We have a Windows XP Professional computer that needs to access a network share hosted by a Windows Server 2003 machine, but the user does not want to enter a user name and password over and over again. The XP computer is not on a domain although the server is. To set this up, we went into the dialog brought up by typing:
control userpasswords2
and then added the appropriate server name and credentials. This worked great for months and the user never had to enter a password.
Recently though, we have to enter the user name and password every time the computer is turned on.
After rebooting, any attempt to reconnect to the network share causes Windows to ask for network credentials again. If we go back to the userpasswords2 dialog, the server name and credentials we just entered are gone. When connecting to the share manually, checking the box to remember the password has no effect that survives a reboot. What happened?
Best Answer
Joining the domain is the best answer. The following works but isn't secure.
Clear all drive mappings: From a CMD prompt on the wkstn type:
Net Use * /del /Y Net Use /persistent:no
Reboot the workstation.
If the drive mapping returns then you'll need to figure where it's coming from and stop it. Make sure there aren't any other batch files running on startup, look in the startup folders & registry. Sometimes doing a "Disconnect Drive" from Windows Explorer will remove it when Net Use /del doesn't.
Create a batch file and set it to run on logon:
Save the following text as MapDrives.bat file on the wkstn in C:\Admin or somewhere that the user won't have a chance to delete it accidentally.
Net Use * /del /Y Net use X: \ServerName\ShareName /User:DomainUser DomainPassword
Put a shortcut to MapDrives.bat in the All Users\Startup or %ThisUser%\Startup folder as you prefer. In Properties of the shortcut set it to run Minimized.
Manually run the bat file from a CMD prompt to confirm & resolve any errors.
Reboot the workstation and test again.