PRB: WNetAddConnection2 Causes Error 1202 in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 (183986)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0

This article was previously published under Q183986

SYMPTOMS

When you try to reuse an "unavailable" drive letter for a different net resource under Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000, error 1202: ERROR_DEVICE_ALREADY_REMEMBERED appears.

CAUSE

A persistent connection becomes "unavailable" when it is disconnected using WNetCancelConnection2 without updating the stored information about it. Although the system allows WNetAddConnection2 to reuse an "unavailable" drive letter for a different net resource under Windows NT 3.51, such attempts are not permitted under Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000. This behavioral change is mainly due to concerns that the "unavailable" connection might have to be restored later by its dependent processes.

The change forces you to either use a separate drive letter for the second net resource, or explicitly make the "unavailable" drive available for the second net resource. The latter approach deletes the information about the previous connection that is stored in the registry.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/15/2004
Keywords:kbAPI kbnetwork kbprb kbWNet KB183986