Connected to SMB but cannot see any files

Hi bett3r,

If you are having trouble connecting to your HDD, let's start up in safe mode to help isolate if not resolve this:

"How to use safe mode

Determine whether you're using a Mac with Apple silicon, then follow the appropriate steps:

Apple silicon

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
4. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.

Intel processor

1. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key as your Mac starts up.
2. Release the key when you see the login window, then log in to your Mac. 
3. You might be asked to log in again. On either the first or second login window, you should see ”Safe Boot” in the upper-right corner of the window.

If the issue continues in safe mode

If the issue continues while in safe mode, or your Mac restarts several times and then shuts down while starting up in safe mode, you should reinstall macOS and make sure that your Apple software and third-party apps are up to date.

If the issue doesn't continue in safe mode

If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.

If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.

If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:

• Test your login items.
• To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.
• Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
• Reinstall macOS.

If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.

How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

"

Cheers.

Hi bett3r,

That's a great question. Booting in safe mode and testing to see if the issue persists, can help determine if third-party software may be affecting the network connection and preventing file sharing from working properly. Do you have any type of security software or VPN software installed? If so, this type of software can affect the network connection. When you boot in safe mode, this type of software is disabled so it can help with isolating the issue.

Take care.