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So, you’ve run into the “ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED” (aka Error 70 (0x46)) as well? Classic! It is triggered when a file, a printer, or any other shared resource is paused or unavailable. It can also happen when you try changing login credentials for a new user on a server before actually logging into that account.
The fix? Well, there are many. Continue reading to find out how to fix the ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED issue.
TL;DR: Fix ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED Now!
- Check the Status of the Shared Resource.
- Restart the Print Spooler Service.
- Verify Sharing Permissions.
- Check Network Connections
For detailed instructions on how to apply these fixes step-by-step, read on.
If you’ve run into the ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED (Error 70), you’ve probably felt the frustration that comes with trying to access a shared file or printer, only to have the resource stubbornly refuse to cooperate.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to fix this error like a tech wizard.
4 User-Friendly Fixes for ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED
Let’s start simple. Try these easy methods before we move on to the more advanced ones.
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that the resource you’re trying to access isn’t paused or offline.
For a printer:
- Go to “Control Panel” > “Devices and Printers”.
- Click on your printer and ensure that it’s not marked as “paused” or “offline”.
- If it is paused, unpause it. If it’s offline, make sure it’s connected to the network properly.
If you’re dealing with a file share, make sure that the folder is still shared on the host machine and that the system hasn’t restarted recently.
Solution 2. Restart the Print Spooler Service (for Printer Issues)
Oftentimes, print spooler services go on a break, leaving your printer in limbo. You can easily fix this by giving it a swift restart:
- Press ‘Win + R’ to open “Run”.
- Type “services.msc”, and hit ‘Enter’.
- Scroll down until you find “Print Spooler”.
- Right-click on it and hit “Restart”.
- Make sure your network printer is online and available after restarting the service.
Solution 3. Check Network Connections
An unstable network connection can also be the culprit sometimes. If you’re using a wired connection, double-check that the Ethernet cables are plugged in properly, and if you’re on Wi-Fi, make sure you’re connected to the correct network (especially if you have both home and office networks in range).
You’ll also want to verify that your router and switches are functioning correctly. Restarting your router might give the network a fresh boost.
Solution 4. Verify Sharing Permissions
This one’s pretty important but often overlooked. If the shared folder or printer isn’t set up correctly, you’re not going to be able to use it.
- Right-click on the shared folder or printer and go to “Printer properties”.
- Head to the “Sharing” tab and click on “Share this printer”.
- If your network uses domain accounts, make sure you’re logged into the correct domain.
3 Advanced Fixes for ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED
These advanced fixes dig deeper into your system and might require a bit more effort. But hey, they are going to work!
Adv. Solution 5. Login with Administrator Privileges
If you’re running into this error while trying to change user credentials or make adjustments on a server, you might just need to log into the new user account once before making those changes. Afterward, log out and log back into the admin account to apply the necessary changes.
Adv. Solution 6. Reset Network Configurations
If you’ve tried everything above and still can’t access the shared resource, there could be a deeper network issue at play. Flushing your DNS and resetting your IP can clear out any cached configurations that are causing the issue.
- Open “Command Prompt” as an administrator.
- Type the following commands, hitting ‘Enter’ after each:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
These commands refresh your system’s DNS cache and renew your IP configuration. If there’s a misconfiguration, this should clean it up.
Adv. Solution 7. Enable File and Printer Sharing in Firewall Settings
If the firewall on your network is being a bit too protective, it might be blocking file and printer sharing, causing this error to show up.
To fix this, you’ll need to tweak the firewall settings:
- Open “Windows Defender Firewall” and click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”.
- Ensure that “File and Printer Sharing” is checked for both “private” and “public” networks.
- If you’re using a third-party firewall, make sure file and printer sharing is allowed in its settings too.
Conclusion
By now, you’ve hopefully squashed the ERROR_SHARING_PAUSED bug. From quick checks like network connections and restarting services to advanced fixes like resetting your IP and tweaking group policies, these solutions cover just about everything you’d need to resolve the issue.
If none of these fixes work, your next best move might be to contact the network administrator.
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