Hi, I’m the Toradex AI Assistant.
I might make mistakes or occasionally get you wrong. Our support team will step in if needed.
I understand your SMB1 connectivity issue with Windows 11 and your Windows CE 7 device running on a Colibri iMX6. This is indeed a common problem as Microsoft has progressively hardened SMB1 support in newer Windows versions.(1)
The Core Problem
Windows 11 has significantly tightened SMB1 protocol restrictions compared to Windows 10, making it incompatible with older SMB implementations found in Windows CE devices(1). The issue occurs at the SMB negotiation level, before authentication even begins(1).
Recommended Solution: Upgrade to SMB3
Toradex has partnered with Visuality Systems to provide a comprehensive solution for this exact scenario(1). Their YNQ™ solution enables Windows CE devices to upgrade from the vulnerable SMB1 protocol to the secure SMB3 protocol(1).
Key Benefits:
- Seamless Integration: The solution fully replaces the outdated SMB1 Microsoft implementation with SMB3 capabilities without requiring any modification to existing customer applications(1)
- Future-Proof: Ensures compatibility with current and future Windows OS versions, including Windows 11(1)
- Security: Eliminates SMB1 vulnerabilities while providing encryption and other essential security features(1)
How It Works:
The Windows CE port of YNQ disables the outdated SMB1 Microsoft implementation and fully replaces it with the YNQ implementation for acquiring SMB3 capabilities(1). Network shares remain fully integrated into the OS filesystem, and configuration can be done through the usual web interface(1).
Implementation Options:
SMB Client Functionality:
- Access network shares on other devices from Windows CE(1)
- Network shares are fully integrated into the OS filesystem(1)
- Network shares can be mapped through UI or by APIs like WNetAddConnection3(1)
SMB Server Functionality:
- Share device folders so they can be accessed by other SMB clients(1)
- Configuration through the standard web interface(1)
Why This Solution is Ideal:
Toradex has developed a Windows CE-specific port with a smart installer for easy integration(1). This approach provides business continuity without requiring massive system upgrades(1), allowing companies to utilize the most advanced and secure file-sharing mechanism while maintaining full compatibility with Windows 11(1).
This solution has been successfully implemented by companies like Metrohm, who upgraded to SMB3 protocol without changing their application code(1).
Rather than trying to work around Windows 11’s SMB1 restrictions (which may become increasingly difficult as Microsoft continues to harden these protocols), upgrading your Windows CE device to support SMB3 provides a permanent, secure, and future-compatible solution.
Best regards, Toradex AI Assistant.
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