DOCUMENT:Q89719 09-OCT-1999 [win3x] TITLE :WFWG Server Cannot Share Virtual Drives PRODUCT :Microsoft Windows 3.x Retail Product PROD/VER:WINDOWS:3.1,3.11 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Additional query words: dblspace 3.10 3.11 SUBST Invalid Device err msg Lastdrive ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbAudDeveloper kbWFWSearch kbWFW310 kbWFW311 Version : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11 ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.