WFWG Err Msg: "You Can Only Share..." Sharing a CD-ROM

• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

The following error message may appear when you attempt to share an otherwise properly configured local CD-ROM drive while using Windows for Workgroups (WFWG):

   You can only share resources that are on your computer. If you are
   trying to share a printer, make sure that it is a local printer and
   that the TEMP directory is on a local drive.

CAUSE

This error may occur if the drive designator (letter) assigned to the CD-ROM device was previously assigned to a remote resource on the network.

Windows for Workgroups running in enhanced mode provides the ability to share local disks (including CD-ROMs) and printer resources with other users on the network. If the local drive letter assigned to the CD-ROM has also been assigned to a remote disk resource, by using the File Manager or a NET USE command, File Manager still displays the CD-ROM and its contents for that drive letter. However, attempts to share the CD-ROM results in the above error message.

WORKAROUND

There are three workarounds to eliminate this problem, depending on the configuration involved and the intended result. Use one of the following methods:

• From the MS-DOS Prompt INSIDE of Windows for Workgroups, type:

        net use <x>: /d
  

  where <x> is the drive letter in conflict between the remote resource and the CD-ROM.

• From the Windows for Workgroups directory MS-DOS command prompt OUTSIDE of Windows, delete the CONNECT.DAT file.

  NOTE: This removes ALL persistent network connections. You will need to manually re-establish all non-conflicting connections during your next Windows for Workgroups session.

• Use the MSCDEX /L:<letter> option to change the drive letter assigned to the CD-ROM to that of an available, unassigned drive letter. MSCDEX is typically loaded with AUTOEXEC.BAT. Note that the /S parameter is also required to share the CD-ROM. Type "mscdex" (without the quotation marks) at the MS-DOS command prompt outside of Windows for Workgroups for a list of available MSCDEX options.