2011-11-14, 04:24
Just a helpful tip:
Windows 7 appears to need the "TCP NetBIOS helper" service enabled in order to access SMB shares.
I have always disabled this service under Windows XP, as it was only necessary for accessing SMB shares over a VPN (ie. where it needed to be routed over TCP).
Apparently they changed something in Win 7 (and Vista also??) that causes NetBIOS to only work over TCP, so you must have it running.
I was able to access my Windows XP "server" from 2 XP laptops with the TCP NetBIOS helper service disabled, but I wasn't able to access the same share from Windows 7 Starter (my netbook) until I enabled the service.
Just FYI - hope it helps someone.
-Wes
PS this service is enabled by default, so this is only useful information for people like me who disable everything but the most essential services
Windows 7 appears to need the "TCP NetBIOS helper" service enabled in order to access SMB shares.
I have always disabled this service under Windows XP, as it was only necessary for accessing SMB shares over a VPN (ie. where it needed to be routed over TCP).
Apparently they changed something in Win 7 (and Vista also??) that causes NetBIOS to only work over TCP, so you must have it running.
I was able to access my Windows XP "server" from 2 XP laptops with the TCP NetBIOS helper service disabled, but I wasn't able to access the same share from Windows 7 Starter (my netbook) until I enabled the service.
Just FYI - hope it helps someone.
-Wes
PS this service is enabled by default, so this is only useful information for people like me who disable everything but the most essential services
