Uniti Core unable to open Downloads folder

Accessing the downloads folder from Windows 10 was a problem with the last firmware release and I thought it had been fixed in the latest. But there have been quite a few problems reported since, so I guess Naim needs to look further at this.

With the last firmware version, you could navigate to the Core's folders with Windows Explorer, starting with the IP address rather than the Core's  name and then add stuff to the downloads folder, even though the PC denied it existed when you tried to connect via the Core's name.

But I haven't heard of downloads in the downloads folder of the internal drive not recognised by the Core before. One thing you could try that is less desperate than a factory reset would be to tell the Core to reindex the music store database (you do that with the app). It takes a while, depending how many discs you have.

If you do try a factory reset, you shouldn't lose the contents of your HD which is your music store. When the Core starts after the reset, it should find your internal hard disc, notice that it's been a Music Store and ask you whether you want it to be a Music Store again. Say yes (but don't let it format it of course).

best

David

Thank you David for answering so quickly, I'll do the rebuild tonight and let you know the results. I tried entering the Core's IP address in Explorer but all I got was a black (not blank) screen with Naim logo in the address field. Rich.

I don't mean you enter the Core's IP address into a browser like Internet explorer. I mean you go to windows explorer, which is what you are in with My computer (in windows 7 at least). And put the ip address into the bar at the top.

best

David

Hi David, in Win 10, Windows Explorer has a new name called File Explorer. This is what I used. It shows Downloads and Music folders, but only Music folder opens. Using diagnostics the error is; UNITICORE430698 exists but Windows can't find Downloads. I carried out a couple of rips this evening and they are fine, showing up in the Music folder and play OK, but still can't show or play the .wav that I know are in the Downloads. Thanks for your suggestions. Rich

Is file explorer actually the same as windows explorer? I thought it was an additional feature rather than a replacement feature. If you look in the on-line support wizard for Core, it describes how to use the IP address to access the downloads folder and in Windows 7 I found that did work even though I could see but not access the downloads folder in an add-on file manager programme and even though the Core wouldn't let windows map the drive. The black screen when you navigate to the Core with a browser is normal by the way. I saw once that Naim said it was for "future features", but I think it may also be a way of issuing on-line commands to the Core, none of which have been disclosed to customers yet I think.

best

David

File Explorer is Windows-10,  with previous Windows versions it was called Explorer.   You might need to sign in as an administrator to get into some edit type functions ,

Hi David and Mike, unfortunately Windows Explorer is no longer available or downloadable for 10. I'm logged in with Administrator rights but there's no way that I can see to get into explorer the way you could with 7. I've rebuilt the Core index as suggested, but still no luck. Looking increasingly likely that I'll have to do a factory reset. I'll hang on a while for any other suggestions though. I'm glad I have a back up! Thanks, Rich

The key thing is to map the drive, then it will always be there. Finding it to map it has always been a bit hit and miss - at least it was with my unitiserve when I had one. Try turning the Core off, then turning it on, and if it pops up on your computer, map it quickly. 

Good morning all and thank you for all your suggestions. I liked the idea of mapping so turned off NAC 272 and Core, removed mains and network cables, left disconnected for 10 mins to ensure reservoir capacitors discharged. Put laptop next to core and turned on. Unfortunately mapping came up with same errors on Downloads although I was able to map Music folder. I've contacted Naim support for their thoughts on the matter and will post outcome. Thanks again, Rich.

Yes mapping didn't work with the last firmware version, although it had worked with the ones before that as HH said. It looks as if Naim haven't fixed it in the latest update (although I thought I had got that working again after the recent update.) I will have to look later today when I'm near it again.

Best

David

The problem seems to be very similar to what I get on my Synology.  Syn have a facility to enable/disable SMB  (Server Message Block)  (older version called Common Internet File System)   I normally leave this disabled as it messes with hibernation & only enable it for uploading new albums & the occasional editing.    I'm wondering if Core has something like this lurking in its OS mngt,   or is it something Naim need to look at in the next release of software.  

Hello again, I'm wondering if the issue of not being able to open the Downloads folder in Win 10 is linked to the Naim app not seeing what has already been added to Downloads? I received the Core with the latest update and it worked perfectly until yesterday! Rich

I suggest you call Naim and ask to speak to Phil Harris. He should be able to dial into your computer and see what’s going on. The fact that you can no longer see your downloads folder does suggest that it’s not a mapping issue. I do hope you get it sorted soon - it’s rather discombobulating when these things happen. 

Rich, as HH suggests above, if you're not having any joy then I would suggest you contact Naim support either by phone or email.

Just to say that I looked at my Core a moment ago and my downloads folder is still mapped and fully accessible in Windows 7. This is with the latest Core firmware.

best

David

Thanks David, I've emailed uniti support for their thoughts. I'll give them a phone call tomorrow. When I get it working I'll post the results and remedies.Rich

Good afternoon to all who gave help and suggestions.
Problems opening downloads folder cured. To cut a long story short, Naim support walked me through several non destructive resetting options, non of which worked. I do have to thank support for their help and suggestions.
In the end I reformatted the drive simply by adding a new room Core in the add rooms settings. This over wrote the existing Core and allowed me to format. I then, because I could not 'see' either the Music or Downloads folders in Windows, unplugged the Core. On plugging the Core back in, pressed the Standby button for 5 seconds, this resets the network and I can now 'see' and open all folders using windows. I then ran Back up restore from the Naim app and all is well. Do not hold the Standby button in for much longer than 5 seconds when powering on because you’ll do a full reset which under certain circumstances can delete your music collection. The moral of the story is to ensure you have a back up of your music collection. Even with my backup it still took 4 hours to restore! I hope this helps anyone else who has problems opening or seeing the Music and Downloads folders in the future.

Richard