Experts Unable to connect to PR4100 nor EX4 NAS devices!

Western Digital’s PR4100 and EX4 are robust NAS (Network Attached Storage) systems trusted by professionals and power users alike. However, even experts occasionally face a common yet frustrating issue: inability to connect to PR4100 or EX4 NAS devices. This can result in inaccessible shared folders, failed backups, and complete disruption of workflows. If you're an advanced user encountering this issue, this guide outlines expert-level checks and fixes to restore access.

1. Verify Network Configuration

Start by ensuring that your NAS and client devices are on the same subnet and VLAN. If you've made recent changes to your network—such as new routers, switches, or IP address schemes—these may be causing a communication gap.

Check the NAS IP via router DHCP or a direct HDMI connection (PR4100).

Ensure static IPs or DHCP reservations are correctly configured.

Avoid IP conflicts with other devices on the network.

2. Use Direct IP Access

Sometimes, name resolution fails due to DNS issues or mDNS service problems.

Try accessing the NAS directly using its IP in your file explorer:

If the web interface is also unreachable, the issue may be deeper than name resolution.

3. Check SMB and AFP Settings

Experts should check if the NAS has disabled SMB or AFP protocols due to firmware updates or misconfigurations.

Log in via the web interface (if possible) and navigate to:

Settings > Network Services > Windows Services (SMB)

Ensure SMB v2 or v3 is enabled. Avoid using SMB1 due to security concerns.

For macOS users, ensure AFP is enabled or switch to SMB2+.

4. Firmware Update and Network Reset

After firmware updates, NAS settings can revert or bug out.

Access the dashboard (if reachable) and check for pending updates.

If unable to connect, use the reset button at the back:

A 4-second press will reset the network configuration to DHCP without data loss.

A 40-second press resets most settings (but still preserves data).

5. Disable Firewalls or Security Software

Client-side firewalls, especially on Windows, can block SMB/CIFS ports (e.g., 445, 139).

Temporarily disable firewall or allow inbound rules for NAS IP.

Antivirus or endpoint protection software can interfere with network shares—temporarily disable them for testing.

6. Advanced Logging and SSH Access

For deeper insight, SSH into the NAS (if enabled) and inspect logs:

You may detect NIC errors, service crashes, or filesystem issues preventing access.

Conclusion

Connection issues with PR4100 or EX4 NAS devices can arise from network misconfigurations, disabled services, DNS issues, or corrupted firmware. As an expert, applying a layered approach—network checks, protocol settings, direct IP access, and advanced diagnostics—will usually reveal the root cause. If all else fails, reaching out to WD support with detailed logs will help escalate the issue effectively.