Network Connection Issues

Question

When I try to connect to my Dell Optiplex 3080 from my Mac using smb I can connect as a guest but when I try to connect as a registered user I am asked to enter my name and password for server "delloptiplex308".

I take it that this is the username listed under adminstator on my Dell (running Windows 10 pro) and my login password. However, when I login to my Dell I use a PIN instead of a password (I've forgotten what my password is) so when I try entering my PIN as my password it fails.

Can anyone shed any light on this issue? Would I have to reset my password?

Answer 1

Hello John, thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community. I'm here to help with your questions or issues. Just note – this is a place where passionate Microsoft users help each other, we don't work directly for Microsoft.

Just to make sure I got it right, the main issue is that your Mac is trying to authenticate with your Dell Optiplex using a traditional username and password, but your Dell is currently configured to use a PIN for login.

The simplest solution, as you suggested, is to reset your Windows password. This would enable you to use the new password for the SMB connection from your Mac.

If you prefer to keep using your PIN for logging into your Dell, you can enable password login as an alternative. On your Dell Optiplex, go to "Settings," select "Accounts," then navigate to "Sign-in options." Under "Password," click "Add" and set up a new password. This password can then be used for the SMB connection from your Mac.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Answer 2

Thanks for your prompt and informative reply. I have been messing around on and off with this issue for about a month and I have, thanks to your recommendation, fixed it. My head appreciates it!

I have changed my Windows sign in procedure from PIN to a password. After a good few attempts having to changeand confirm my Microsoft account password I found one that was acceptable and eventually allowed me to sign in without the PIN that I had been conned into and that had been causing the sign in problems on my Mac to enable network connection.

During the start up of my new to me pc's (the Dell Optiplex and a Dell Inspiron) I found the creation of accounts unessecarily complex compared to 2013 when I upgraded my Dell desktop from XP to Windows 10.

What still puzzles me is why I have to have a Microsoft account to create a login identity for Windows 10 (and probably for the Inspiron that is running Windows 11) instead of just creating a login name and password that are not linked to a Microsoft account.

Anyway I can get along with the login procedure now and transferr files from my Mac machines to the Optiplex just as can with the Dell desktop.

Thanks once again