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When I undock my work computer, network connection is temporarily lost, while Windows switches from LAN to wireless.

When this happens, all open folders (that are on the share) revert to Computer. When redocking, they do not go back to the original folder.

When this happens, Windows Explorer throws a warning for every affected folder with a message like:

Restoring Network Connections

-- An error occurred while reconnecting [drive letter]: to [\path\to\network\share] ...

On reconnection I have to manually go over each folder and press back. And close all the dialog boxes.

Is there a way to improve on this behavior?

Partial solutions might include:

  • Prevent Windows Explorer from reverting to Computer.
  • Turn off (multiple) disconnect warnings.
AdamAL
  • 163

1 Answers1

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There's no surefire answer not knowing your network characteristics, but here are some things you can try. I cannot test this in Windows 7 but they should work as they do in Windows 10.

Solution 1: Network Bridge

You can create a network bridge between your LAN and WIFI. However, if both connections run over the same router, it could cause packet loss as there will be 2 concurrent IP's assigned to your PC. It really depends how your hardware is configured.

  • Go to Control Panel _> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center.
  • On the left, click on change adapter settings.
  • Select both connections. Right click to see options. Click network bridge.
  • Windows will automatically create a network bridge.

Solution 2: Adjust LAN priority settings

Usually, Windows gives priority to the LAN connection. Here is how to disable that. Depending on your system, there might additionally be a BIOS switch disabling WLAN when an ethernet connection exists, you'll have to make sure to check on that.

  1. Go to network and sharing center in control panel.

  2. Select change adapter settings

  3. Right click on your Ethernet device and select properties on popup menu.

  4. In properties menu, click configure button.

  5. When configure menu, select advanced tab.

  6. In advanced menu, under property list, look for "Priority & Vlan" and select it.

  7. Look in value list to the right and select disable toggle.

  8. Click Ok, on your way back out of menus and wait 15 seconds until system updates new value.

Taken from this thread, which contains further possible solutions for Windows 10 users.

Furthermore, make sure that in Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Power Options\Edit Plan Settings when you go to Change advanced power settings, there is no setting which allows down-powering of your WIFI module.

1NN
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