Will a NAS work for me?


  1. Posts : 17
    Win 10
       #1

    Will a NAS work for me?


    I’m thinking of buying my first NAS but concerned that I may find it doesn’t solve the problem I have with one of my laptops not being able to access shared folders. I currently have 3 devices and just need to have a central place to store and access all my files. The network uses a TPlink Archer C2300 router and I have a desktop PC running Win 7 connected to this by Ethernet. I also have a Lenovo W530 laptop and a Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IML which both connect to my network by wi-fi. The Archer router has a USB connection and I thought this would solve my storage problem and it has for the desktop PC and the W530 as I can access the router USB drive using file explorer/windows explorer from these. Nothing I’ve tried on the Thinkbook 15-IML allows access to this drive however. In addition, although I can access shared folders on the Thinkbook 15-IML from both the desktop PC and the W530 I can’t access either device from the Thinkbook 15-IML because although all devices show in file explorer Windows reports that it can’t access them. Both laptops are running Windows 10 Professional version 20H2 and I’ve been through every setting I can think of to make sure they’re configured identically so I’m completely baffled as to why the Thinkbook 15-IML refuses to behave. My question is this. Since there is obviously a fundamental problem with my Thinkbook 15-IML accessing other computers and shared folders on the network will a dedicated NAS work with that machine? I should add that I would want access using file explorer rather than via the internet.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,187
    Windows 11 Pro, 24H2
       #2

    NAS = Network Attached Storage. If your system cannot access other resources on the network, then there is a very good chance that accessing a NAS device won't fare any better. If you would like, open up a thread here regarding that issue providing as much detail about the problem as possible and we'll see if we can help you figure out what the problem is.

    As an alternative, you might consider a DAS (Direct Attached Storage) device, connecting via something like USB.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 17
    Win 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    hsehestedt said:
    NAS = Network Attached Storage. If your system cannot access other resources on the network, then there is a very good chance that accessing a NAS device won't fare any better. If you would like, open up a thread here regarding that issue providing as much detail about the problem as possible and we'll see if we can help you figure out what the problem is.

    As an alternative, you might consider a DAS (Direct Attached Storage) device, connecting via something like USB.
    Many thanks for replying and confirming what I feared. I believe I've already been through every suggested setting to resolve my issue but could you suggest what details I'd need to share to to get more help please? Another possibility - is there a way I can exactly duplicate all the network settings from the laptop that has no problem accessing the network to the recalcitrant one? Thanks, Dave.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 14,663
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #4

    I have 2 x 2TB NAS drives attached to my Router via Ethernet cables, any computer Wired or Wireless that can access the Internet can have the drives' Public folder Mapped and fully work with files stored in the folders in that one.
      My Computers


 

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