Windows – How to set up Windows 7 Professional as a NAS

media-centernaswindows 7

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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Best Answer

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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