How do I access a shared drive after resetting my system password?

by Samuel Ezeoye

Last updated: 17-Mar-2026

Issue / Question:

A user is unable to access a shared network drive after recently resetting their system password, encountering an error message or repeated login prompts.

Steps to confirm Issue:

Attempt to access the shared drive. If access is denied, an error message such as 'Incorrect credentials' or 'Access denied' may appear. The system might also continuously prompt for your login credentials without successfully granting access.

Resolution:

The system often caches login credentials for network drives. After a password reset, these cached credentials become invalid, preventing access. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Re-authenticate with your new password:

   Attempt to open the shared drive as you normally would. When prompted, ensure you sign in with your most current system password. This action should refresh your stored credentials and grant access.

2. Remap the network drive (if re-authentication fails):

   If simply re-authenticating does not resolve the issue, the network drive may need to be disconnected and reconnected to force a complete credential refresh. Consult your system administrator or IT support for specific instructions on how to remap network drives in your environment.