Windows ERROR_55, also known as "The specified network resource or device is no longer available," is a common error that can disrupt your workflow, causing frustration and delays. Whether you’re trying to access a network resource, a mapped drive, or a shared folder, encountering this error means Windows is having trouble connecting or maintaining the connection.
But don’t worry — in this detailed, step-by-step troubleshooting guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to fix Windows ERROR_55 and get your system running smoothly again.
What Causes Windows ERROR_55?
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand why ERROR_55 happens. The typical causes include:
- Network connectivity issues between your device and the network resource.
- Problems with network shares or mappings (like disconnected or expired mapped drives).
- Incorrect permissions or access rights on the network resource.
- Firewall or antivirus blocking the connection.
- Corrupt network drivers or outdated network adapter firmware.
Step 1: Check Your Network Connection
A simple connection issue could be the root cause. Here’s what to do:
- Verify physical connections (check Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi signal).
- Run Network Troubleshooter:
- Press
Windows Key + Ito open Settings. - Go to Network & Internet > Status.
- Click Network troubleshooter and follow the instructions.
- Press
- Ping the network resource:
- Open Command Prompt (
cmd). - Type
ping <IP-address-or-hostname>(e.g.,ping 192.168.1.100) and press Enter. - If you don’t get replies, the resource might be offline or unreachable.
- Open Command Prompt (
If you find connection problems here, fix those first before moving on.
Step 2: Verify Network Resource Availability
Make sure the resource or device you’re trying to access is actually available.
- Confirm the device is turned on and connected to the network.
- Check the shared folders or drives are still shared.
- If it’s a remote server, try accessing it from another device to confirm it’s online.
Step 3: Reconnect or Remap the Network Drive
If ERROR_55 happens when accessing a mapped drive, it might be disconnected or timed out.
To remap the drive:
- Open File Explorer.
- Under This PC, right-click the disconnected drive and select Disconnect.
- Click on Map network drive in the top Ribbon.
- Choose a drive letter and enter the folder path (e.g.,
\\ServerName\SharedFolder). - Make sure Reconnect at sign-in is checked.
- Click Finish.
This clears and re-establishes the connection.
Step 4: Check User Permissions
Without proper permissions, Windows cannot maintain access, resulting in error 55.
- Right-click the shared folder on the host machine.
- Select Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing > Permissions.
- Make sure your user or group has Read or Full Control.
- Also check Security tab to confirm permissions.
If you lack sufficient rights, contact your network administrator.
Step 5: Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus
Sometimes security software can block network resource access.
- Temporarily turn off your firewall or antivirus.
- Try accessing the resource again.
Important: Only disable security temporarily to test. If it works with the firewall off, add an exception for the network resource in your firewall settings.
Step 6: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause intermittent issues.
- Press
Windows Key + Xand select Device Manager. - Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If that doesn’t help, try uninstalling the driver and restarting the PC to reinstall it automatically.
Step 7: Clear Cached Credentials
Sometimes, Windows cache stored credentials that become invalid or corrupted.
- Open Control Panel and go to Credential Manager.
- Under Windows Credentials, find the network resource.
- Remove the entry.
- Try reconnecting to the resource; Windows will prompt you to enter credentials again.
Step 8: Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)
If none of the above works, a network reset can restore all network components to default.
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
- Scroll down and select Network reset.
- Click Reset now.
- Your PC will restart, and network settings will be cleared.
NOTE: You’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi and reconfigure VPNs or proxies after this.
Bonus Tips to Prevent Future ERROR_55
- Keep your Windows OS and network drivers up-to-date.
- Avoid sudden shutdowns or disconnections from network resources.
- Regularly review and update network sharing permissions.
- Use stable and reliable network hardware.
Wrapping Up
Experiencing ERROR_55 can be frustrating, but with a systematic approach — checking connectivity, permissions, drives, and drivers — you can quickly pinpoint and fix the problem. Hopefully, this step-by-step guide helped you restore your connection and get back to work with no hassle.
If you found this guide useful, share it with a friend having similar issues, and don’t hesitate to leave your questions or tips in the comments below!
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