How to Troubleshoot: Error code 1606 – Could not access network location

  • Error Code 1606 Could not Access Network Location on your PC or laptop.
  • This error code problem occurs when you are trying to install or uninstall the Microsoft program or any other program from your PC.
  • Incorrect registry entries can also cause problems like Java error code 1606 Windows.
  • Here are some tips and tricks from Techquack to effectively troubleshoot and solve this error code issue permanently.
  • The most common cause of this problem is redirecting folders.

You should definitely read this article if you, too, are constantly facing Windows Error Code 1606 Could not Access Network Location problems on your computer or laptop. We will show you here how to solve this error code problem on your computer quickly and completely in this article. Here’s how you do it.

You should first restart your computer if you are experiencing error code 1606. Restarting your computer will refresh the Windows operating system, so close all the programs running on your computer and restart it.

Java error code 1606 Windows can also occur when incorrect registry entries are present on your PC when you try to install or uninstall Microsoft programs.

You may encounter this error if the public documents folder has been removed or the user permissions have been changed from the Windows default.

So, here are some tips and tricks from Techquack to effectively troubleshoot and solve this error code 1606 – could not access network location problem permanently.

What is the cause of error 1606: Unable to access network location

  • An old installation remains.
  • Shell or user shell folders with incorrect Windows registry settings.
  • There are a number of reasons why this problem occurs. One of them is redirecting folders. Redirecting folders is not supported and can cause errors during the installation process or during startup.

How to resolve error code 1606 – Cannot access network location

The Windows 1606 error is a problem caused by your PC being unable to correctly load up a certain “location” from the registry settings of your PC. The issue is normally displayed when using the likes of Microsoft Office, and essentially prevents your computer from being able to read the files it requires to run. In order to resolve the 1606 error, you first need to be able to resolve any of the potential problems with the “registry” settings of your system which are causing the issue. After that, you need to also be able to clean out any issues with the settings that Windows uses to run.

There is a QuickBooks Error 1606 which occurs when installing QuickBooks desktop. This error message appears when attempting to access the network location on the computer. A damaged window account is usually the cause of QuickBooks Error 1606.

Running the software compatibility troubleshooter

It has also been confirmed that a number of affected users were able to finally complete the installation of a program that was previously unable to install due to this error after following this process.

Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 users can access and use the repair tool available through their classic control panel.

  1. The “Run” dialog box can be opened by pressing Windows and R simultaneously.
  2. You will see the classic Control Panel interface once you type “control.exe” in the text box.
  3. The “Troubleshooting” tab will appear in the Classic Control Panel once you enter it.
  4. Click Programs under Troubleshooting.
  5. In the Troubleshooting – Programs window, right-click Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and select Run as administrator.
  6. You should click Yes if User Account Control (UAC) asks you to be an administrator.
  7. To automatically apply repairs, select the checkbox Automatically apply repairs on the first screen of Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
  8. When the first scan has been completed, select the program or installer that you are experiencing trouble with on the following screen.
  9. You may select Unlisted if the program/installer is not listed, at which point the executable file path will be automatically looked up.
  10. Click Try Recommended Settings once you have selected the program/installer you are having issues with.
  11. If this does not resolve the error code 1606 (Cannot access the location of the network), repeat the steps.

Changing Public Documents permissions

Many users affected by this issue had the error resolved by changing permissions on C:/Users/Public/Documents and C:/Users/Public/Public Documents Documents to make sure the active user account that causes the error has access to them.

  1. Navigate to C:/Users/Public in File Explorer.
  2. You can check the box for hidden items on the Ribbon panel if you do not see the hidden folders.
  3. To edit the properties of a public document, right-click it and select Properties.
  4. Click the Edit button below the active user account in the Properties menu, then select the Security tab.
  5. Lastly, make sure all the boxes in the Permissions menu are checked.
  6. Steps 1 to 4 are repeated for C:/Users/Public/Documents once you have granted full control to Public Documents.

Change the registry key

  1. The Run dialog box will open when you press Windows + R.
  2. Click on the Registry Editor tab by typing “Regedit” and pressing Enter.
  3. Click Yes to grant administrative privileges when User Account Control (UAC) prompts you.
  4. You can navigate to the following location in the registry editor by using the left menu:
    Microsoft Windows Explorer Folders are located in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer/Shell Folder
  5. If you paste the address directly into the navigation bar, you can go straight to the location.
  6. Select General Documents from the right pane when you have reached the right location.
  7. The Value Data section in the Edit String window should point to an actual location once the Edit String window has been opened.
  8. It is recommended to add C:/Users/Public/Documents as the default location for the documents.
  9. Restart your computer after saving your changes and closing the registry editor.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Restore the Administrative Tools entry in the registry.
  2. Scan for viruses.
  3. Clean the registry.

This error may occur if the registry value for a predefined system location indicates an invalid path. Make sure that the following registry values contain the correct paths.

This problem may occur if an invalid parameter is present in any of the following registry subheadings

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders.
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders.

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Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.