Do I need a new router?

[UncleDave]

Hey guys.

My problem: From my Windows XP desktop, Windows Media Player 11 is sharing media just fine to other PCs and to my PS3, but when I try to access it from my XBOX it complains that it "Cant connect to the PC. A firewall may be blocking the connection." I have no software firewall on the media player PC and as I said it works fine for other devices so that cant be the problem.

Things I've tried so far: checking that SSDP, WMP and other required services are enabled. Turning off media sharing and then back on again. Removing the XBOX from the list of devices and then letting it connect again. Using a UTP cable instead of wireless. Opening port 1900 on the router.

From what I read on countless web pages, it OUGHT to be as simple as setting up sharing (which I've done) and then choosing the computer on the XBOX. But on one page a guy said he replaced his router and it started working. I dont want to do that unless I've exhausted all the easier and/or cheaper options, but I cant think of anything else to try.

So, any ideas?

[PapaZeb]

Cheap test -
get a small switch.
Give PC and XBox static IPs in the same subnet.
Attempt to connect.

The routing portion of the router should mean sweet fuck all for local traffic. Nothing is being passed through the firewall, opening ports only opens it from the outside world in. Could have issues with the way the switch inside the router is passing traffic (very long shot)

Personally, I use TVersity instead of Windows Media for sharing, have no issues with it (and the advantage of being able to watch my media library from outside my house through a browser is pretty awesome)

[UncleDave]

Originally Posted by PapaZeb

Cheap test -
get a small switch.
Give PC and XBox static IPs in the same subnet.
Attempt to connect.

The routing portion of the router should mean sweet fuck all for local traffic. Nothing is being passed through the firewall, opening ports only opens it from the outside world in. Could have issues with the way the switch inside the router is passing traffic (very long shot)

Personally, I use TVersity instead of Windows Media for sharing, have no issues with it (and the advantage of being able to watch my media library from outside my house through a browser is pretty awesome)

Cheers mate, I downloaded TVersity, and bizarrely enough, the XBOX will play stuff shared through it no problem. Strange situation though. I can play stuff shared using MS software on a non-MS device, or I can play stuff shared using non-MS software on an MS device, but I cant get stuff shared by MS software on an MS device.

Still, its working and thats the main thing! Thanks again.