Xbox 360: How to troubleshoot connection issues when you try to connect an Xbox 360 console to a Windows XP-based computer that is running Windows Media Connect (911738)

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To troubleshoot connection issues when you try to connect an Xbox 360 console to a Windows XP-based computer that is running Windows Media Connect, follow these steps.

Note The following troubleshooting steps discuss many different possibilities. You do not have to complete these steps in the order that they are presented.

1. Make sure that the Windows XP-based computer and the Xbox 360 console are on the same network.
   1. Compare the network settings on the Windows XP-based computer and on the Xbox 360 console.
      • To obtain the network settings on the Xbox 360 console, follow these steps:
        1. In the System section in the Xbox Dashboard, select Network Settings.
        2. Note the IP address and the Subnet Mask.
      • To obtain the network settings on the Windows XP-based computer, follow these steps:
        1. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
        2. At the command prompt, type ipconfig /all, and then press ENTER.
        3. Note the IP address and the Subnet Mask.
   2. If these devices do not have the same network settings, modify the network settings on the Xbox 360 console or on the computer.
2. If you have an earlier version of Windows Media Connect on the computer, remove the earlier version of Windows Media Connect, and then install the latest version. To download the latest version of Windows Media Connect software, visit the following Web site:

   http://www.xbox.com/pcsetup

3. Verify that the correct ports are open for Windows Media Connect to function correctly. For more information about firewall port settings for Windows Media Connect, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   910635 Xbox 360: Firewall port settings for Windows Media Connect

   Note There are software firewall programs and routers that have built-in firewalls. See the firewall documentation to determine how to open the correct ports.
4. Verify that the UPnP Host service is running on the Windows XP-based computer. This service is required to host UPnP certified devices on the system. To determine the status of the UPnP Host service on the computer, follow these steps:
   1. Click Start, click Run, type services.msc, and then click OK.
   2. Scroll down the list of services until you find UPnP Host.
   3. If the status of this service does not appear as Started, right-click the service, and then click Start.
5. If the Xbox 360 and the computer are connected to a router, make sure that the computer is not running Internet Connection Sharing. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Click Start, click Run, type ncpa.cpl, and then click OK
   2. Right-click the broadband connection (normally called "Local Area Connection"), and then select Properties.
   3. In the Properties window that opens, on the Advanced tab, click to clear the Allow other users to connect through this computer's Internet connection check box.
      
      Note Disabling Internet Connection Sharing may prevent other devices from connecting to the Internet.
   4. Click OK.
6. If you previously connected the computer that is running Windows Media Connect to an Xbox 360 console, disconnect the Xbox 360 console from the computer. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. In the System section of the Xbox Dashboard, select Computers.
   2. Select Windows-based PC, and then select Disconnect.
      
      Note If the Xbox 360 console has not made a successful connection, the Microsoft Windows-based PC option will not appear.
   3. Move to the Media section of the Dashboard, and then select either Music or Pictures.
   4. Select Computer, and then try to connect the console to the computer again.