How to Fix Fix Error 0x800704CF — Network Location Cannot Be Reached on Windows
Getting error 0x800704CF "The network location cannot be reached"? Can't access shared folders, network drives, or Microsoft account services? Fix this network error.
📖
Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix No Internet Connection →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •Error 0x800704CF when accessing network shares
- •"The network location cannot be reached" on shared folders
- •Microsoft Store or account sync fails with 0x800704CF
- •Can't connect to other PCs on local network
- •OneDrive or Teams shows network unreachable error
- •Error appears despite internet working for web browsing
Common Causes
- ⚠Network discovery or file sharing disabled
- ⚠SMB (Server Message Block) protocol disabled or blocked
- ⚠Windows network adapter binding misconfigured
- ⚠Microsoft network client not installed or enabled
- ⚠Firewall blocking SMB/network sharing ports
- ⚠Network profile set to Public instead of Private
Solutions
Solution 1: Enable Network Discovery and Sharing
- 1Settings → Network & Internet → your connection
- 2Change network profile from "Public" to "Private"
- 3Private networks allow file sharing and discovery
- 4Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → "Change advanced sharing settings"
- 5Under Private profile: Turn ON "Network discovery" and "File and printer sharing"
- 6Under All Networks: Turn OFF "Password protected sharing" (if needed for easy access)
- 7Click "Save changes"
Solution 2: Fix Network Adapter Bindings
- 1Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → "Change adapter settings"
- 2Right-click your network adapter → Properties
- 3Ensure these are CHECKED:
- 4✓ Client for Microsoft Networks
- 5✓ File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
- 6✓ Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
- 7If "Client for Microsoft Networks" is missing: click Install → Client → Add
- 8Click OK → restart PC
Solution 3: Enable SMB and Fix Firewall
- 1Check if SMB is enabled:
- 2PowerShell as Admin: Get-SmbServerConfiguration | Select EnableSMB2Protocol
- 3If False: Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB2Protocol $true -Force
- 4Enable SMB 1.0 only if needed for old devices:
- 5Control Panel → Programs → "Turn Windows features on or off"
- 6Check "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support" (only if connecting to old NAS/printer)
- 7Check Windows Firewall: ensure "File and Printer Sharing" is allowed
- 8Windows Defender Firewall → Allow an app → check "File and Printer Sharing" for Private
FIXES THIS IN 5 MINUTES
Fix Fix Error 0x800704CF — Network Location Cannot Be Reached Automatically
RescuePC Toolkit includes 109+ automated repairs that fix this problem with one click. No command line knowledge required.
Download Now - Free TrialNo credit card required • Works on Windows 10 & 11