Windows 8.1, "Find Devices and Content" missing

Matth3w

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I posted this on the Microsoft forums as well, but I have yet to find a solution on Google....

The title pretty much says it all. I am trying to use PS Media Server with Windows 8.1, but honestly whatever app I am using is irrelevant. The problem is, when I try to connect my PS3 to PS3 Media Server, it seems to require me to go into the right side menu, click settings, then change PC settings, then click network and then under connections, click my network connection and turn on "Find Devices and Content"



However, as you can see from my screen shot, that option is missing.



I am on my PERSONAL laptop, connected to a private network (it doesn't matter if I use my wireless or wired connection direct to the router it doesn't show up either way). I have tried enabling and leaving a homegroup, neither of which works.



Windows 8.1 has been a giant disappointment thus far, and this just adds fuel to the fire.



FileDownloadHandler.ashx
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
UPDATE: Universal Media Server has much better options and is current.. Universal Media Server


Below you will find a guide which clearly outlines the necessary steps to use PS3 Media Server..

The Leaf: PS3 Media Server Configuration

Step 1 - Enabling UPnP on your Access Point / Router

Step 2 - Enabling UPnP on your Windows 8 box


**Make sure you have SSDP Discovery & UPnP Device Host set to Automatic**

Step 3 - Install the latest JAVA Runtime Environment (JRE)

Step 4 - Get and Install PS3 Media Server - https://code.google.com/p/ps3mediaserver/wiki/Download?tm=2

Step 5 - Configuring your local Firewall

** You must Allow a TCP connection using Port 5001 for inbound/outbound traffic**


Step 6 - Connect!

Start Media Server and wait for the PS3 to connect to it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Enterprise
Below you will find a guide which clearly outlines the necessary steps to use PS3 Media Server..

The Leaf: PS3 Media Server Configuration

Step 1 - Enabling UPnP on your Access Point / Router

Step 2 - Enabling UPnP on your Windows 8 box


**Make sure you have SSDP Discovery & UPnP Device Host set to Automatic**

Step 3 - Install the latest JAVA Runtime Environment (JRE)

Step 4 - Get and Install PS3 Media Server - https://code.google.com/p/ps3mediaserver/wiki/Download?tm=2

Step 5 - Configuring your local Firewall

** You must Allow a TCP connection using Port 5001 for inbound/outbound traffic**


Step 6 - Connect!

Start Media Server and wait for the PS3 to connect to it.
I already have done all this stuff. That blog is from 2009 before windows 8. Windows 8 and PMS require that you do what I outlined in my post. I don't need to get help setting up PMS I need help figuring out why windows is missing a critical feature on my device and how to remedy it.

Thank you you for the help. But if you go here you will see what I am talking about with windows 8.

PS3 Media Server ? View topic - PS3 Media Server and Windows 8

windows 7 i have never had an issue and all of this is properly configured. Windows 8 doesn't work. Because of the mentioned setting.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Have you tried Universal Media Server, according to the spec's it is better and newer then PS3 Media Server.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Enterprise
Again. That doesn't solve the problem. Forget WHAT I'm using. Assume I'm just a user trying to find a missing option.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
That doesn't work. It's a laptop without a network adapter. And I just bought a new network USB adapter for it yesterday as well. It doesn't show up as an option like it shows in your edited link on either the network adapter or the built in wireless adapter.

Tell you guys what. Since this is such an annoying problem I will paypal someone $50 to figure it out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
It seems like that setting would be functional only if Network Discovery "Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices" and File and Printer sharing were enabled at the Advanced Sharing settings via the Network and Sharing Center.

It might also be required to set the network as Private in order for the setting to show up.

In fact I found the following statement in the link at the bottom of the page where many others have this same problem> Notice the part in bold. I think it's humorous that these people are calling it a work around when in reality the Network Discovery setting is completely standard procedure.

First off - thanks for pushing this. I'm running a Surface 2 Pro and having the exact same issue as you are. It blows my mind that this is a known issue and the best MSFT can do is give us the runaround...

I've not found a solution to turn on "Find devices and Content", but I found a workaround that has allowed me to find devices on my networks.

I went to Windows Firewall and followed the link to Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall. I looked at the settings, and saw that Network Discovery was turned off. I changed the settings to allow Network Discovery on Private networks, and am good to go.

Not sure if you've tried this or not, and also not sure if this directly addresses your problem, but I thought you might be interested.


Four more pages with the same complaint > Missing Network Settings - "Find Devices and Content" - Microsoft Community

There are other possible causes and solutions in the link, such as setting up another User account to test for User account corruption.

I'm pretty sure that will fix the issue, it would be nice if it was reported back in even though there was never any real issue in the first place. :geek:
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
That doesn't work. It's a laptop without a network adapter. And I just bought a new network USB adapter for it yesterday as well. It doesn't show up as an option like it shows in your edited link on either the network adapter or the built in wireless adapter.

Tell you guys what. Since this is such an annoying problem I will paypal someone $50 to figure it out.

I was wondering if you'd figured this out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WinWin8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Good ole D830
    CPU
    9300
    Memory
    8g
If its not too late, I found a solution. Just uninstall your anti-virus... I had the same prob as you do. Disabling your anti-virus wont help, uninstall it for good.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
Fix

Open regedit, navigate to
Code:
[COLOR=#333333]HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles[/COLOR]

Browse through the subkeys to find your network, change Category to 1.

PM for PayPal details ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
I registered here to answer this question with some specifics as someone touched on the topic of the Virus Protection, but uninstalling "Virus Protection" itself entirely is not necessary and not recommended, but rather look at the program and see if it is an "Internet Security" package.

It does point one in the right direction and I found that it was my few decades of experience with Windows that led me to believe that there always would be a "button on the Windows side" and a "button on the firewall side", but with Windows 8.1 it can be a little confusing when it comes to "Internet Security" programs that include Virus Protection.

I have seen this now with both Symantec and Kaspersky, but in short Windows basically turns the keys over to your chosen Internet Security (firewall) program and your choices are handled through that application. We all know that aftermarket Internet Security programs disable and take over the role of Windows Firewall, but I didn't expect the network profile and sharing options to be handled by it as well.

By setting the Kaspersky firewall's network location to "Local" or "Trusted", this does NOT reflect the status of the profile as anything other than "Public" for a vanilla connection. However, file sharing and network discovery is allowed through Kaspersky as a function of that setting even though the setting for Public is to NOT allow.

In essence, even though you're not officially notified on the Network and Sharing Center\Advanced Sharing Settings screen that Kaspersky (or other) is handling this like you do with the Windows Firewall screen, essentially the duty for this is extended to that firewall program as well.

Basically it comes down to the fact that PART of the Windows 8.1 interface knows that the aftermarket firewall is there and turns off those options on the network connection menus, but doesn't let you know why. So, essentially it is a somewhat half-assed attempt to be intelligent and makes good logical sense, but it would be nice to at least place a banner above the "Advanced Sharing Settings" that they are controlled by your chosen firewall program.

Interestingly, my laptop is Windows 8.0 and my desktop is Windows 8.1 with both running the same version of Kaspersky Internet Security and 8.0 still displays the options while 8.1 does not. Perhaps Windows 10 will provide better communication.

I hope this helps everyone...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Based Homegrown
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-4790K
    Motherboard
    Asus Z79 Deluxe
    Memory
    16GB Corsair Dominator PC2400C9
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ATI Radeon 7800DC2
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG-UM3495 34" Ultra-Widescreen Display
    Screen Resolution
    3440x1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB x2 - RAID1 - OS
    Samsung 850 Pro 512GB - SQL Data / Work Drive
    Samsung 850 Pro 512GB - Games Drive
    Seagate 1TB 7200rpm System Backup & Storage
    PSU
    Corsair AX850i
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF 935
    Cooling
    Koolance Exos
    Keyboard
    Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Blue (2012)
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
    Internet Speed
    60Mbps/10Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox (Usually)
I had same issue with being unable to access my PS3 as a renderer. I installed the Universal Media Server as suggested and it had same problem. However, it suggested I go to the General Configuration tab and try another port than the default of 5001. I entered 5002 and it worked. Big green check icon popped up immediately. BTW UMS seems to work really well on my PS3.

I decided to uninstall the DivX and TVersity media servers thinking they might be using up available ports. Rebooted and then changed port on PS3 media server to 5003 and it worked. It sees the Playstation 3 and Windows Media Player as renderers.

Hope this helps someone.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
In my case the fix was to set UAC to the default level. After doing that I was able to see the "Find Devices and Content" toggle. After toggling it I set UAC back to the maximum setting.

Hope this helps.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
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