How to Fix Fix Error 0x8007003C — Network Connection Refused on Windows
Getting error 0x8007003C when connecting to network resource? Connection refused error on shared folders? Network service rejecting connections? Remote access failing with this code? Fix this network connection refused error.
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •Accessing network share fails with 0x8007003C
- •Remote Desktop connection refused with this error
- •Network service connections rejected
- •File sharing between PCs fails with this code
- •VPN connection fails during authentication
- •Printer sharing returns connection refused error
Common Causes
- ⚠Target computer's firewall blocking the connection
- ⚠Network service not running on the target machine
- ⚠SMB/network sharing not enabled on target
- ⚠Windows Firewall rules blocking specific ports
- ⚠Network discovery disabled on one or both machines
- ⚠Credential mismatch between connecting machines
Solutions
Solution 1: Fix Firewall and Network Discovery
- 1On the TARGET machine (the one you're connecting to):
- 2Check Windows Firewall:
- 3Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall
- 4Click "Allow an app through firewall"
- 5Ensure these are checked for Private network:
- 6File and Printer Sharing
- 7Network Discovery
- 8Core Networking
- 9Enable Network Discovery:
- 10Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings
- 11→ Advanced sharing settings
- 12Turn on Network Discovery and File Sharing
- 13Also on the SOURCE machine: ensure same settings enabled
Solution 2: Fix SMB Sharing Service
- 1Ensure file sharing services are running:
- 2On the target machine — services.msc:
- 3Server (LanmanServer) → Automatic → Start
- 4Workstation (LanmanWorkstation) → Automatic → Start
- 5TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper → Automatic → Start
- 6Function Discovery Resource Publication → Automatic → Start
- 7If services are running but still refused:
- 8Check if SMB is enabled:
- 9PowerShell: Get-SmbServerConfiguration | Select EnableSMB2Protocol
- 10If false: Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB2Protocol $true
- 11Also verify the share exists:
- 12net share — lists all shares on the machine
- 13Ensure the share hasn't been removed
Solution 3: Fix Credential and Authentication Issues
- 1Connection refused can also mean authentication rejection:
- 2On the connecting machine:
- 3Control Panel → Credential Manager → Windows Credentials
- 4Remove any saved credentials for the target machine
- 5Click "Add a Windows credential" and enter correct credentials
- 6Use format: COMPUTERNAME\Username or username@domain
- 7Check password-protected sharing on target:
- 8Advanced sharing settings → Turn off password protected sharing
- 9Or ensure you have a valid account on the target machine
- 10For workgroup (non-domain) networks:
- 11Both machines should use same workgroup name
- 12Check: Settings → System → About → Rename this PC (advanced)
- 13Default workgroup is WORKGROUP
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