Mapped Drives Not Visible in Botflows or File Dialogs (Open Data)

Topic

Issue Summary

If encountering an issue where mapped network drives are not visible in the Botflow (for example, when using the Open Data action) or in the file selection dialog, even though they are visible and accessible in File Explorer.

Root Cause

Windows maps drives per user session, and elevated (administrator) processes do not automatically have access to mapped drives created in the normal user session. This session isolation affects any automation tool or RPA Bot running in an admin context.

How to Identify the Issue

• User can see and access mapped drives manually in File Explorer

• Botflow or file dialog fails to list or access mapped drives (e.g., K:, Y:)

• Manually entering a UNC path (\\server\share) often works

• Drives disappear again after a reboot

• Drag-and-drop into Open Data also fails, but UNC paths succeed

• Elevated Command Prompt (Run as Administrator) does not show the mapped drives:

  net use

Instructions 

Enable Mapped Drives for Elevated Processes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Registry Editor

   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter

2. Navigate to the following key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

3. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value

   • Right-click the System folder → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value

   • Name it:

     EnableLinkedConnections

   • Set its value to:

     1

4. Reboot the machine
   The change only takes effect after a restart.
   
   If you are still encountering issues, please send an email to support@nintex.com, Please mention this article when you send an email.

Additional Information

Alternate Workaround

Instead of using drive letters (e.g., Y:\Project\file.xlsx), use the UNC path directly:

\\ServerName\ShareName\Project\file.xlsx

This works regardless of elevation and avoids mapped drive issues altogether.

When to Use This

Use this procedure when:

• Botflows cannot access mapped drives

• File dialogs show only local folders

• The issue is resolved temporarily but returns after reboot

• Microsoft documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/297684 

Note

Editing the Windows Registry requires administrator rights. Always advise the customer to involve their IT team if needed.