What you’re seeing
- Windows says 'You can't connect to the file share because it's not secure. This share requires the obsolete SMB1 protocol'.
- Mapped drives to an older NAS, server or copier show a red X after a Windows update or on a new PC.
- Scan-to-folder on a multifunction copier fails with a login or connection error.
- The NAS still appears on the network and responds, but folders will not open from Windows 10 or 11.
- Error 0x80004005 or 'The specified network name is no longer available' appears when browsing to the device.
Common causes
Every environment is different, but these are the causes our engineers find most often:
- Recent versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 remove or disable the SMB1 client because of serious security flaws.
- The NAS or copier runs firmware so old that it only supports SMB1.
- The device supports newer SMB versions but has its maximum protocol setting capped at SMB1.
- The manufacturer stopped releasing firmware updates for the device.
- Network browsing that relied on the old Computer Browser service no longer lists the device automatically.
Why it matters
Many small offices still keep shared files, scans or archives on an older NAS or copier. When Windows refuses to talk to it, staff lose access to documents they use every day, and scanning workflows stop. Turning SMB1 back on is tempting, but SMB1 is the protocol abused by WannaCry and other ransomware, so doing that across the office reopens a major risk. The real decision is whether the device can be upgraded or should be replaced, and what to do with the data in the meantime.
How AskTechGurus fixes it
Skip the trial and error. A certified engineer works on your actual system, finds the root cause, and fixes it properly.
Tell us what’s happening
Submit a ticket in about two minutes. Paste the error, describe what changed, and pick your tier. No charge to submit.
A certified engineer diagnoses it
A vetted, US-based systems engineer claims your ticket, usually within minutes during business hours, and investigates over a secure remote session you can watch and end at any time.
Fixed and verified with you
The engineer resolves the root cause and confirms with you that it’s working. You don’t just get a workaround, and you get a plain-English summary of what was wrong.
Pay only when it’s resolved
Fixed price from $99, invoiced only after you approve the fix. If it isn’t resolved, you don’t pay.
Frequently asked questions
Can we just turn SMB1 back on?
It may restore access, but SMB1 has well-known vulnerabilities used by ransomware. It should be a short, deliberate stopgap at most, not a permanent fix.
Do we have to replace the NAS?
Not always. Some devices support newer SMB versions after a firmware update or a settings change; truly old units are better replaced and their data moved.
Can AskTechGurus help us move off SMB1?
Yes. A certified US engineer can assess the device and plan a safe path through a remote secure session, starting at $99, and you pay only when access is restored.