Hi, my new Windows 11 laptop cannot access files within my My Cloud EX2 Ultra. The icon is visible within the network section of File Explorer but when I double-click on it I receive the message ‘Windows cannot access \MYCLOUDEX2ULTRA’. However, I don’t have any problem with accessing the files when using my old Windows 10 laptop or my Windows 11 desktop. My new laptop has network discovery for private networks set to ‘on’ and file and printer sharing is also set to ‘on’. I have been in touch with DELL, who supplied the laptop, and they have been unable to help. Any suggestions will be gratefully accepted.
Thanks.
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Try this \\WDMYCLOUD or the name of your device. For shares try \\WDMYCLOUD\share name.
Example image.
Thanks for your suggestion. I’ve tried various labels but after pressing return I keep getting the same message, that is, Windows cannot access it. The message suggests either a misspelling of the name or a network problem. The name is spelt exactly the same as it is on my other devices and the network is healthy, so it’s a mystery. Thanks anyway.
I’ll “play” too. Is your Win11 desktop 23H2 and your new laptop 24H2? If so, it could be the new SMB Signing requirement in 24H2.
Just checked, and SMB wasn’t selected. So I checked the 4 boxes (SMB Direct wasn’t there), rebooted my laptop and then double-clicked the icon in File Explorer, and received the same message. Once again, thanks for your suggestion.
I’ve just checked, and they’re both 24H2 versions of Windows 11 Home. Thanks for your suggestion though.
I would try the steps in the linked article anyway. You can always reverse them if it doesn’t work.
Can you connect using the IP address instead of the name? Can you access the dashboard?
I have found that I am having the same problem with my laptop, a Dell XPS 15 7590. If I find a solution, I’ll place it here.
Still working on it, but I just found this.
I had a read of the windowsreport article. It references an error code 0x80070035, which is what I get when I try to access the files on my NAS, so it seems to be a drive mapping error and it recommends me to check if my NAS support SMB. I’ve had a look in the settings section of the dashboard, and within the network section I found the SMB Protocol was set to SMB 2, SMB 3. So I amended it to SMB 1, SMB 2, SMB 3. Also, for good measure I set IPv6 Network Mode to DHCP (IPv4 was already set to DHCP). I’ve checked for firmware updates and my NAS is up to date. The article also suggests replacing the NAS, as I haven’t had it that long, that’s not an option. It also talks about disabling SMB client signing but recommends against it as it creates a risk. So I haven’t tried that. Anyway, the changes I made in my NAS settings haven’t worked. I now feel that Western Digital need to do a firmware update that would resolve the problem.
At this point, I would think the SMB signing issue is probably the entire issue.
I would not hold my breath regarding getting WD to do NAS SMB signing. My understanding is that the security risk regarding signing is minimal (probably less than using a WD NAS to begin with. . .WD does not have a great Rep in the CyberSecurity Arena).
In general, if the NAS units support SMB 2 and 3. . .then you should use those and keep SMB1 disabled. (SMB1 would only be needed for older hardware that wants files off your NAS)
I would keep IPv6 network disabled. . . don’t introduce a new variable in your network equation. I have IPV6 disabled on my PCs, on my routers, and my NAS.
Security Certificate: Give me a break. 
This is why I keep my Network storage off the internet. Why the heck is my file server checking with someone outside my network for permission to talk to me?
(my photo software for which I have a perpetual license is annoying me right now to “phone home” for permission to use my perpetual license - - - I firmly believed internet passed peak in 2011)
