You're absolutely certain no connections exist to the target share - net use shows an empty list - yet Windows stubbornly claims there are multiple active connections when you attempt to map the drive. This particularly frustrating scenario typically occurs when:

• Previous connections weren't properly terminated
• Credential manager has cached old authentication tokens
• The server maintains stale sessions despite client-side disconnection

Let's start with the nuclear option that solves 90% of these cases:

:: Clear all persistent connections
net use * /delete /y

:: Purge credential cache
cmdkey /delete:servername
cmdkey /delete:targetserver.domain.com

:: Reset TCP/IP stack (admin rights needed)
netsh int ip reset reset.log
netsh winsock reset

When basic cleanup doesn't work, we need forensic tools to detect hidden sessions:

:: Check active SMB sessions (from the server side)
net session

:: View detailed connection info
net use /persistent:yes
net config server

For stubborn cases, we need to modify session limits in registry:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters]
"EnableSecuritySignature"=dword:00000000
"RequireSecuritySignature"=dword:00000000
"DisablePasswordCaching"=dword:00000000

For administrators managing multiple machines, this PS script helps:

function Reset-NetworkDriveMappings {
    param(
        [string]$ServerName
    )
    
    # Clear existing connections
    Get-SmbMapping | Remove-SmbMapping -Force
    
    # Purge credential cache
    cmdkey /list | Where-Object { $_ -match $ServerName } | ForEach-Object {
        $target = $_.Split(' ')[3]
        cmdkey /delete:$target
    }
    
    # Reset network adapters
    Restart-NetAdapter -Name "*" -Confirm:$false
}

To avoid future occurrences:

• Always use net use /delete when unmapping drives
• Implement Group Policy to set AutoDisconnect timeout
• Consider using New-PSDrive instead of persistent mappings

We've all encountered this frustrating scenario: attempting to map a network drive only to be blocked by System Error 1219, claiming multiple active connections - even when net use shows no sessions. This isn't just a credential caching issue, but often stems from deeper Windows session management behaviors.

Windows maintains internal connection tracking that doesn't always align with what net use displays. These hidden sessions can persist due to:

• Stale Kerberos tickets
• Credential Manager artifacts
• Abruptly terminated sessions
• Group Policy mapping conflicts

# First, verify truly empty sessions (including hidden ones)
net use * /delete /y
net session \\servername /delete

# Clear credential cache
cmdkey /list | findstr "targetserver"
cmdkey /delete:targetserver

# Registry approach for stubborn cases
reg delete "HKCU\Network" /f
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MountPoints2" /f

For recurring issues, create a reset script:

function Reset-NetworkMappings {
    # Clear visible mappings
    net use * /delete /y | Out-Null
    
    # Purge credential cache
    cmdkey /list | ForEach-Object {
        if ($_ -match "Target:(.*)") {
            cmdkey /delete:$($matches[1].Trim())
        }
    }
    
    # Reset Windows Explorer
    Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force
    Start-Process explorer
}

In domain environments, additional factors come into play:

• Check Group Policy Preferences for drive mappings
• Verify DFS namespace configurations
• Inspect SMB client settings via Get-SmbClientConfiguration
• Consider SPN registration issues when using FQDNs

When traditional mapping fails, try these approaches:

# Using PowerShell's New-PSDrive
New-PSDrive -Name "Z" -PSProvider FileSystem -Root "\\server\share" 
    -Persist -Credential (Get-Credential)

# Via WMI (useful for remote systems)
$cred = Get-Credential
$net = [WMIClass]"Win32_NetworkConnection"
$net.Create("Z:","\\server\share",$cred.GetNetworkCredential().Password,
    $cred.GetNetworkCredential().UserName,$True)

For chronic cases, implement these registry tweaks (backup first):

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa]
"DisableLoopbackCheck"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters]
"DomainCompatibilityMode"=dword:00000001
"DNSNameResolutionRequired"=dword:00000000

Remember to restart the workstation service (Restart-Service LanmanWorkstation) after making changes.