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I searched and didn't find any answers, so please forgive me if this is a repeat.

Anyway, I have an older computer that I'm using as an HTPC, and I was hoping that I could use it as a NAS/multimedia server, as well. My primary uses would include accessing content on my PS3 (same LAN), accessing content from other computers on my home network and (if I can) accessing content from my Android phone over the internet.

I have used SubSonic to stream music to my Android phone and other computers before, but I would really like to find a way to do this natively if possible. I know that I can buy external hard disk cases that can plug in the USB port of my router, that I can get a Drobo or other network storage solution, but I would really just rather not spend the money (especially considering that I already have a computer that I should be able to use).

Hardware involved:

  • Apple AirPort Extreme base station router (most recent revision)
  • Home Theater Personal Computer: Core 2 Duo @ 2.4GHz, 8GB DDR2 RAM, ~3.5TB hard drive space
  • Sony Playstaiton 3 Thin 120GB
  • HTC Thunderbolt (I have 4G coverage) rooted and running Android 2.2.1
  • Various Apple laptops
  • Various Windows 7 desktops/laptops

Thanks in advance!

Note- I have looked at open source NAS software but I would like to preserve the Windows Media Center functionality in Windows 7, so other NAS software is not an option for me currently.

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You might be better with using an open source NAS OS...superuser.com/questions/24794/… – Moab Apr 12 '11 at 15:16
More info here...superuser.com/questions/124978/how-do-i-build-a-diy-nas – Moab Apr 12 '11 at 15:17
I appreciate both of your comments, but I would like to preserve the Windows Media Center functionality, as well. This would involve not removing Windows 7 from the box. – Enyalius Apr 12 '11 at 15:20
3  
I'm not exactly clear what you're missing. You have the file server built into Windows already, and Windows Media Player can provide a streaming media service. What else do you want from your NAS box? – Christi Apr 12 '11 at 15:49
Christi, I really don't know how to set up the file server in Windows or how to set up WMP to provide streaming to mobile devices. Some instruction on how to properly configure this would be sincerely appreciated. – Enyalius Apr 12 '11 at 16:00
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2 Answers

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As Christi says in the comments, you have what you need to do what you want.

Here's some basics to get you started...

Sharing folders with Windows 7: "How do I share folders in Windows 7 with the Shared Folder Wizard?"

Streaming media with WMP: "Stream your media to devices and computers using Windows Media Player"

Hope that helps, and if you have further, more specific questions as you do this come back to SU and ask those questions.

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I use sharing folders in windows 7 and then a program like wild media server for streaming to xbox and PS3... There are freeware programs that will do the same thing

I also have had good success with the go flex seagate network hard drives, they aren't reviewed very well online but for streaming content to ps3 and xbox mine has worked flawless for 2 years and was just over 100 bucks for 2TB, plus I can access it anywhere, although the remote access feature is slow, anywhere on my home network it's quick and has been reliable!

I am trying to figure out if what NAS does that I don't already do?

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