How can I access a subversion repository using a local path in Windows?

Common mistake. You have to use the file:// pseudo-protocol like this:

file:///C:/repositories/repository

SVN repository paths have to be URIs.

windows svn command-line

Try:

svn checkout "file:///C|/repositories/repository"

and see if you can see the files inside the repo.

windows svn command-line

You should be able to use file:///c:\repositories\repository to access a repository via path.

CodeHunter