Can't Access Netgear Readyshare With Admin Password

[SoCal Yogi]

I have an WD My Passport plugged into my Netgear Nighthawk 7000 router.
I have the hard drive shared via ReadySHARE Storage with read / write access using the admin login.
Until recently, it's worked flawlessly via SMB.
Now when I go to connect in VLC I'm repeated prompted for the for SMB authentication. It will not take the password.

Steps taken:
1) Triple checked the password. Doesn't work
2) Deleted VLC and reinstalled (version 3.3.7 (432). Doesn't work
3) I've gone into settings and checked and uncheck Prefer SMB1. Doesn't work
4) Rebooted the router. Doesn't work
5) Factory reset the router. Doesn't work
6) Reloaded the current firmware (v1.011.134_10.2.119). Doesn't work
7) Reloaded a prior firmware version (v1.011.116_10.2.100). Doesn't work.

I'm getting the same results on my Mac mini, iPhone Pro & iPad; all running the latest OS.
If I share it without requiring a password it works.

Help!

Thanks in advance.