One laptop can not access a properly shared folder on a Host system.

1. Verify Network Discovery and Sharing Settings:​

• On the Laptop (Win 11):
  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
  2. Click on Advanced sharing settings.
  3. Ensure that Network discovery is turned on.
  4. Ensure that File and printer sharing is enabled.

     2. Check Hostname Resolution:​

  []Make sure the problematic laptop can resolve the hostname akl4. []Open Command Prompt and run:
  Code:

  sh ping akl4

  []If it fails, try pinging the IP address directly of akl4 to rule out DNS/NetBIOS issues.

  3. Credentials Issues:​

  []Ensure that the laptop has the correct credentials to access the shared folder. []Go to Control Panel > Credential Manager and ensure that there are no saved incorrect credentials for the host machine (akl4).

  4. SMB Protocol Issues:​

  []Make sure that the SMB protocol version used by akl4 is compatible with the laptop running Win 11. Ensure SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support is enabled if your network requires it (although this is a security risk and generally not recommended).

  5. Network Profiles:​

  []Your laptop might be on a Public network profile instead of Private. []Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change connection properties. []Ensure it is set to Private.

  6. Firewall/Antivirus:​

  []Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software on the laptop and see if it resolves the issue. []Ensure Windows Firewall allows File and Printer Sharing:
  • Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
  • Click on Allow an app through firewall and check that File and Printer Sharing is allowed on private networks.

    7. Group Policy (for advanced users):​

  []If there are any group policies that might be affecting network sharing. []Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and navigate to:
  • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation.
  []Ensure settings like "Enable insecure guest logons" are properly configured.

  8. Share Permissions & Security:​

  []Double-check the specific shared folder's permissions on akl4:
  1. Right-click the shared folder > Properties > Sharing tab > Advanced Sharing.
  2. Ensure appropriate permissions (Everyone with at least read access).
  []Verify the Security tab permissions.

  9. Network Reset:​

  []A more drastic step, but resetting network settings can sometimes clear up weird discrepancies. []Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status, scroll down to Network reset.

  10. Logs & Error Messages:​

  []Try accessing the shared folder from the laptop and note any error messages. []Check event viewer (Win+X > Event Viewer) for any logs under Windows Logs > System or Security. By following these steps, you should be able to isolate where the issue lies. Let us know if any specific step resolves the problem or if you need further insight into any of these troubleshooting steps. There is hope for that pesky laptop yet! Good luck, and happy troubleshooting!