Computer shows up on "Now Playing" list but doesn't show .tivo files saved on compute

[iigot2bme]

I am re-posting my issue so that maybe someone can finally help. The following was originally posted on 12-31-07 and it is now 2-7-08 and I have the same problem and no answers:

I have two TiVos, a Series 2 DT and a single tuner (which I believe is also a Series 2). Both are networked trough my computer using TiVos wireless USBs. My computer is connected to the internet through a Linksys wireless router (Wireless-G Broadband Router model: WRT54G version 2) plugged into my cable modem (Scientific Atlanta 2100 from Charter Cable) and the TiVos are wirelessly connected to the Linksys. I can successfully download/transfer recorded shows from either TiVo to my computer using TiVo Desktop 2.5.1. I can also access and download movies from Amazon Unbox to my TiVos and the TiVo service can access both of my TiVos. Both TiVos can access each other.

I'm on a PC running Windows XP Media Center Ed w/SP2 if that makes a difference.

Here's the problem. My computer shows up in the "Now Playing List" on both TiVos, however, none of the recordings that are stored on my computer in the "My TiVo Recordings" file will show up on either TiVo. I get a message on the TiVo that reads: "The [computer] PC's Now Playing List could not be displayed because it is unavailable."

Why is it "unavailable"?

All the shows in the "My TiVo Recordings" file are .tivo files. (I don't need the TiVo Desktop Plus and a Plus Key because I'm not trying to transfer anything but .tivo files.) The .tivo files will play on my computer with a media player, but they don't show up on my TiVo.

TivoBeacon is running, TiVoServer is running, TiVoNotify is running, and TiVoTransfer is running.

Both TiVos are connecting to the network at 85-100%.

I have tried rebooting the computer and the modem and the Linksys. I tried rebooting both the TiVos and I still get the same message about the computer being unavailable. (I have done this several time to no avail.)

I also tried disabling the Windows Firewall and turned it back on after it didn't work either. Other than whatever filters are in the Linksys router, I have no other firewalls. And no idea how to manipulate the Linksys settings (my dad set this up for me, but he also has no clue why I can't access my recordings saved to my computer files from the TiVo because he has no issues with his).

The Linksys is set to open WEP if that makes a difference.

In FILE -> PREFERENCES my recording files are here:
C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\My Documents\My TiVo Recordings

The little Tivo Guy is showing up on my PC in the lower right corner and there is no X.

In Tivo Server Properties, the Access Control Tab, the Automatic (share only with my home network) IS selected.

I have posted this same question on TiVo Inc.'s Help Forums and on WeaKnees TiVo Forums and have had little to no help in the matter. I'm hoping someone here can shed some light on the subject.

And I hate to sound like a total idiot, but while I am great with troubleshooting and correcting software issues, I suck at hardware issues (which I'm betting this is). In the spirit of time and my frustration, if you post a possible solution, could you please be very specific and detailed in you post? I'm willing to give anything a good old college try, I just need all the steps to do it.

Thanks in advance -

[greg_burns]

In FILE -> PREFERENCES my recording files are here:
C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\My Documents\My TiVo Recordings

Does your registry key here match?

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-2025429265-492894223-1343024091-1003\Software\TiVo\Desktop\Modules\TivoNowPlaying\config\Loc alRootPath

[greg_burns]

I would try removing all but one .tivo file from your My Tivo Recordings folder. See if it works. Maybe you have a corrupt one that is hosing something.

[scandia101]

I'd do a system restore to a point in time where I knew it was working. If I didn't have a restore point from that far back, or if this didn't work I'd move the files from 'My TiVo Recordings' to another folder, delete the Tivo recordings folder, uninstall tivo desktop and then reinstall.

[NJ_HB]

By chance, are you using an external drive?
Make sure the desktop is pointing to the correct 'My TiVo Recordings' folder. (Computer vs Ext Drive)
Also on the TiVo, navigate to to Music, Photos and More (??) allowing the TiVo to recurse the various folders and then back out to the main screen.
Now check the now playing list for your files saved on the computer.
Hope this works.

[worachj]

You may need to enable UPnP (universal plug and play) on your router. I think the WRT54G by default has it enabled, but you should check. It seems that the router is blocking your TiVo’s access to your computer, since you tried disabling the computers firewalls and that did'nt work. So check your router.

You need to log into your router by entering http://192.168.1.1 into your browser. Enter your user name and password. And then navagate to the following page in your router (See attached image).

[worachj]

As a test I disabled UPnP on my router and my TiVo was still able to pull shows off my computer. So UPnP is not your problem. Ignore my previous post.

However, I was able to duplicate your problem when I closed the ports needed by TiVo on my computer. So verify that your firewall or some other type of software is not blocking the ports needed by TiVo. Disable all firewalls and try your TiVo transfer. Good luck!

My XP firewall looks like the following attachments.

[worachj]

You might want to update your routers firmware if you haven’t done so. Linksys is always releasing firmware fixes so I would recommend getting the latest and greatest firmware update. Just make sure to get the correct version for your router (I believe you said WRT54G version 2).

[greg_burns]

You might want to update your routers firmware if you haven’t done so. Linksys is always releasing firmware fixes so I would recommend getting the latest and greatest firmware update. Just make sure to get the correct version for your router (I believe you said WRT54G version 2).

A version 2 WRT54G can install DD-WRT (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dd-wrt), IIRC. ;)