Why can't my Windows service see the network?

Question

I have a problem with a Windows service not being able to see the network at all.

The network configuration is not the problem because the network is up and network drives are all accessible with UNC.

Here is a brief overview:
This computer/user (ex. LOCAL1) is running a Windows service that scans files on a remote networked computer(ex. REMOTE1). I have set this up as both an application and a process. The application has no problem seeing the REMOTE1 computer from LOCAL1, but when run as a service the network is inaccessible and REMOTE1 cannot be accessed.

I have tried looking at the specific folder on REMOTE1, under properties, security tab, add user/group, locations, but the only location that shows up there is REMOTE1 (so I cannot add LOCAL1:User to the list of users with full access). This seems to not be the issue though because the service CAN'T see the network at all.

Any thoughts on why Windows services cannot see the windows network? Permission issue or other?

Answer 1

Check to make sure the user is allowed access via the local security policy. If the user is not allowed to access the system via a network you can find the system un-available to that user, or the user authentication is failing. Look at you event log and see if that gives you any clues as to why it is failing. If you find the event head over over to eventid.com and plug in the event number and you will see what that event pertains to and what might be the cause.

Answer 2

Wow you sound more knowledgeable than most ppl that answers questions on here.My advice would be to look it up on the web.I am sure there are a number of sights that can help you...good luck