An aspect includes detecting a recurring intermittent error in a path of a network in a system that includes at least one data transmission port configured for connection to at least one shared data storage device via a plurality of paths of the network. It is determined whether a cause of the recurring intermittent error is a previous path recovery action. In response to determining that the cause of the recurring intermittent error is not a previous path recovery action, the data transmission port is prevented from accessing the path for a specified time period by moving the path into a degraded sub-state, and subsequent to the specified time period the data transmission port is provided access to the path. In response to determining that the cause of the recurring intermittent error is a previous path recovery action, the data transmission port is provided access to the path.