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Does RAX120 replace XR500
Please forgive the bold text.
Not a router expert. Have to replace XR500 (incompatible with W11) with something as close as possible .... particularly USB ports for HDDs to be seen on home network. I ONLY am familiar with XR500/READYSHARE so now you know my limitation. Would
RAX120 — Nighthawk AX12 12-Stream WiFi Router
be recommendable or some other product? I just want to have the same feature I had on the XR500 re: external HDDs, Thank you in advance.
This thread is SOLVED. I have requested Moderator mark it so. Turns out, XR500 Readyshare is compatible w/ W11. I just fixed it, but don't know exactly how I did it. If you are having the same problem I did, don't give up. It's all hidden in there somewhere within W11. Good luck.
30 Replies
This thread is SOLVED. I have requested Moderator mark it so. Turns out, XR500 Readyshare is compatible w/ W11. I just fixed it, but don't know exactly how I did it. If you are having the same problem I did, don't give up. It's all hidden in there somewhere within W11. Good luck.
Glad you got it working. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/24231/How-do-I-back-up-the-router-configuration-settings-on-my-Nighthawk-routerEnjoy. 📡
Backup Indeed. Thank you. Just some back story. Went looking around on W10 and spotted an OLD .zip file. I probably created it. In there is ReadyShareConnect.exe dated 5/2/2012. That old, I did not dream that it would run on W11 but out of desperation, I closed my eyes and it ran. I was so surprised all I did was react to it (why I cant remember exactly how I fixed the problem). But I can say running that, LED me to the fix. As I recall, running it 'suddenly' let W11 show the drives and mapping worked just as I wanted.
I know forums don't like certain file types (executable) to be posted so I hesitate to provide it but here it is legitimately provided. I am assuming there are tons of people having the W11 problem I had, so good luck to those.
https://kb.netgear.com/24063/How-do-I-map-the-USB-device-attached-to-my-Nighthawk-router-to-a-Windows-network-drive
What a freekin mess .... for me. There was a review I saw that said Pros and Cons of the RAX and one of the cons was 'difficult for a beginner to set up". Well, I tried and it was a disaster. It's sitting back in the pkg to go back to Amazon Monday morning. Not sure what to do. Going to return it because I don't have the expertise you do. Worn out with this Readyshare/W11 situation. Later, I will buy a RAX again, and get NETGEAR support to help me set it up. I envy your abilities ...and thank you immensely for everything. I can't mark any discussion as solved ... sorry to say. Nothing has been solved for me. Thanks again.
RAX router was a disaster. On the side of the box it says "supports Windows 10" As I tried to implement it FIRST on W10. Used NIGHTHAWK app as advised. Never could attain Internet access. Everything I have 'blew up'. Alexa, digital thermostat, all computers, phone ... nothing would connect to the 'net.
Major nightmare ... somewhere in this delightful experience I saw a statement the product is discontinued (or something like that). Never was able to connect with the 90 days support I supposedly have. Soooo, I've arranged to return it to Amazon even though there were statements to 'do not return to place of purchase'. I mentioned that to Amazon and they said no problem. Return it to us and that is all set up.
Truthfully, I am not sure what product this is. Box says NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12/12 Stream AX6000 WiFi 6 Router (RAX120v2) on the SIDE of the box (Package contents) and on the box's top side AX12 and at the bottom AX6000/model# RAX120!!! What?? It's a AX12/12 or AX6000, or RAX120v2? AMAZON calls it a NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX120) 12-Stream Dual-Band Gigabit Router, AX6000 Wireless Speed (Up to 6 Gbps), Coverage Up to 3,500 sq.ft. and 30 Devices
Never got to W11. With all the utter failures on W10 I would not dream of trying it on W11. Obviously back on XR500. I REALLY wish someone could recommend a router that works on W11, W10, Linux, Chrome OS (or not), which will accommodate 2 USB HDDS (NAT). I hope everyone is having a great day. I just can't dance to this kind of music. 🤢
Were you able to get the version of FW I had on my XR500 on your XR500 and setup ReadyShare?
I have a RAX120v2 and can see if RS works on it. Been using mostly as a wireless bridge here.
cannot tell a lie. Since my RAX was on the way, I did not bother with XR's firmware. HOWEVER, since RAX is packed and ready to return to Amazon and I'm back on XR500 I can backdate the XR FW. If you are going to see if your RAX succeeds honoring RS, see what happens on W11 if possible. Thanks for standing by me.
Thank you for all the trouble you have gone to.
Me Duma OS XR500 2,3,3,136 You 2.3.2.134 Interfaces somewhat different.
- I MIGHT have a failing router and maybe not. routerlogin.net on one of 2 W10 machines seems to work flawlessly. 2nd W10 and W11 log in but most of the screens are blank. Just about anything on the left comes up on the right, IN BACKGROUND COLOR but blank. Uhmm that would indicate a computer problem .... on 2 machines. Nuttin wong with router. I agree with that, but on my 2 newest machines??? Don't have any other problems with THEM (except W11 and Readyshare. I don't think there is something wrong with the router or those two machines and this screen rendering in DUMA. Another mystery.
- Back to original question. Is there a newer router (Netgear) I can replace this XR500 with, which allow my 2 HDDs to be accessed?
- I'm getting nowhere with W11 and Readyshare.
So got my XR500 off the shelf and hooked it up.
Got a 32Gb USB Thumb Flash drive that was preformatted for FAT32.
Put some files on it.
Connected it to the router in USB1 port.
Powered ON the router and let it come to ready.
Using MS Edge browser, logged into the router.
Router saw the drive:
Checked the work group to make sure it was same as what Windows 11 was using:
Windows Networking was set for Private instead of Public.
Just for kicks, I enabled Media Server as well, however I don't think this was needed:
Opened up Network on the desktop:
Media devices found the XR500.
Opened up another tab in the Network explorer window and copied and pasted \\readyshare from the XR500 USB Storage page into the new tab:
Pressed enter and it displayed the share folder:
Selected the folder with the mouse and the USB drives contents was displayed:
All this in Windows 11 x64 Pro 24H2 PC:
SMB Client v1.0 enabled as well. So USB Storage and ReadyShare is working for me with Win11.
Yes, Sir. The subject has moved on. My apologies to the Moderator. Again, your technical expertise far exceeds mine.
My understanding of Windows 11 is that the Firewall is always "on" for 'Local' and 'Public' connections.Welp, first of all, I have been saying both can be on at the same time. Does not appear to be true ... ONE OR THE OTHER. (old age). Here is what I have now:
Confusion ... public, private, local, recommended, W10, W11, MICROSOFT(!). W11 was NOT my idea and I hate it. Is that the right choice (yes or no)? Thank you again.
Up to you what to use and do. I've been using Private Network.
Some day Win11 24H2 is hosed up and bugged:
What I found here and posted some on:
At this point, not sure if MS will fix any of this on Win11/24H2. Seems that Win10 was working and not a problem. But thats no longer being supported as it's going EoL. Up to you if you still want to use it. I still have a dual boot Win7/Win10 PC that still works for me if I need it.
I'll get my XR500 online this week and see if this reproduces on mine.
Thank you for the link. Diligently went through all the suggestions but unfortunately no fix.
Brilliant answer. Thank you. I gather since W11 CAN have both on, it's advisable to HAVE both on(?)
I hate to be dense headed, but with the THREE choices, I don't know which to implement. I have a layman's sense the best for me is PRIVATE ON .... Public off(???) or both ON? Again, sorry for my ignorance.
My understanding of Windows 11 is that the Firewall is always "on" for 'Local' and 'Public' connections. The key is that the Firewall allows some applications to accept connections and other cannot.
The default is that no connections are accepted from either Local or Public networks. i.e. "leave me alone".
This can be frustrating, for example, when we attempt to 'ping' the computer and find that it does not respond. The solution is to tell the Firewall to accept ICMP ('ping') from devices on the Local network.
I fear that my contribution may have moved the discussion away from the primary topic, i.e. how to get a USB device connected to the router to be accessed from a Windows 11 computer.
(I tend to get distracted by technical details which are not relevant to the primary discussion.)
Thank you. Will give that a try. Can you answer the question? ... W11. Private network on, Public on (both on) or Private on, Public off? Unlike W10, W11 CAN have both on. Sorry, but I don't get it.
If you're referring to your above screenshot, that's different but you've got all that set to allow what you want anyway, maybe too much even - as far as selecting between Private & Public there is only the two options, not a Private & Public option as far as I am aware.
I'm giving up on W11/Readyshare. Cannot find a solution. I THINK it worked a long time ago, but not sure.
W11, unlike W10 can have both Public and Private settings. I just found this out tonight .... thank you CrimpOn
I guess this explains W11 folder sharing fiasco. But how is it one can have BOTH turned on at the same time?? W10 is one or the other. W11, three choices ... one or the other or both. What th'??????? Tell me, someone .... please.
Windows 11 can be configured to operate in either **public** or **private** network modes, which affects how your device interacts with other devices on the network.
## Public Network
When your device is set to a public network, it is treated as being in a more secure environment. This setting is typically used when you are connected to networks in public places, such as coffee shops or airports. Key features include:- **Network Discovery**: Disabled, meaning your device will not be visible to other devices on the network.
- **File and Printer Sharing**: Disabled, enhancing security by preventing others from accessing your files or printers.
- **Firewall Settings**: More restrictive, providing additional protection against unauthorized access.## Private Network
In contrast, a private network setting is used for trusted networks, such as your home or office. This mode allows for easier sharing and communication between devices. Key features include:- **Network Discovery**: Enabled, allowing your device to be visible to others on the same network.
- **File and Printer Sharing**: Enabled, making it easier to share resources with other devices.
- **Firewall Settings**: Less restrictive, allowing for more seamless communication between devices.### Summary Table
| Feature | Public Network | Private Network |
|-----------------------------|----------------------|----------------------|
| Network Discovery | Disabled | Enabled |
| File and Printer Sharing | Disabled | Enabled |
| Firewall Settings | More restrictive | Less restrictive |Choosing between public and private network settings depends on your environment and security needs. If you're in a trusted location, a private network is more convenient, while a public network offers enhanced security in less secure environments.
You've done all that, that's fine. It might be that W11 is more security concious and that you need to enable admin password protection for the drives on the router, then re-add the drives on W11 with the credentials and see if it works
Oh yeah. Digest. Ganamens, I am 80 years old. Could not follow. I never leave my house with a computer of mine. If MS wanted to confuse someone, they did it with W11. All I know is W10, Private Always. W11PRO, what tha?????? Here is what I have right now. Tell me how to fix it please. I don't do Starbucks, libraries, public parks, Veteran's Hospitals. Someone mentioned BOTH (huh?) Nope, not me, just at home on my home network. So, please take a look and advise.
Still no READYSHARE ON W11
