the samba function is fine, i use it all the time.

when the samba function "disappears", the usual suspect is the pc permissions settings.

windows now do auto download/upload/restart - that is a possible cause for resets of permission settings.

so, recheck pc folder permissions.

and best to create a shortcut at media center for subsequent quickest access.

Yep, seen this before.

Set the pc ip... check permissions... working, stable.

Then go to box, remove old shortcuts, do new.

Try directory one level above "movie"

Windows 10, try directory "users".

Also, restart box b4 u try again.

I suggest u shut down pc, box, take a break.

Then restart n check pc permissions again, restart box, try again.

I am quite sure box samba is fine... it is windows permissions weird behavior sometimes.

If u google or read futeko.com, u will find many comments on windows updates giving such strange problems.

for your sake, i just tested... well, i needed to see if any change with firmware 208 on q10pro.

all is good.. pc hdd.. and just to test, created 2 new shortcuts.. with just the drive alphabet.. e.g. "d" for hdd plugged into usb port of pc.

u can try ES, VLC... but they dun work so well... generic free players' limitations... can't do much.

ok for simple small files, no good for larger complex files.

the native player via samba can do bdmv's, dtshdma/ddtruehd... 80mbps bit rate no problem.

assuming yr lan equipment/speed good.
can't help u further.. u just need to try again some other time...