Windows 7 Win7 64bit - Shared drive - not all folders/files show up on tablet

[bill2reg]

I want to be able to access the files on my external drive from my Android tablet. I have shared the external drive, and it does show up on my tablet, but when I open it on the tablet only one folder appears (and there are many folders and files on it), and when I open that one folder, only one sub-folder appears (and again there are many folders and files within that one). It's not the tablet, because it does access and display/play the things that do show up. I have shared the entire root drive and also shared the one sub-folder that shows up. I have tried with and without inheriting permissions from parent, I have checked permissions for 'everyone', I have restarted the computer, I have turned off the firewall, but nothing works. I can't understand why only one folder shows up on the tablet. The wireless router shows that the tablet is connected to the network. The PC is wired to the router and the tablet sees the PC as a server. The connection must be OK because the PC and the external drive and ONE folder (and a sub-folder) DO show up on the tablet. It has to be something with the sharing or permissions but I can't find the problem.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are experiencing issues with accessing the files on your external drive from your Android tablet, despite successfully sharing the drive and folders. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check Network Connectivity:
   • Ensure that both your Android tablet and the PC are connected to the same network. This is crucial for file sharing to work properly.
   []Verify File Sharing Settings:
   • Double-check the sharing settings on your PC for the external drive and folders. Make sure that they are shared with the correct permissions.
   []Verify Permissions:
   • Check the sharing permissions on the shared folders. Ensure that the "Everyone" group has appropriate permissions to access the shared folders.
   []Restart File Sharing Services:
   • Restart the file sharing services on your PC. This can sometimes resolve sharing issues.
   []Reset Network Settings:
   • Reset the network settings on your Android tablet to ensure there are no conflicts in the network configuration.
   []Use a File Explorer App:
   • Try using a third-party file explorer app on your Android tablet to access the shared folders. Some file explorer apps may provide better compatibility for network shares.
   []Test with a Different Device:
   • Try accessing the shared folders from another device (e.g., another PC or laptop) to see if the issue is specific to your Android tablet.
   []Update Drivers and Firmware:
   • Ensure that the network drivers on your PC and the firmware on your router are up to date. Outdated drivers or firmware can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
   []Disable Antivirus/Firewall:
   • Temporarily disable any antivirus software or firewall on your PC to check if they are blocking the file sharing.
2. Check Router Settings:
   • Verify that your router settings do not have any restrictions that could be preventing proper file sharing.

     Further Assistance:​

     If you have gone through these steps and are still facing issues, it might be beneficial to seek further assistance from a tech support professional to diagnose the problem more thoroughly. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue with accessing files on your external drive from your Android tablet.