Setting Up Win 7 To Recognize XBox WiFi

[MarkTwain]

I want to set up my Windows 7 to stream video to my XBox 360 S, via a wireless router...

As I understand it, in Win 7, you do this thru the Windows Media Player, via Configure Sharing in the Options tab. But for some reason, my Windows Media Player doesn't show any Configure Sharing under the Options tab...

With that in mind, just how do I Configure Share in Win 7 Media Player, so as to add the XBox 360 to devices?

BTW, my XBox, just a room away, can't pick up the wireless router signal....

[Jbc223456]

This might be a silly question, but what generation of Xbox 360 do you have? It is the new Slim version that has built in Wifi?

Usually to steam videos, you have to have your Xbox on first (connected to the same network as the computer). Then open up Windows Media Player (I think it has to be version 12+). Make sure you have videos added to your WMP library. Then click Stream -> More Streaming Options and then choose your Xbox when the player finds your device. Click "Customize" and then set it up to where your computer shares its video library (or you can choose all of them to share music, etc).

The only thing you have left to do is go back to your Xbox's Video tab and choose the video you want to watch.

[MarkTwain]

It's the new Slim, with built-in WiFi.

The rear of the Slim has a lot more connection options than the 360 original.

You'll also note that my Xbox doesn't seem to recognize my wireless routers' signal, either...

BTW, Thanks for the swift response!

[Jbc223456]

What brand and model router do you have? I know this may seem trivial, but the more information you are able to give, the easier it'll be to help.

One thing to check is to make sure your router is showing a SSID. I don't know if you have any other wireless devices that use that router as well or not. If you do, you might want to log into your router and see if you can change some settings. I know that Xbox is really weird about its connection. For some reason it doesn't support some security types (although it says it does). I think it supports WEP/WPA/WPA2-Personal and that's about it for security.

[MarkTwain]

My router is a Tenda Concurrent Dual Band N600 Gigabit router, Model No. N60; no other wireless devices use this router...

I believe its security setting is WPA2.

[Jbc223456]

I'm not sure how it is for this particular router, but you will want to make sure you turn on your wireless transmitter and enable SSID Broadcast.

I've looked up the installation guide online, and here's what I'd do. First, forget the CD that came with your router: that's just a simple setup wizard and isn't what I'd recommend to do. Log into the router by typing in 192.168.0.1 and use admin for both the username and password (or the username and password you may have assigned to it). Navigate to the wireless settings on the left-hand menu. You should have both a 2.4GHz and 5GHz band. Figure out which one you want to use and then enable that band. Also enable SSID Broadcast. Give it a name like MTwainNetwork. Set the mode to mixed b/g/n. Save those changes.

Then go to the Security submenu and choose the network you just made. Set the security mode to WPA2-PSK with AES standard. (I think it's called Cipher type on the router menu). Don't worry about they Key Renewal: if possible, leave it blank, if not, set it to some large number like 86,400 seconds. Save those and exit out of your router. Reboot it if necessary, and then see if your Xbox sees the network.

[MarkTwain]

Thanks for these detailed suggestions, Jbc...I'll try them out tomorrow, as This Old Guy has to get to bed....

[MarkTwain]

Originally Posted by Jbc223456 I'm not sure how it is for this particular router, but you will want to make sure you turn on your wireless transmitter and enable SSID Broadcast. I've looked up the installation guide online, and here's what I'd do. First, forget the CD that came with your router: that's just a simple setup wizard and isn't what I'd recommend to do. Log into the router by typing in 192.168.0.1 and use admin for both the username and password (or the username and password you may have assigned to it). Navigate to the wireless settings on the left-hand menu. You should have both a 2.4GHz and 5GHz band. Figure out which one you want to use and then enable that band. Also enable SSID Broadcast. Give it a name like MTwainNetwork. Set the mode to mixed b/g/n. Save those changes. Then go to the Security submenu and choose the network you just made. Set the security mode to WPA2-PSK with AES standard. (I think it's called Cipher type on the router menu). Don't worry about they Key Renewal: if possible, leave it blank, if not, set it to some large number like 86,400 seconds. Save those and exit out of your router. Reboot it if necessary, and then see if your Xbox sees the network.

I've been able to get the Xbox to recognize the WiFi signal and the PC, but balks at Windows Media Center recognition. The XBox only recognizes the WPA2-PSK security setting for 2.4 GHz and the Tenda N60 router doesn't let you keep that setting for both bands. Is it OK to keep the 5GHz set at WPA-PSK and not risk any security breaches?

[Jbc223456]

If you're not using the 5GHz band, then you can simply disable it and not worry about changing the security settings for it. Otherwise, WPA is a fine security measure for home networking.

Have you followed the instructions for installing to a PC? It seems that Microsoft has made it a bit easier now that they've updated their console software. Look here for instructions on how to set up Media Center.

[MarkTwain]

Thanks all for your feedback!