File and Print Sharing Button Is Not Displayed in Network Properties (309537)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q309537
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you view the Configuration tab in the Network dialog box, the File and Print Sharing button may not be displayed. When you attempt to add the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks component, you may receive the following error message:
System policies do not allow adding the selected device.

CAUSE

This issue can occur when file and printer sharing is disabled in the Windows registry.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To resolve this issue:
  1. Quit all running programs.
  2. Start Registry Editor (Regedit.exe).
  3. In Registry Editor, locate and click the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Network

  4. On the Registry menu, click Export Registry File.
  5. Type Network subkey in the File name box, and then click Save.
  6. In the right pane, right-click NoFileSharing, and then click Delete.
  7. When you receive the "Confirm Value Delete" message, click Yes.
  8. Right-click NoPrintSharing, and then click Delete.
  9. When you receive the "Confirm Value Delete" message, click Yes.
  10. On the Registry menu, click Exit.
  11. Restart the computer.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb kbui KB309537
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.