I have a windows desktop running Windows 7 professional with a Drive Z working as a Server to three other machines. Up until 2 weeks ago it was working fine, but then all of the computers got various virus infections which we eventually got rid of. The residual problem now is that even though Drive Z functions properly from the Windows 7 machine and the other computers can see Drive Z on it, they cannot access it. The following message comes up : "An error occured while reconnect Z: to {machine name}. Local device already in use - connection has not been restored". My IT wants to reformat the entire Drive that Z sits on and reinstall everything. I sure don't want to go through this without first exhausting all other options. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

If you encountered virus infection and problems persist, I strongly recommend to reinstall (or use good backup). Rgds Milos

Please have a test to map the share folder to another drive letter, like Q:. Check if you can access the new mapped drive. - If yes, the problem should be on the client side and some service may occupied drive letter Z:. - If not, the problem should be on the server side.