Xbox 360: You receive an error message on a computer that is running Windows Media Center when you run the Windows Media Center Extender Setup program and you have Windows Firewall turned off on the computer (912503)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Xbox 360
  • Microsoft Media Center Extender for Windows XP Media Center
  • Xbox Video Game System

SYMPTOMS

If you have Windows Firewall turned off on a Microsoft Windows Media Center-based computer, you receive the following error message on the computer when you run the Windows Media Center Extender Setup program:
Xbox 360 Setup is Finished.
The correct ports cannot be opened.

The current configuration of the Windows Firewall is preventing a successful connection to the Xbox 360.

CAUSE

This issue occurs when you have Windows Firewall turned off on the computer. During Media Center Extender Setup, Windows Firewall has to be updated to allow communication between the Windows Media Center-based computer and the Xbox 360 console. If the Windows Firewall service has been stopped, these updates cannot occur.

THINGS TO TRY

Important This article contains information that shows you how to help lower security settings or how to turn off security features on a computer. You can make these changes to work around a specific problem. Before you make these changes, we recommend that you evaluate the risks that are associated with implementing this workaround in your particular environment. If you implement this workaround, take any appropriate additional steps to help protect your system.
  1. Start Windows Firewall.
    1. Click Start, click Run, and then type services.msc.
    2. In the list of services, double-click Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
    3. On the General tab under Service status, click Start.
    4. Click OK.
  2. Run the Windows Media Center Extender Setup program again.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about Media Center Extenders, visit the following Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/extender/default.mspx

If you previously did not use Windows Firewall and want to return to that configuration, follow these steps:

Note If you want to turn off Windows Firewall, make sure that you wait until after you install Windows Media Center Extender.
Warning This workaround may make your computer or your network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.

  1. Click Start, click Run, type firewall.cpl, and then click OK.
  2. On the General tab, click Off (not recommended), and then click OK.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/20/2006
Keywords:kbXboxPeripherals kbXboxConsole kbXbox360PacRimPortal kbXbox360EuropePortal kbXbox360AmericasPortal kbxbox360ext kbPubTypeKC kbtshoot KB912503
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