What Happens If I Change a Share Name in Windows?

If you change the share name on a Microsoft Windows network, it will result in network users being unable to access a shared resource until they reconnect to it using the new name. Changes like this should be carefully planned.

Background

• Windows servers and computers allow you to provide access to shared resources such as folders and printers using a share name. Users can connect to these resources manually, using the "My Network Places" function, or automatically using a login script.

Impact

• The impact of changing a share name depends on how your network is configured. If, for example, you are using centralized login scripts, it should be easy to reconfigure the scripts so that users can still connect to resources seamlessly. If users have connected to the resources manually they will need to be told the new share name and reconnect.

Recommendation

• If it is necessary to change share names it is best to do this while users are not logged into the system. Be sure you make the necessary changes to login scripts and be prepared to assist users who connect to resources manually.