RT-AX88U-Pro Samba issue

[Katy]

Hello, I have three apple computers and have samba enable to users can get access to a network drive I have attached to the ASUS router. But every time I log into the Mac computers I have to connect the server. I didn't have to do that before. What do I need to do to have the network drive available when I log into apple computer. Thanks in advance.

 

[bennor]

Are up running Asus-Merlin firmware?
Have you mapped the router's USB drive network share to your Mac computer? You may also need to enable Open at Login to automatically reconnect to that mapped share when powering on the computer or rebooting the computer.

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-map-network-drive-mac-4707917

Open items automatically when you log in on Mac

On your Mac, have selected apps, documents, and server connections open automatically when you log in.

support.apple.com

 

[Katy]

Thanks for the articles. I added the drive in the log in screen, but on reboot I got an error when logging in.

 

[bennor]

.... but on reboot I got an error when logging in.

What specific error did you get when logging in?

Sometimes one may have to delete the Keychain Access credentials on the Mac that were used to access the Asus router network drive and readd them.

 

[Katy]

It is weird. I get an error that says
There was a problem connecting to the server "xxx.xxx.xx.x". It says to check server name or IP address and then try again.

However, when I close the pop up message, I am able to connect to the drive.

 

[degrub]

Is this drive plugged into the USB port on the router or is this an ethernet based drive connected in one of the LAN ports ?

Flash stick or SSD if plugged into USB port ?

Sounds like it is not responding quick enough for the mac.

 

[Katy]

drive is plug to router via USB. I am able to see it now, but when I turn Mac off and on, I get the message above but it still works after the message and the drive connects.

 

[Ripshod]

If you're connected via wifi is it possible your mac is trying to connect to the drive before the wifi connection is established?

 

[bennor]

It is weird. I get an error that says
There was a problem connecting to the server "xxx.xxx.xx.x". It says to check server name or IP address and then try again.

However, when I close the pop up message, I am able to connect to the drive.

It is possible your Mac computer is trying to mount the USB drive before the network connection (WiFi most likely) is fully established. By the time you close the message its possible the computer has completed it's connection to the network.

I don't have a Mac so cannot help much more beyond suggesting searching the Mac support forums to see if they have any suggestions. Only other thought. If using a spinning USB hard disk drive (HDD) is perhaps the drive is going into sleep or hibernation mode after a minute or two of non use and by the time the USB hard disk drive starts the spin up the Mac, when booted, is throwing the error about not being able to access the drive but can access the drive seconds later because the drive has fully spun up. As a troubleshooting step, maybe try a different drive if you have one available to see if the issue persists across different USB storage media.

Edit to add: For example from a community apple support site, some similar discussion with some possible suggestions including the following below.
keeping a NAS logged in when restarting computer

1. First, have the server mounted and visible on your desktop.
2. Open System Settings
3. Click General in the sidebar
4. Click Login Items & Extensions
5. Add a login item. In this case, select the mounted server.

Best way to permanently mount SMB shares

Maybe search for a way to delay mount a NAS at Mac boot. Might be a way to script a delay in the mounting of the Asus router attached USB drive. AI might provide a suggestion or two on scripting.