Accessing USB drive from router

Question

Hi folks, so I have a USB drive attached to our BT router. I normally enter 168.192.1.254/USB1 to access, which I have no problem doing on most of my machines.

However, after enabling SMB1 file sharing on a new laptop, I can't seem to access the drive. When entering \168.192.1.254/USB1 into the explorer I get a dialog box asking me to enter the credentials, user and password. Not sure what credentials it wants?

Any help would be appreciated!

***Move from Windows / Windows 10 / Files, folders, and storage***

Answer 1

Hello ,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Based on your description, this problem may be caused by the authentication settings of SMB sharing. Here are some possible solutions and steps:

1. First, you need to confirm the USB sharing settings of the BT router. Usually, the router will require you to set a username and password to access the shared files. Please check the router's management interface, find the settings for USB sharing or file sharing, and confirm whether there is a username and password set.
2. If you have not changed the default credentials of the router, you can try using the following common default usernames and passwords:

Username: admin

Password: admin or password

3. Old credentials may be stored in the Windows Credential Manager, resulting in inaccessibility. You can try to delete the credentials related to the router.
4. You can try to access the USB drive directly using the IP address instead of using the share name. Enter the following format:

\168.192.1.254\USB1

5. Make sure network discovery is enabled:

Open "Control Panel" > "Network and Sharing Center" > "Change advanced sharing settings".

In the "Private" section, make sure "Enable network discovery" and "Enable file and printer sharing" are checked.

6. If you have set up a specific user account on your router to access the USB drive, make sure you enter the correct username and password in the credentials dialog that pops up. If you're unsure, you can try using any user account set up in the router's admin interface.
7. Try restarting your router and laptop, then try accessing the USB drive again.

If you've tried all of the above steps and still can't resolve the issue, consider checking your router's user manual or contacting BT's technical support for further assistance. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you access your USB drive!

Jill Zhou