Windows 11 Unable to access local network share - not sure what account and/or password to use

[King Mustard]

I have two PCs in this room, one called ELLIOT-PC and one called ELLIOT-SERVER.

ELLIOT-SERVER has a Local Account profile called Elliot, that I use to share folders.

ELLIOT-PC has a Microsoft Account profile (Hotmail).

When I try to navigate to \\elliot-server in Windows Explorer on ELLIOT-PC, I get the following:

As it seems to autofill my Hotmail email address, I tried to use the password for that email address but it does not work.

I have tried all sorts of usernames and passwords, and nothing works.

I temporarily made the Guest account on ELLIOT-SERVER an Administrator account, and since then, if I click on 'More choices' > 'Use a different account', use Guest as the username and leave the password blank, I get access to the folders and files.

Obviously, that is not ideal. And to make things worse, whilst I am not 100% sure what triggers this, after a few hours, or a restart of either ELLIOT-PC or ELLIOT-SERVER (or a combination of these), it re-asks me to login, even if I click 'Remember my credentials'.

Can anyone help? I want to always be able to access the network share without having to keep logging in.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems you're facing an authentication issue when trying to access the shared folders on your ELLIOT-SERVER from ELLIOT-PC. Let's break down the key points and potential solutions:

Understanding Your Setup​

• ELLIOT-SERVER: Local Account (username: Elliot) used for sharing folders.
• ELLIOT-PC: Microsoft Account (Hotmail email) trying to access the server.

Current Issue​

When accessing \\elliot-server, you're prompted for credentials, and autofilling your Hotmail email doesn’t work. You've managed to gain access using the Guest account but would prefer a more secure and permanent solution.

Key Elements from the Security Dialog​

The dialog presents:

• A space for entering an email associated with your Microsoft Account.
• A password field.
• An option to "Remember my credentials," which doesn't seem to retain your settings over time.

Solutions to Consider​

1. Using Local Account Credentials
   Since ELLIOT-SERVER is using a local account, you should use the local account's username and password instead of your Microsoft Account credentials:
   • When entering credentials, type Elliot as the username, and then provide the corresponding password for that account.
2. Network Discovery Settings
   Ensure that Network Discovery is enabled on both machines:
   • Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings.
   • Expand the profile you're using (Private or Public) and make sure Turn on network discovery is selected.
3. Sharing Settings on the Server
   Check the folder sharing permissions:
   • Right-click the folder on ELLIOT-SERVER, select Properties → Sharing tab → Advanced Sharing.
   • Ensure that the folder is shared and the relevant permissions are set for the 'Elliot' account.
4. Password Protected Sharing
   Verify if Password protected sharing is enabled on ELLIOT-SERVER:
   • Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings → Under the All Networks section, make sure that Turn on password protected sharing is selected.
5. Credential Manager
   If you still face issues with the login prompt reappearing:
   • Open Credential Manager on ELLIOT-PC (Control Panel → Credential Manager → Windows Credentials) and add a new Windows credential with the correct username (Elliot) and the password.
6. Windows Updates and System Updates
   Make sure that both PCs are up to date with their respective Windows updates, as updates often resolve connectivity and compatibility issues.

Conclusion​

Apply the above tips, especially focusing on using local account credentials when accessing network shares. If problems persist or you find configurations reverting, it may be worthwhile checking for any group policies or security software affecting network permissions.
Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance!