File sharing WMP-11

tjlmbklr1 · 25-10-2008, 06:57 PM

I have been recently experiencing sharing issues. I have 2 computers (PC & laptop) on my network and a Playstation 3. I have (or rather, had) it set up so WMP-11 was my media server. I tried many others but had the best results with it. But for some reason I recently found my PC's WMP sharing was disabled. When I go to check the box to "Share media" the okay button goes gray for a few seconds, and hour glass shows it's thinking then it shows the box has indeed been checked. But in order to close the window I either have to select "cancel" or close using the "window close RED X". Hitting ok only repeats the last process I explained. So when I do close it obviuosly the sharing check box is un-checked.

:See picture below:

I am at a loss and don't know where to start. And to top it off this is just the start of my sharing issues.

My laptop is running Vista and I would like for now to just connect my External HD (where all my media is stored) to it. Rather then on my PC (XP) like I always had it. But I can't even get the WMP sharing to recognize any devices in my network.

Keep in mind this all worked at one time. and yes I have checked and doubled check all my Firewall and Anti-Virus settings. I do have a wireless router connecting it all but haven't change anything other then my ISP. I was running Cable now I am running DSL. IS there something here that can cause my issue?

Any ideas?

DarkAssassin · 21-11-2008, 08:31 PM

Hi tjlmbklr1, I had the same problem as you and only recently found the solution, or so I believe. What you need to do is, (on your Windows XP PC) go onto your Start Menu, then All Programs, then Administrative Tools, and then Services. A window will open called services, with a heading: Services(Local). There will be a list of all the services you use. Dont mess with any, except look for the one called Window Media Player Network Sharing Service. in the 'Start up' column it should say disabled, so you need to right click on the service and then properties. Another small window opens, find the 'start up' drop down menu, which is probably set as disabled or manual. open it and choose Automatic. Below this menu you should be able to click on a button called 'Start', click it. After the loading bar disappears, click on the 'OK' button on the bottom of the window. You can now close the Services window.

Now try and set up your windows media player network. It should work, if not I can not help you any further.

tjlmbklr1 · 22-11-2008, 02:43 AM

Thanks for your reply. But I have fixed the issue. But I can't remember what it is i did. I have since decided to use my Vista laptop as my media station. I have stopped using WMP 11 and now use Tversity. Vista I believe is the culprit. But for what ever reason my PS3 randomly shows WMP as a media server. I will do nothing and it will just be there

And every setting is good to go. It just is very random more less then working.

Thanks again.

DarkAssassin · 22-11-2008, 11:28 AM

Ok then that's fair enough. You may just need to switch of the file sharing on wmp 11 on the vista. You have probably thought of that already, but if you haven't then this may work.