Is there something inherent built in to this laptop that disables file sharing

No, not that I know of.

Maybe a (misconfigured) McAfee install ... if opting-in for that instead of the free Microsoft Security and Firewall?

On the laptop, is it Windows-11 Pro or just Home?

There is no hidden feature in AW laptop to disable fire sharing.  AI inquiry is usually waste of time as proven again in this case.

The more change one makes trying to work it out to wits end, the more one may deviate from true root cause, it is like me trying to install a screw in the dark interior of desktop but keep on missing .  It is frustrating and should not be that way.

easiest solution to try is to a clean install of OS on AW ssd.  Back up the files you want to share first. Then wipe ssd, install clean Windows only.

Now very important. After a fresh clean OS install, do not install AWCC or any other update.

Hi

Does a ping to the AW work?

Does a tracert work to the AW machine?

Meaning, if YES, then it is a Windows configuration issue, as you most certainly suspect/know.

Daft idea, but are they all using the same version of SMB (V2 OR V3)?

Turn Windows features on or off  UNCHECK the entry SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support, Click the OK button, Reboot your PC. 

To @redxps630 & @anne_droid:

Thank you for your input, but after much experimentation, I have found a work around, while not ideal, solves my problem.  While I cannot access my Alienware from any of my other PCs normally, via double clicking on the Alienware name in Windows Explorer, I can now access is using \\IP Address\Name of Shared Drive.

Don’t know exactly what I did, but I consider this issue closed.  Thank you both again.

Prego.