Question Laptop cannot see NAS ?

[NigelJ]

I have two desktops, one runs Windows 10, and the other Vista (cannot access the internet and is used to rip/store my music). I also have a HP Pavilion 14 laptop (4 years old), running Windows 11. The two desktops can see and access my NAS, but my laptop cannot see it. My laptop has ethernet as well as wi-fi, but can't see the NAS whichever way it is connected. I feel the problem must be to do with the laptop, or could it be a firewall issue?

 

[Ralston18]

Check the SMB configuration.

FYI:

https://www.supportyourtech.com/articles/how-to-enable-smb-on-windows-10-a-step-by-step-guide/

There is a listing of "Related Posts" at the end of the article and address network issues.

You can easily find similar links.

The starting point is to compare the laptop's (not seeing the NAS) configuration settings to the settings of the desktop computers (seeing the NAS).

Also ensure that the laptop has only wired or wireless network connectivity enabled. Not both at the same time.

 

[KingLoki]

Just to add, if the SMB config is correct as Ralston18 suggested, can your laptop ping the NAS, preferably using ethernet?

 

[NigelJ]

Yesterday I borrowed a friend's laptop (almost the same as mine, also using Windows 11) and I have exactly the same problem with that laptop. I'm wondering if it's something to do with Windows 11, maybe one of the updates, as it used to work fine accessing my NAS.

 

[NigelJ]

Check the SMB configuration.

FYI:

https://www.supportyourtech.com/articles/how-to-enable-smb-on-windows-10-a-step-by-step-guide/

There is a listing of "Related Posts" at the end of the article and address network issues.

You can easily find similar links.

The starting point is to compare the laptop's (not seeing the NAS) configuration settings to the settings of the desktop computers (seeing the NAS).

Also ensure that the laptop has only wired or wireless network connectivity enabled. Not both at the same time.

I've checked, the SMB is the same on my laptop as it is on my desktop.

 

[cruisetung]

What NAS? Make/model or DIY? NAS's OS version?

As suggested you might have to enable SMB 1.0

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTSkKst0rH0

 

[NigelJ]

What NAS? Make/model or DIY? NAS's OS version?

As suggested you might have to enable SMB 1.0

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTSkKst0rH0

The NAS is a Netgear Stora. It's several years old, but works ok with other computers. I don't know what O/S it is using. SMB is enabled.

 

[cruisetung]

I asked MS Copilot : What is Netgear Stora's SMB version?

And got this answer.

The Netgear Stora typically uses SMBv1 (Server Message Block version 1). However, it's worth noting that this version is quite outdated and may not be supported by newer operating systems that have disabled SMBv1 for security reasons

You have to enable SMB 1.0 on WIndows 11 on your laptop

Don't forget to reboot your laptop.

 

[NigelJ]

I asked MS Copilot : What is Netgear Stora's SMB version?

And got this answer.


You have to enable SMB 1.0 on WIndows 11 on your laptop

Don't forget to reboot your laptop.

SMB 1.0 is enabled. Would Windows 11 be able to see my Netgear Stora if I disabled SMB, and would this be safe?

 

[cruisetung]

If you are so wooried about security, then upgrade your NAS.

 

[KingLoki]

Have you turned off the firewall to see if it is seen?

 

[NigelJ]

If you are so wooried about security, then upgrade your NAS.

I've thought about this, but would a new NAS work with my old Vista PC, from 2009, which I use to rip/store my music, then upload to the NAS.

 

[NigelJ]

Have you turned off the firewall to see if it is seen?

Is that the Windows firewall?

 

[KingLoki]

Yes, are there others you have?

 

[NigelJ]

Yes, are there others you have?

The hardware firewall, in my router. I also have Norton 360.

 

[KingLoki]

Try the windows one. Then click on the network icon in file manager again.
Also can your laptop ping the nas?

 

[cruisetung]

I've thought about this, but would a new NAS work with my old Vista PC, from 2009, which I use to rip/store my music, then upload to the NAS.

Vista supports SMB 1.0 and 2.0

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/askperf/two-minute-drill-overview-of-smb-2-0/373098

 

[Ralston18]

Vista - no. Do not use. Obsolete, not supported, insecure.

Windows 10 or 11.

Also disable Norton.

All that is needed with Windows is Windows Defender/Security. Perhaps with free Malwarebytes for occasional double checks.

Run "ipconfig /all" on the laptop and on the desktops.

Compare the results.