HelpFixDecoApp wrote

 

But it should be as simple as you put your drive into the deco unit and then it should just pop up on your windows pc like any other usb device does

  @HelpFixDecoApp 

It IS and it WAS. Somewhere along the line of Win 11 releases, NET VIEW stopped working. The web is full of complaints of this going back to 2023 even, probably when it started to be a problem.

Please GOOGLE "windows 11 net view" and read some of the links. 

MS even made a REGISTRY a registry entry that would block SMB1 that had to be changed to PRIVATE.

MS posted this too for 24H2:

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The following changes were made for SMB signing and encryption:

• SMB signing requirement changes: In Windows 11, version 24H2 on the Home, Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions, SMB signing is now required by default for all connections. SMB signing ensures every message contains a signature generated using session key and cipher suite. The client puts a hash of the entire message into the signature field of the SMB header. If anyone changes the message itself later on the wire, the hash won't match and SMB knows that someone tampered with the data. It also confirms to sender and receiver that they are who they say they are, breaking relay attacks. For more information about SMB signing being required by default, see LINK REMOVED AS TP-LINK does NOT allow external links.

• SMB client encryption: SMB now supports requiring encryption on all outbound SMB client connections. Encryption of all outbound SMB client connections enforces the highest level of network security and brings management parity to SMB signing, which allows both client and server requirements. With this new option, administrators can mandate that all destination servers use SMB 3 and encryption, and if missing those capabilities, the client won't connect. For more information about this change, see https://aka.ms/SmbClientEncrypt.

• SMB signing and encryption auditing: Administrators can now enable auditing of the SMB server and client for support of SMB signing and encryption. This shows if a third-party client or server doesn't support SMB encryption or signing. The SMB signing and encryption auditing settings can be modified in Group Policy or through PowerShell.

=================

I made that registry change too and it didn't help.

Interestingly, a freind that uses a TRUE NAS (forgot brand) and uses TP-Link Armada products has NO PROBLEM as Windows Explorer can see his NAS. That is one reason I started looking deeper.

As Ryan posted, SMB1 and 2 is supported on the BE68, so that is not an issue. 

  @Ryan 

If one were to GOOGLE "why can't I see router's USB drive in Windows Explorer on windows 11?" you'll see this is a common problem and some proposed solutions. Also the Google AI has an answer gathered from those links:

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network sharing settings, an outdated SMB protocol (like SMB 1.0), firewall issues, or incorrect router configurations, often resolved by enabling SMB 1.0 in Windows Features, adjusting router settings for network discovery, updating router firmware, or accessing it directly via its IP address

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Again calling SMB1 outdated.

Also more AI suggestions:

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Common Causes & Solutions

1. SMB Protocol Issues (Most Common):
   • Problem: Windows 11 often disables the older, less secure SMB 1.0 by default, which many routers still use for file sharing.
   • Solution: Enable SMB 1.0 in Windows Features: Search for "Turn Windows features on or off," check "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support," and restart your PC.
2. Router Configuration:
   • Problem: USB sharing might be off, or permissions set incorrectly.
   • Solution: Log into your router's admin page, check its USB/Storage settings, ensure file sharing is enabled, and verify network discovery/permissions.
3. Firewall/Antivirus:
   • Problem: Windows Firewall or third-party security software might block network access.
   • Solution: Temporarily disable your firewall or add an exception rule for file sharing, or try accessing the drive directly using its IP address (\\<Router_IP_Address>\sharename).
4. Network Discovery:
   • Problem: Your PC might not be set to find network devices.
   • Solution: In Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings, turn on "Network discovery" and "File and printer sharing".
5. Outdated Firmware:
   • Problem: Your router's firmware might be old.
   • Solution: Check your router manufacturer's website (e.g., TP-Link, Netgear) for the latest firmware updates for your model

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Of course I've done 1-4, but note #5...

I'd think this would be an EASY recreate? Just get a Router/Deco with the USB capability, set it up, and using a Windows 11 PC and Windows Explorer set to NETWORK in the URL see if you see it.

Otherwise, maybe Aaron can connect again and use Putty and Wireshark to see the data exchanged?