Question:

How can I access a shared RAID array from another PC using network drive mapping in Windows 10?

I have a RAID array on one PC and I want to access it from another PC on the same network. I have enabled network sharing for the drives, but when I try to map the network drive on the other PC, it asks for a login. I have tried using the IPV4 address and the username of the PC with the RAID array, but it says the information is invalid. I have also tried using the email and the username of the account on that PC, but it does not work either. What am I doing wrong? How can I fix this issue?

Answer:

If you have a RAID array on one PC and you want to access it from another PC on the same network, you can use network drive mapping to create a shortcut to the shared drives on your other PC. However, sometimes you may encounter a login issue when you try to map the network drive. This article will explain why this happens and how to solve it.

Why does the login issue occur?

When you try to map a network drive, Windows 10 will ask you to enter the credentials of the PC that hosts the shared drives. This is to ensure that only authorized users can access the shared resources. However, sometimes Windows 10 may not recognize the credentials you enter, even if they are correct. This can happen for several reasons, such as:

• The PC with the RAID array has a different workgroup or domain name than the other PC.
• The PC with the RAID array has a different network profile (public or private) than the other PC.
• The PC with the RAID array has a firewall or antivirus software that blocks the network connection.
• The PC with the RAID array has a different username or password than the account you use on the other PC.

How to fix the login issue?

To fix the login issue, you need to make sure that both PCs are on the same network, have the same workgroup or domain name, have the same network profile, and have the same username and password. Here are the steps to do that:

• On the PC with the RAID array, open File Explorer and right-click on the Network icon. Select Properties and then click on Change settings. This will open the System Properties window.
• In the System Properties window, click on the Computer Name tab and check the Workgroup or Domain name. If it is different from the other PC, click on Change and enter the same name as the other PC. You may need to restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
• In the System Properties window, click on the Network ID button and follow the wizard to set up your network. Choose the option that says This computer is part of a business network and then select the option that matches your network type (workgroup or domain). You may need to enter the credentials of the network administrator if you are joining a domain.
• On the PC with the RAID array, open Settings and click on Network & Internet. Select the network you are connected to and click on Properties. Under Network profile, choose Private. This will allow your PC to be discoverable by other devices on the network.
• On the PC with the RAID array, open Settings and click on Update & Security. Select Windows Security and then click on Firewall & network protection. Click on the network you are connected to and make sure that File and printer sharing is allowed. If not, click on Allow an app through firewall and check the box for File and Printer Sharing.
• On the PC with the RAID array, open Control Panel and click on User Accounts. Select Manage another account and then click on Add a new user in PC settings. This will open the Settings app. Click on Family & other users and then click on Add someone else to this PC. Follow the instructions to create a new user account with the same username and password as the account you use on the other PC. Make sure to give the new user account administrator privileges.
• On the other PC, open File Explorer and click on This PC. Select the Map network drive option from the Computer tab. Choose a drive letter and enter the network path of the shared drives on the PC with the RAID array. The network path should be in the format of `\\IPV4 address\share name`. For example, if the IPV4 address of the PC with the RAID array is 192.168.1.100 and the share name is RAID, the network path should be `\\192.168.1.100\RAID`.
• Check the box that says Connect using different credentials and click on Finish. Enter the username and password of the new user account you created on the PC with the RAID array. Make sure to include the workgroup or domain name before the username, separated by a backslash. For example, if the workgroup name is WORKGROUP and the username is user1, the credentials should be `WORKGROUP\user1` and the password. Click on OK and you should be able to access the shared RAID array from the other PC.

Conclusion

Network

drive mapping is a convenient way to access a shared RAID array from another PC on the same network. However, sometimes you may encounter a login issue that prevents you from mapping the network drive. To fix this issue, you need to make sure that both PCs are on the same network, have the same workgroup or domain name, have the same network profile, and have the same username and password. By following the steps in this article, you should be able to solve the login issue and access the shared RAID array from another PC using network drive mapping in Windows 10.