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The Macrium Reflect Windows PE rescue media includes the Windows networking stack and allows connection to authenticated network shares when booted into Windows PE. Network shares can be entered by UNC path using the \\Server\Share or by IP address and shared folder.

If you have problems accessing shared servers then please see Resolving network issues in Windows PE
Please note: Wireless Networking is not supported in Windows PE. Please connect to your network using an Ethernet cable.
Please Note: When accessing network shares in Windows PE 10 it's necessary to prepend the user name with '.\' if the network resource is on the local network/domain.
For example enter '.\Administrator'

This is not required for earlier versions of Windows PE. 

Accessing the network when creating an image in PE

  1. In the image wizard enter the \\server\share\folder path in the backup destination page. You will be prompted for login credentials if the share is password protected:


  2. Alternatively, click the '...' browse button to browse the network for the shared folder:

    Expanding a network node that requires authentication will display the Network Credentials dialog:

    Leave the 'Share Name' field empty for root level authentication of the server.

Accessing the network when restoring an image in PE

  1. If the image that you are restoring isn't visible in the Macrium Reflect Restore pane then click the 'Browse for an image file..' link



  2. In the browse dialog that opens type the UNC path of the network share that you want to access:


  3. Alternatively,  click 'This PC':
  4. Scroll down and double click 'Network':

  5. Expand the network server that contains the share you want to access:

    Expanding a network node that requires authentication will display the Network Credentials dialog:

    Leave the 'Share Name' field empty for root level authentication of the server.

See also: Resolving network issues in Windows PE

Troubleshooting Network Access

In the windows PE rescue environment, you may find that you can't connect to your network attached disk or another computer containing your backup. If this is the case, please use the following troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.

  1. Ensure your computer is connected via a network cable. Wireless (Wifi) network connections are not supported in windows PE.

    Make a note of the name of the server (NAS device or computer) and share name you normally connect with. 

    In a command window type the following (replacing <servername> with your server name).

    ping <servername>

    The ip address will be reported in and the reply responses.

  2. Boot into the rescue environment.

  3. Select the Restore -> View unsupported devices option. Are there any unsupported Network interface controllers listed? If so, you can locate a driver for a temporary solution, or for a permanent fix, add a driver and rebuild your rescue CD.
    See the following article for further information.  Adding device drivers to Windows PE 

  4. If you are confident that you have drivers for all relevant network devices have matching drivers loaded, select the Others tasks -> Network Config menu option.


    Is there at least one network adapter listed. If not, you need to reconsider step 3.

    Do you have an ip address (other than 0.0.0.0)? If not, check your network cable, and then hit renew. Alternatively, if you don't have a DHCP server on your network then enter a valid ip address for your network. Hint all domestic routers and corporate networks have a DHCP server configured by default.

  5. If you do have a valid IP address for your network, and you can still not browse to your network attached storage, confirm that you can map a drive.

    To do this, start PE explorer (third icon from left on the taskbar).

    The PE Explorer application opens. Click the 'Map Network Share' toolbar button:

    You will need both the server name (or ip address) and the share name.

    If this completes successfully, you will be able to access your network drive using the drive letter specified in the above dialog.


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