I am experiencing an interesting problem. 

I have a client that is using the file on the server to connect. When I go through the setup with WinCC Runtime Start I get the message "Cannot open WinCC project - invalid project path" when I select the project file. I am selecting the file through network and not a mapped drive. e.g \\192.168.0.1\folder\file.mcx

Previously this was not an issue and it was setup and autorun was enabled. The autorun is still functional and woks fine but it makes no sense that I cannot set it up with exactly the same file that is working on autorun. 

I have the same username \ password on both machines. I have checked the filesharing. User is member of Simatic HMI user group on both machines. Simatic Shell on both machines shows the other machine.

I'm sure it is some detail I have missed but the message that is displayed is not very helpful.

I have found a couple of other posts with similar issues but nothing that helps me. I have placed a support request but I cannot use a telephone while in the office so I'm not sure if contact will be possible.

Hi

It is not allowed to use ip address to point to the project.

You have to use computername (\\computer\path\…)

This also means it is necessary for Windows to be able to translate name to ip address, so you may need to manually enter the servers ip address / name in the ‘lmhosts’ file.

Also make sure Simatic Shell is set correctly.

Michael

Thank you for your suggestion, I have not had to use LMHOSTS since Windows 2000 days

I have added the server and IP it to LMHOSTS and tried connecting that way with the same result. I can now ping by server name.

The URL for the AutoStart is using the IP address and that is working fine.

Just in case someone finds this looking for LMHOSTS questions...

In Windows 10 the file lives in Windows\System32\drivers\etc amd is named LMHOSTS.sam

You need to make a copy of the file and rename it to LMHOSTS (without the .sam extension). I think you need admin rights for this. 

I launch Notepad as an administrator (right click and select from menu) 

Delete all the comments

Enter the IP address PC Name e.g

192.168.0.1    My_Server    #PRE

The #PRE forces it to preload on startup so it does not need to refer to the file when running

After modifying, reboot

Open a cmd prompt 

Try to ping the PC name: ping My_Server

Type nbtstat -c and it should show that the PC now has an IP address resolution

Now you can use the server name where you had to use IP address before

Just to follow up on Brians follow up ;-)

Always keep this FAQ on hand every time you set up WinCC Professional:

What settings do you have to make when installing a multiple station system in SIMATIC WinCC Professional?

This explains where to find lmhosts and how to set it up. It also tells what else to be aware of.

There is a similar FAQ for WinCC 7.x in case you work with these versions:

What are the requirements for operating SIMATIC WinCC in a Windows network?