fopen won't open files across network

Question

I can use fopen to open local files but can't open files across network on a different machine. I can map the drives and look at the files but can't open them using fopen.

Answer 1

Assuming you're running Apache on Windows (since you talk about "mapping" the drive):

If you used the defaults during installation then apache is running with the Local System account, which doesn't have any network privileges. So you have to make sure it runs as a (domain) user that can access the network drive(s). You can change this via Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services (right click on Apache, select Properties and select a user on the Log On tab).

Answer 2

In order to open remote files you need to have the php.ini setting "allow_url_fopen" enabled. Is that the case in your settings?