Setting up your computer to be a media server for XBOX 360 and PS3

For Windows Media Player 11 (NOW SUPPORTS DIVX AND XVID)

Very Important: Your PS3/XBOX 360 must be connected to the same network as your computer, this can be done by simply connecting it to the same router that your computer uses. Make sure this is done before anything else, your PS3/XBOX 360 must be connected to the network before continuing the following steps, otherwise some features in Windows Media Player will not show up or be enabled.

1. Download and install Windows Media Player 11 (as I'm sure many of you already have).
2. Click on the Library tab
3. On the left you'll see a tree structure. Right click on Library in the tree structure.
4. Click Media Sharing
5. Enable your options, what folders, devices, etc.***
6. When your PS3 turns on and scans, Windows will pop up and ask if it's ok to allow the device. Allow it.

Also, Windows Media Player does not have to be open for media sharing to function. The computer and PS3 only need to be connected to the same router. The router should be UPnP enabled (Universal Plug-n-Play, don't worry, most routers now-a-days are UPnP).

Be sure to remember to add files to the Windows Media Player library so they will be shared. Media Player can automatically scan for files. When I browse files on my PS3, I tend to browse by folder, so I don't worry about organization within Media Player or playlists.

***If you are not sure on what to do on this step, do the following:

1) Click on Tools in the title bar
2) Click on Options
3) Click on Library
4) Click on Configure Sharing
5) Click on Settings
6) Make sure Allow New Devices and Computers Automatically is checked
7) Make sure All Ratings are checked
8) Click on OK