Fixing Error 0x8007003A: Server Operation Failed - Causes and Solutions

Table of Contents

• Solutions to Resolve Error 0x8007003A¶
• Frequently Asked Questions about Error 0x8007003A¶

Encountering errors while transferring files over a network can be a frustrating experience. One such error, Error 0x8007003A, often arises when attempting to copy files from a mounted network drive. This error message indicates that the server is unable to perform the requested operation, hindering your file transfer process. The root cause of this issue can stem from various factors, ranging from network connectivity problems to file permission restrictions.

An unexpected error is keeping you from copying the file. If you continue
to receive this error, you can use the error code to search for help with this
problem.

Error 0x8007003A: The specified server cannot perform the requested
operation.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and resolving Error 0x8007003A on Windows 11 and Windows 10 systems. We will explore practical solutions that you can implement to overcome this error and successfully transfer your files. If you are facing this error, begin by attempting to copy a smaller file to see if the issue persists. For larger files, consider compressing them before initiating the copy process, and avoid transferring files exceeding 2048 MB as a general precaution. However, if file size isn’t the primary concern, the following solutions will guide you through troubleshooting and fixing Error 0x8007003A.

Solutions to Resolve Error 0x8007003A¶

Here are several effective methods to troubleshoot and resolve the “Error 0x8007003A: The specified server cannot perform the requested operation” error. We will delve into each solution in detail, providing step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.

1. Restart Server and DNS Client Services¶

Often, temporary glitches within system services can lead to unexpected errors like 0x8007003A. Restarting the Server and DNS Client services can effectively clear these temporary issues and restore normal operation. These services play a critical role in network file sharing and name resolution, and a simple restart can often resolve connectivity problems.

Follow these steps to restart the Server and DNS Client services:

1. Open the Services application: Press the Windows key, type Services, and select the Services app from the search results. This will open the Services management console.

2. Locate the Server service: In the Services window, scroll down the list of services until you find the entry labeled Server. Alternatively, you can quickly navigate to this section by pressing the S key, which will jump to services starting with the letter “S”.

3. Restart the Server service: Right-click on the Server service entry. From the context menu that appears, select Restart. This will initiate the restart process for the Server service.

4. Locate the DNS Client service: Similarly, scroll down or press D to find the DNS Client service in the list.

5. Restart the DNS Client service: Right-click on the DNS Client service and select Restart from the context menu.

6. Wait for the restart to complete: Allow a few moments for both services to fully restart. You can observe the status column in the Services window to ensure the services have successfully restarted.

7. Test the file transfer: After restarting both services, attempt to copy the file from the network drive again to see if the error 0x8007003A has been resolved.

Restarting these services is a non-disruptive process and can often quickly resolve temporary service-related issues that might be causing the error. If the error persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

2. Run the Network Troubleshooter¶

Since Error 0x8007003A often occurs when interacting with network drives, a problem within your network connection is a likely culprit. Windows includes a built-in Network Troubleshooter designed to automatically diagnose and resolve common network issues. Running this troubleshooter can identify and fix underlying network problems that might be preventing successful file transfers.

Here’s how to run the Network Troubleshooter using the Get Help app in Windows:

1. Open the Get Help app: Click on the Start Menu icon, type Get Help, and select the Get Help application from the search results.

2. Describe the issue: In the Get Help app window, you will see a search bar. Type a description of your problem, such as “Run the Windows network and internet troubleshooter”. Press Enter or click the Send button.

3. Select the troubleshooter: The Get Help app will present you with relevant troubleshooting options. Look for and select the option that directly runs the Network and Internet troubleshooter. It might be phrased as “Troubleshoot network problems” or similar.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The Network Troubleshooter will launch and begin diagnosing your network connection. It will automatically detect potential problems and attempt to fix them. Follow any on-screen prompts or instructions provided by the troubleshooter. This might involve selecting specific network adapters or confirming detected issues.

5. Allow the troubleshooter to complete: Let the troubleshooter run its course and attempt to resolve any detected network problems. This process may take a few minutes.

6. Test the connection: Once the troubleshooter has completed, it will present a summary of its findings and any actions taken. Try copying the file from the network drive again to check if the error 0x8007003A is resolved.

The Network Troubleshooter is a valuable tool for automatically identifying and fixing common network connectivity problems. If the troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, continue with the subsequent solutions.

3. Configure Registry Settings and Restart Server Service¶

In some cases, specific registry settings related to memory management and server parameters can influence file transfer operations and contribute to Error 0x8007003A. Modifying these registry values can optimize system performance and potentially resolve the error. However, modifying the registry incorrectly can cause serious system problems, so it is crucial to back up your registry before making any changes.

Backup your Registry:

Before proceeding with any registry modifications, create a backup of your registry to ensure you can restore it to its previous state if needed.

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.

2. Export Registry: In Registry Editor, click on File in the menu bar, and then select Export.

3. Choose a save location and filename: Select a location to save the backup file (e.g., Desktop or Documents). In the File name field, enter a descriptive name for the backup (e.g., “RegistryBackup_BeforeError0x8007003A”).

4. Save as type: Ensure the Export range is set to All. Choose a save location and click Save.

Now that you have a registry backup, proceed with the following steps to modify the registry settings:

1. Open Registry Editor: If Registry Editor is not already open, open it again as described in the backup steps.

2. Navigate to LargeSystemCache key: In the left-hand pane of Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management

3. Modify LargeSystemCache value: In the right-hand pane, look for the entry named LargeSystemCache. If it exists, right-click on it and select Modify. If it doesn’t exist, right-click in an empty space in the right-hand pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it LargeSystemCache.

4. Set LargeSystemCache value to 1: In the Value data field, enter 1 and ensure the Base is set to Hexadecimal. Click OK. Setting this value to 1 enables the system to prioritize the file system cache, which can improve performance.

5. Navigate to LanmanServer Parameters key: In the left-hand pane, navigate to the following path:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters

6. Modify Size value: In the right-hand pane, look for the entry named Size. If it exists, right-click on it and select Modify. If it doesn’t exist, right-click in an empty space in the right-hand pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it Size.

7. Set Size value to 3: In the Value data field, enter 3 and ensure the Base is set to Hexadecimal. Click OK. Setting the Size value to 3 optimizes the server service for network operations.

8. Restart the Server service: After modifying these registry values, you need to restart the Server service for the changes to take effect. Follow the steps outlined in Solution 1: Restart Server and DNS Client Services to restart the Server service.

9. Test file transfer: After restarting the Server service, attempt to copy the file from the network drive again and check if Error 0x8007003A is resolved.

Modifying these registry settings can sometimes resolve resource allocation issues that might be contributing to the error. If the problem persists, proceed to the next solution.

4. Copy Files in Clean Boot State¶

Software conflicts caused by third-party applications or startup programs can sometimes interfere with system processes and lead to errors like 0x8007003A. Performing a clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping to isolate whether a software conflict is the root cause.

Related: loading

Here’s how to perform a clean boot in Windows:

1. Open System Configuration: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type msconfig and press Enter. This will open the System Configuration utility.

2. General tab: In the System Configuration window, go to the General tab.

3. Selective startup: Under the Startup selection section, select Selective startup.

4. Load system services: Ensure the Load system services option is checked.

5. Uncheck Load startup items: Uncheck the Load startup items option.

6. Use original boot configuration: Ensure Use original boot configuration is selected (it usually is by default).

7. Services tab: Switch to the Services tab in the System Configuration window.

8. Hide all Microsoft services: At the bottom of the Services tab, check the box labeled Hide all Microsoft services. This will hide essential Windows services, preventing you from accidentally disabling them.

9. Disable all remaining services: Click the Disable all button. This will disable all remaining third-party services.

10. Startup tab: Switch to the Startup tab.

11. Open Task Manager: Click the Open Task Manager link. This will open the Task Manager in the Startup tab.

12. Disable startup programs: In the Task Manager’s Startup tab, for each program listed with a Status of Enabled, right-click on the program and select Disable. Disable all enabled startup programs.

13. Close Task Manager: Close the Task Manager window.

14. Apply and OK: In the System Configuration window, click Apply and then OK.

15. Restart your computer: You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click Restart.

After your computer restarts in the clean boot state, try copying the file from the network drive again. If the error 0x8007003A is resolved in clean boot, it indicates that a startup program or service was causing the conflict. You can then systematically re-enable startup items and services in small groups, restarting your computer after each group, to identify the specific program or service causing the issue. Once identified, you can uninstall, disable, or reconfigure the conflicting software.

If the error persists even in a clean boot environment, proceed to the final solution.

5. Perform a System Restore¶

If none of the previous solutions have resolved Error 0x8007003A, performing a system restore can revert your system to a previous working state. System Restore points are snapshots of your system files, registry settings, and installed programs taken at a specific point in time. Restoring to a point before the error started occurring can undo system changes that might be causing the issue.

Note: System Restore will revert system files, registry settings, and programs to the selected restore point. It will not affect your personal files, such as documents, photos, or videos. However, any programs installed after the restore point will need to be reinstalled.

Here’s how to perform a system restore:

1. Open System Restore: Press Windows key, type restore point, and select Create a restore point from the search results. This will open the System Properties window with the System Protection tab selected.

2. System Restore button: In the System Protection tab, click the System Restore… button.

3. Recommended restore or choose a different point: The System Restore window will open. It may recommend a restore point. You can choose Recommended restore or select Choose a different restore point to see a list of available restore points. Click Next.

4. Select a restore point: If you chose to select a different restore point, you will see a list of available restore points. Choose a restore point that was created before you started experiencing Error 0x8007003A. It’s often helpful to select a restore point with a descriptive name or date that you know predates the issue. You can also check the Show more restore points box to see a more comprehensive list.

5. Scan for affected programs (Optional but Recommended): Before proceeding with the restore, it’s a good practice to click the Scan for affected programs button. This will show you which programs and drivers might be affected by the system restore (programs that might be uninstalled or need to be reinstalled).

6. Confirm and start restore: Once you have selected a restore point, click Next. Review your restore point selection and click Finish to start the system restore process.

7. Wait for system restore to complete: System Restore will begin the restoration process. Do not interrupt the process as it may take some time and restarting your computer prematurely could cause system instability. Your computer will restart automatically after the restore is complete.

8. Log in and check: After your computer restarts, log in to your account. System Restore will display a message indicating whether the restore was successful. Test copying the file from the network drive again to see if Error 0x8007003A is resolved.

System Restore is a powerful recovery tool that can often resolve issues caused by recent system changes. If System Restore does not resolve the error, it might indicate a more fundamental hardware or network infrastructure problem that requires further investigation or professional support.

Frequently Asked Questions about Error 0x8007003A¶

How to fix error 0x8007003a?¶

Error 0x8007003a is a file transfer error that prevents copying files from a network drive to a local computer. To fix this, start by checking your physical network connections and ensuring you have a stable network connection. Then, work through the solutions outlined above: restarting Server and DNS Client services, running the Network Troubleshooter, configuring registry settings, performing a clean boot, and as a last resort, using System Restore. Before applying these software solutions, always verify basic network connectivity and file permissions on the network drive.

How to fix “The specified server cannot perform the requested operation”?¶

The message “The specified server cannot perform the requested operation” associated with Error 0x8007003A points to a problem preventing the server from fulfilling your file copy request. Begin by confirming you are connected to a reliable network and that you have the necessary permissions to access and copy files from the network share. If basic checks are successful, implement the troubleshooting steps detailed in this guide, starting with the simplest solutions like restarting services and progressing to more advanced steps like registry modification and system restore if necessary. These steps are designed to address a range of potential causes, from temporary glitches to more persistent configuration issues.

By systematically applying these solutions, you should be able to effectively diagnose and resolve Error 0x8007003A and successfully transfer your files from the network drive. If you continue to experience issues, consider seeking assistance from your IT support or network administrator to investigate potential server-side or network infrastructure problems.

Do you have any other tips or solutions that have worked for you in resolving Error 0x8007003A? Share your experiences in the comments below!