Error when you try to open a file from a shared folder on the host operating system in Virtual PC 2004: "File not found" (891068)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 Service Pack 1

SYMPTOMS

You try to use a 16-bit application that is running on a Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 guest operating system to open a file. This file is in a shared folder on the host operating system. You find that the file may not open. When this behavior occurs, you may receive one of the following error messages:
File not found
The directory could not be opened.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the functionality that is used to share folders in Virtual Machine Additions uses the wrong short file name. The 16-bit applications use the short file name to open the file. These 16-bit applications are sometimes referred to as "legacy applications."

RESOLUTION

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question. The 5.3 version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.
Date         Time         Size        File name                   
-----------------------------------------------------------------
26-Jan-2006  10:18        13,338,112  Vpc2004qfe891068_msdn.msp   
26-Jan-2006  10:19        14,603,264  Vpc2004qfe891068_update.msp

WORKAROUND

This problem only occurs when the functionality to share folders that is included in Virtual Machine Additions is used to share the folder on the host operating system. To avoid this problem, use the net share command to share the folder on the host operating system. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Install an internal or an external network in the virtual machine configuration.
  2. On the host computer, share the folder that you want to access from the network.
  3. In the guest operating system, click Start, click Run, and then type the following:

    net use driveletter: \\host-name\share-name

  4. Click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a bug in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/24/2006
Keywords:kbQFE kbpubtypekc KB891068
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