Connecting Boxee Box to Windows 7 content?

[Pyrophorics]

I cant connect to the content on my Windows 7 machine. Boxee Box keeps asking for a username and password. I tried my login for that computer, tried the login for Boxee, tried the login for that computer but the Homegroup password and then tried disabling password protection on the computer altogether and nothing works. It doesnt even reject the login info, it just keeps asking for it over and over...

How the heck do you connect to shared content on a Windows 7 machine? The content was shared with the Homegroup at first but since then I have changed it to shared with everyone.

[dylm]

Same issue here. Was told to wait for 1.0 update but this still occurrs after the update.

[Pyrophorics]

Oh wow! The absolute ONLY reason I purchased this device and it doesn't work.

Ok, not to be harsh but I will give it 24 hours. In the meantime, I am going to purchase a WDLive and compare.

Judging by look of the couple posts on these forums and D-Link customer support (called them and they weren't helpful), I have a feeling this Boxee is going back.

Maybe in a year .. or three it will be there.

[jrcplexi]

It was the only reason I purchased it also and it still wont work after the update. Still wants a user name and password.

[Drone-01]

It was the only reason I purchased it also and it still wont work after the update. Still wants a user name and password.

search the forums or just look at the top 10 - the solution is out there.

[gmd024]

I assume you're using a wired network

Did you check to see if the security settings in W7 are set for 'everyone' -- did you try logging in w/user and p-word blank

Double check all sharing and security settings and reboot all devices in the network loop - PC Router BBox switch(s) (in the correct order)

And one thing I forgot to mention (as reminded by another forum poster) uninstall Windows Live ID sign in assistant - this has been a know cause for some network issues with media players

[Pyrophorics]

Have tried both wired and wireless but for my purpose it must eventually run wireless.

I tried with no login info and tried restarting all the devices. Double checked, all sharing options are properly set as far as I know they should be.

I dont have Windows Live Assistant but do have Live essentials 2011.

[Peteostro]

Have tried both wired and wireless but for my purpose it must eventually run wireless.

I tried with no login info and tried restarting all the devices. Double checked, all sharing options are properly set as far as I know they should be.

I dont have Windows Live Assistant but do have Live essentials 2011.

uninstall Live essentials 2011 and reboot

[gmd024]

Have tried both wired and wireless but for my purpose it must eventually run wireless.

I tried with no login info and tried restarting all the devices. Double checked, all sharing options are properly set as far as I know they should be.

I dont have Windows Live Assistant but do have Live essentials 2011.

If you have Live essentials then you have Windows Live Assistant - as Peteostro suggests - uninstall it

I pretty much have avoided anything 'Windows Live' for a number of reasons - your issue being one of them - the only reason I have a live ID is to get a free domain for my HP WHS - and I still keep looking over my shoulder because of it

[dylm]

Uninstalled Live Essentials and still no luck :confused:

[Peteostro]

Uninstalled Live Essentials and still no luck :confused:

any other windows live stuff installed?

[timbudtwo]

Uninstalled Live Essentials and still no luck :confused:

It is an issue with many people. Check the huge rant thread.

[gmd024]

Uninstalled Live Essentials and still no luck :confused:

I won't have my BBox till tomorrow so I don't know what to tell you

I do remeber having trouble getting 2 other networked media players to see my shared content thru W7 - I just kept double checking the shares and security settings and rebooting the included devices until it all eventually worked

As Peteostro mentioned, double check for any other 'Live' junk on your sysyem

And I doubt if this will help - but check...control panel/Folder options/View/Show hidden files, folders, drives - and bullet that option and OK it - probably won't help to display a hidden installed 'Live' folder - but you never know - I'm grasping at straws - and Windows/Live can be elusive at times

[Pyrophorics]

Ok, I unistalled and it partially works. Some stuff still asks for passwords, some folders dont show up at all and some works fine.

I use Windows Live Messenger so I am not willing to keep that uninstalled just to access media and only partially at that!

It is funny having searched these forums. The only mods responding kept banking on the patch released today, not much they can say now that it still doesn't work properly.

[gmd024]

Ok, I unistalled and it partially works. Some stuff still asks for passwords, some folders dont show up at all and some works fine.

I use Windows Live Messenger so I am not willing to keep that uninstalled just to access media and only partially at that!

It is funny having searched these forums. The only mods responding kept banking on the patch released today, not much they can say now that it still doesn't work properly.

Not sure if it's fair to blame the Mods, Boxee or V1 for what may be a windows/live issue - especially since a lot of other BBox users are not having this same issue

You mention that you uninstalled "some" of the windows junk and some folders are accessable - maybe a test is in order, by uninstalling Messenger to see if the other folders show up - save your contacts list if you do and reinstall messanger if the issue persists -- most likely the only way to be sure - unless you do the wait-and-see-if-someone-else does it - which may be a looong time

Good luck - hope you find a resolution :)

[tyx2]

i had the same problems with my xbox 360 & W7 still can't get it to read my e:\ tried all the tips that people have posted I kinda wondering if the issues in here are boxee or w7.

[ingoldsby]

I mentioned this in another thread, but if you have your media on a USB external like I do, just hook it directly into boxee and use boxee to share it with your windows machine. I actually think this is a win7/vista issue, not so much a boxee issue.

[clovis8]

I mentioned this in another thread, but if you have your media on a USB external like I do, just hook it directly into boxee and use boxee to share it with your windows machine. I actually think this is a win7/vista issue, not so much a boxee issue.

It's 100% not a windows issue. Right now, on the exact same machine with the exact same folder, I can stream video to my xbox via tversity.

BB cannot connect to the very same folder on the very same computer.

[dylm]

any other windows live stuff installed?

Got rid of Office Live as well and no beans unfortunately...appreciate the help though!

[gmd024]

There is a registry tweak in this post that I take no responsability for if something goes arie

This info is taken from the Box Office media player forum and has helped some W7 network issues...try at your own risk
-----------------

Firstly, configure Sharing and Discovery:

1. Navigate to the Network and Sharing Center via the Control Panel
2. Click on the down arrow icons and select ON/OFF as follows:
Network Discovery - ON
File Sharing - ON
Public Folder Sharing - OFF
Printer Sharing - ON
Password Protected Sharing - OFF
Media Sharing - OFF


Next, configure the folder you want to share:

1. Select the folder
2. Right-click and choose 'Share' from the menu
3. From the drop-down box select the Everyone (All users in this list) account, making sure permissions are set to 'Reader'
4. Click the buttons Add, Share and Done.



Here are some further registry 'tweaks' if this doesn't work:

WARNING: This requires editing your PC's registry which, if edited incorrectly, can cause Windows systems to become unstable and unusable. So, follow the instructions below at your own risk. - we are not responsible for any damage caused by following these steps.

1. Navigate to the following location in the registry editor (search regedit in the start button).
MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\
2. On the right side, double-click on 'everyoneincludesanonymous' and change the 'Value data' from '0' to '1'
3. Double-click on 'NoLmHash' and change the 'Value data' from '1' to '0'
4. Navigate to the following location in the registry editor:
MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanManSe rver\Param eters
5. Double-click on 'restrictnullsessaccess' and change the 'Value data' from '1' to '0'
6. Close the registry editor


Finally, restart your PC

[SHollywood]

[Firstly, configure Sharing and Discovery:

1. Navigate to the Network and Sharing Center via the Control Panel
2. Click on the down arrow icons and select ON/OFF as follows:
Network Discovery - ON
File Sharing - ON
Public Folder Sharing - OFF
Printer Sharing - ON
Password Protected Sharing - OFF
Media Sharing - OFF

This IS what you need to do. Also, you should create an additional User Account on your Windows 7 machine. Reboot it.

Your Boxee should recognize your machine after turning on Network Discovery as Machine Name (Samba). You select that machine and it will show all of your shared folders(you need to share out your folders). Share the folders to Everyone and/or the user account you created. When you enter a folder for the first time, it will probably ask for User/Pass....use the User/Pass of the additional User Account you created.

I actually have Password protected sharing ON....

Also make sure you select HOME network on your network and sharing center.

[clovis8]

There is a registry tweak in this post that I take no responsability for if something goes arie

This info is taken from the Box Office media player forum and has helped some W7 network issues...try at your own risk
-----------------

Firstly, configure Sharing and Discovery:

1. Navigate to the Network and Sharing Center via the Control Panel
2. Click on the down arrow icons and select ON/OFF as follows:
Network Discovery - ON
File Sharing - ON
Public Folder Sharing - OFF
Printer Sharing - ON
Password Protected Sharing - OFF
Media Sharing - OFF


Next, configure the folder you want to share:

1. Select the folder
2. Right-click and choose 'Share' from the menu
3. From the drop-down box select the Everyone (All users in this list) account, making sure permissions are set to 'Reader'
4. Click the buttons Add, Share and Done.



Here are some further registry 'tweaks' if this doesn't work:

WARNING: This requires editing your PC's registry which, if edited incorrectly, can cause Windows systems to become unstable and unusable. So, follow the instructions below at your own risk. - we are not responsible for any damage caused by following these steps.

1. Navigate to the following location in the registry editor (search regedit in the start button).
MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\
2. On the right side, double-click on 'everyoneincludesanonymous' and change the 'Value data' from '0' to '1'
3. Double-click on 'NoLmHash' and change the 'Value data' from '1' to '0'
4. Navigate to the following location in the registry editor:
MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanManSe rver\Param eters
5. Double-click on 'restrictnullsessaccess' and change the 'Value data' from '1' to '0'
6. Close the registry editor


Finally, restart your PC

Ok so doing this got me a LITTLE BIT CLOSER. The BB now sees my computer and adds it to sources. I can see my folder on the BB but when I try to access the folders it asked for a password!

This is a total joke.

[jeanpnadeau]

Just my another two cents. I had a tech wizard who came to fix my problem with not being able to access drive C of my Windows 7 computer. He tried several things, then checked my firewall (part of Norton Internet Security). He turned it off and voila! He turned it back on set an exception and it works perfect since...

[dylm]

You are THE MAN gmd024!!! The network and file sharing settings did the trick (and didn't need the registry tweaks).

Awesome :D

[dylm]

Ok so doing this got me a LITTLE BIT CLOSER. The BB now sees my computer and adds it to sources. I can see my folder on the BB but when I try to access the folders it asked for a password!

This is a total joke.

Clovis, if you right click on the directory and click on Share on the sharing tab, I found removing "homegroup" and adding "Everyone" seemed to work for me.

[hammadurb]

I just uninstalled Windows Live Sign In Manager and it worked instantly. I had to enter the username/password only once.

[clovis8]

Clovis, if you right click on the directory and click on Share on the sharing tab, I found removing "homegroup" and adding "Everyone" seemed to work for me.

Well holy crap there you go I got it!

[SHollywood]

NEVER use Homegroup for ANYTHING!!!!

[Prospero424]

Yeah, the idea of Homegroup, from an architectural standpoint, was to address issues exactly like this one: file sharing and access permissions. Most people just don't have a clue beyond just enabling sharing with the default settings, and they inevitably run into problems like these. Homegroup would have solved this IF it were cross-platform and IF its implementation was consistent.

But Microsoft being Microsoft, these two things were treated as afterthoughts. It's almost as if all they cared about was Homegroup working properly with Windows Media Center, Windows Media Player, and the Xbox360 and that everyone else could just go screw themselves. Perish the thought.

As mentioned above: the big thing is adding the "Everyone" group to each of your shares. The additional steps detailed above will be necessary for some, depending on individual setups.

SMB/CIFS can be a bit clunky if you're not thinking about these access issues from the very beginning, but at least it friggin' works.

[Pixeldoode]

Well holy crap there you go I got it!

Yeah - I still can't get access to my SAMBA File Source. I get an "Error - Connection Time Out" message. I don't even get the option to try and log in...

Any one have this issue?

[Prospero424]

Yeah - I still can't get access to my SAMBA File Source. I get an "Error - Connection Time Out" message. I don't even get the option to try and log in...

Any one have this issue?

So you can see your share listed within the Boxee Box, but it times out when you try to access it?

Sounds like a firewall or network segmentation issue.

[jasonjm]

this is ridiculous

they obviously didn't test this product AT ALL

i have followed every instruction here including regedit

I can finally see the samba shares now, but when i click to add, still asks for username and password and none are accepted

i am sure amazon are going to get a mountain of returns at this rate

[jasonjm]

boxee version 1.01.16125

windows 7 x64 ultimate

frustration beyond frustration

guess what I do for a living? Cisco CCIE and server engineer, I setup and config complicated networks and servers all day long for the last 15 years. I can install a complex VMware server farm, SAN, and load balanced high availability firewall, but I can't watch movies on a boxee device.

lol

[Prospero424]

And you're SURE you've added the "Everyone" group to the specific share you're trying to access? It couldn't hurt to double check, if you haven't already.

If you're seeing the share and you're getting prompted for a login, Boxee is obviously connecting to the share. Your problem HAS to be permissions-related.

[jasonjm]

I am 100% sure

Like I said, I do this for a living, all day, every day

to top off the frustration, under the UPNP part of boxee file sources, it sees the default windows shares fine, you know, music, videos, pictures..... those it will just open no problems

and it also sees my SQUEEZEBOX media player UPNP share no problem, it loaded all the music off there just fine

[SHollywood]

Create a new user account with a password and use that...or enable Guest account and leave password blank.

[Pixeldoode]

boxee version 1.01.16125

windows 7 x64 ultimate

frustration beyond frustration

guess what I do for a living? Cisco CCIE and server engineer, I setup and config complicated networks and servers all day long for the last 15 years. I can install a complex VMware server farm, SAN, and load balanced high availability firewall, but I can't watch movies on a boxee device.

lol

I'm having the same issues. I can access the files through UPNP but not through the SAMBA share. I keep getting the "Loading Error - Could not access file, directory or device" screen. I have tried everything that I can based on the recommendations here. I have a DSM-510, and Xbox 360 and the HP MediaSmart Connect and all of those work fine. Getting nearly ready to drop kick the Boxee...

[jasonjm]

ok, got it working, wow, 1 hour of time

final step that did it for me was to disable all windows firewalls in control panel

then it no longer asked for password

re-enabled windows firewall afterwards and it still seems to be connected and says "scanning"

I see that under the boxee device folder options for scanning, the always option is now gone, best one is now daily?

[Pixeldoode]

ok, got it working, wow, 1 hour of time

final step that did it for me was to disable all windows firewalls in control panel

then it no longer asked for password

re-enabled windows firewall afterwards and it still seems to be connected and says "scanning"

I see that under the boxee device folder options for scanning, the always option is now gone, best one is now daily?

When I turn off my firewall I now get a "Error - Connection timed out" dialog screen. Geez - what next?

[jasonjm]

I'm having the same issues. I can access the files through UPNP but not through the SAMBA share. I keep getting the "Loading Error - Could not access file, directory or device" screen. I have tried everything that I can based on the recommendations here. I have a DSM-510, and Xbox 360 and the HP MediaSmart Connect and all of those work fine. Getting nearly ready to drop kick the Boxee...


mine was like that out of the box before i started config on windows

when you see the samba shares it should say lots like

COMPUTERA / MOVIES (Samba)
COMPUTERA / PORN (Samba)
COMPUTERA / FAMILYVIDEOS (Samba)


if you are just seeing

COMPUTERA (Samba)

with no / then its not seeing your shares at all

[Pixeldoode]

mine was like that out of the box before i started config on windows

when you see the samba shares it should say lots like

COMPUTERA / MOVIES (Samba)
COMPUTERA / PORN (Samba)
COMPUTERA / FAMILYVIDEOS (Samba)


if you are just seeing

COMPUTERA (Samba)

with no / then its not seeing your shares at all

Yeah - I don't see the / Movies (Samba) shares. What did you do to get them to show?

[ingoldsby]

So I have done all of the suggested things, including turning off my firewall and I can't get passed the screen asking for a username and password (and none work, it just bounces back to the entry screen again). I don't know wtf is going on - guess I'll just plug the drive back into the box.

[jasonjm]

i made another thread summarizing everything i did and everything i found after i got it working that doesn't work, all into one post, check that post all in one long list

[Pyrophorics]

Those registry tweaks actually made things worse for me. I have undone the changes and now have back what I had earlier, still missing certain folders.

I have made sure to share even those folders I am missing with everyone and they still don't show up.

I just got in WD Live and it has no problems what so ever with Essentials 2011. This is definitely a Boxee or Boxee Box problem.

The mere fact this device was shipped needing an update on day one that didn't seem to resolve anything is a prime example of a poor product, design and customer service.

Furthermore, the internal antenna is horrible with wireless N connections. All the G connections around my area have full bars. All the N connections around the area and including my own have 1 bar. That said, this may be a display issue as there does not seem to be any jittering during playback although web content is UNBELIEVABLY MIND BLOWING SLOOOOOW! Wait times of up to 5 minutes for simple cover art to populate on a handful of items.

That said, I still see potential with this device. I will play with WD Live and Boxee side by side for a month and see what the outcome is. Without any updating WD Live is the clear winner atm as it ACTUALLY WORKS. :/

[Number1]

[Firstly, configure Sharing and Discovery:

1. Navigate to the Network and Sharing Center via the Control Panel
2. Click on the down arrow icons and select ON/OFF as follows:
Network Discovery - ON
File Sharing - ON
Public Folder Sharing - OFF
Printer Sharing - ON
Password Protected Sharing - OFF
Media Sharing - OFF

This IS what you need to do. Also, you should create an additional User Account on your Windows 7 machine. Reboot it.

Your Boxee should recognize your machine after turning on Network Discovery as Machine Name (Samba). You select that machine and it will show all of your shared folders(you need to share out your folders). Share the folders to Everyone and/or the user account you created. When you enter a folder for the first time, it will probably ask for User/Pass....use the User/Pass of the additional User Account you created.

I actually have Password protected sharing ON....

Also make sure you select HOME network on your network and sharing center.

Sweet. This did it for me! Thank you so much for posting. I had been looking over and over at that screen and didn't realize all I had to do (in my case) was change password protected sharing to off. Thanks again.

[canuckle]

Not sure if it's fair to blame the Mods, Boxee or V1 for what may be a windows/live issue - especially since a lot of other BBox users are not having this same issue

You mention that you uninstalled "some" of the windows junk and some folders are accessable - maybe a test is in order, by uninstalling Messenger to see if the other folders show up - save your contacts list if you do and reinstall messanger if the issue persists -- most likely the only way to be sure - unless you do the wait-and-see-if-someone-else does it - which may be a looong time

Good luck - hope you find a resolution :)

I believe I only had Photo Gallery installed as one of the WL applications. It screwed up Boxee Box access. Once I uninstalled It was fine.

Windows Live also screws up authentication connecting to an IIS WEBDAV setup. I confirmed this with two Windows7 PC's. Uninstall WL and I could connect to the WEBDAV share. This is not just a Boxee problem as some posters seem to think. It's also a Microsoft to Microsoft problem.

[lartomar2002]

I believe I only had Photo Gallery installed as one of the WL applications. It screwed up Boxee Box access. Once I uninstalled It was fine.

Windows Live also screws up authentication connecting to an IIS WEBDAV setup. I confirmed this with two Windows7 PC's. Uninstall WL and I could connect to the WEBDAV share. This is not just a Boxee problem as some posters seem to think. It's also a Microsoft to Microsoft problem.

Definitely a Windows Live problem. Had the same problem and by removing it, I solved my sharing issues.

[Madeye]

And you're SURE you've added the "Everyone" group to the specific share you're trying to access? It couldn't hurt to double check, if you haven't already.

If you're seeing the share and you're getting prompted for a login, Boxee is obviously connecting to the share. Your problem HAS to be permissions-related.


Kudos for the "All" instead of "Homegroup" fix. I didn't uninstall MSN (I only have that one from the Live Essentials pack), no regedit tweaks, no firewall changes and no extra User Accounts. Just added "All" in the "Share files" option. Works perfectly now.
Thx guys :D

Oh, and btw... The Boxee Box worked just fine with my old Win XP System, so no need to blame the box, but rather Win 7's evil design of the securitysystem.