW directory.

  3. From the File menu, choose Share As.

  4. Choose the OK button.

KBCategory: kbnetwork kbusage kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: wfw wfwg
Additional reference words: dblspace 3.10 3.11 SUBST Invalid Device err msg
Lastdrive

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Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
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