Microsoft KB Archive/911739

= Xbox 360: You receive the “Invalid Connection Data” error message when you try to connect a Windows Media Center-based computer to an Xbox 360 console =

Article ID: 911739

Article Last Modified on 4/25/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Xbox
 * Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
 * Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002

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SYMPTOMS
When you try to connect a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition to an Xbox 360 console, you receive the following error message:

Invalid Connection Data

Information used to connect Xbox 360 to Windows XP Media Center is no longer valid. Select reconnect for instructions on how to create a new connection



CAUSE
Currently, the cause of this issue is unknown.



THINGS TO TRY
Important This article contains information that shows you how to help lower security settings or how to turn off security features on a computer. You can make these changes to work around a specific problem. Before you make these changes, we recommend that you evaluate the risks that are associated with implementing this workaround in your particular environment. If you implement this workaround, take any appropriate additional steps to help protect your system.  Make sure that you have the appropriate connectivity software installed on the Windows Media Center-based computer so that you can connect the computer to the Xbox 360 console. To do this, follow these steps:  Remove any earlier versions of Media Center Extender. To do this, follow these steps:  Click Start, click Run, and then type appwiz.cpl . In the Add or Remove Programs window, click Media Center Extender, and then click Remove. After the software is removed, restart the computer.  Install the latest version of Media Center Extender. To do this, follow these steps:  Visit the following Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/pcsetup

Note You may be prompted to install the Microsoft Update software if this software is not already available on the computer. If this is the case, follow these steps:  Click Start Now.</li> On the Review the license agreement page, click Continue.</li> Click Install.</li></ol> </li> Click Next.</li> Click Run, and then follow the instructions that appear on the screen to install the software.</li></ol> </li></ol> </li> If you still cannot connect after you download and install the connectivity software, disable the firewall on the Windows Media Center-based computer.

Warning This workaround may make your computer or your network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.

Note There are software firewall programs and routers that have built-in firewalls that can interfere with a network connection. For more information about how to disable the firewall, contact the firewall manufacturer.

Note This procedure has not been verified to resolve this issue. However, these steps may help you determine whether the issue is with the firewall on the computer or with the network itself.

To disable the Microsoft Windows Firewall, follow these steps:  Click Start, click Run, type firewall.cpl, and then click OK.</li> On the General tab, select Off (not recommended), and then click OK.</li></ol> </li> After you disable the Windows Firewall, disconnect the Xbox 360 console from the Windows Media Center-based computer. To do this, follow these steps:  In the System section of the Xbox 360 Dashboard, select Computers.</li> <li>Select Windows Media Center, and then press the A button.</li> <li>To disconnect the connection from the Windows Media Center-based computer, select Disconnect</li> <li>Press the B button repeatedly until you return to the System section.</li> <li>In the System section, select Memory.</li> <li>Select Hard Drive, select Games, and then select your profile.</li> <li>Select Xbox 360 Dashboard, and then select Windows Media Center.</li> <li>Select Delete, and then press the A button.</li> <li>Press the B button repeatedly until you return to the System section.</li></ol> </li> <li>Connect the Windows Media Center-based computer to the Xbox 360 console. To do this, follow these steps: <ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;"> <li>Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Media Center, and then click Media Center Extender Manager.</li> <li>On the File menu, click Add a new Xbox 360.</li> <li>Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to complete the connection to the Xbox 360.</li></ol> </li></ol>

If you can now connect the Xbox 360 console to the Windows Media Center-based computer, there may be a configuration issue with the firewall. For more information about how to configure the firewall, contact the firewall manufacturer.

Use one of the following methods to turn on the firewall or to turn on the filtering software again:
 * Right-click the icon in the taskbar, and then click Enable.
 * If you do not see Enable in the menu of options, contact your firewall or filtering software manufacturer for more information about how to turn on the software.
 * If the option to turn on the software is unavailable when you right-click the icon, restart the computer.

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MORE INFORMATION
For more information about how to connect a computer to an Xbox 360 console, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

909536 Xbox 360: How to connect an Xbox 360 console to a Windows XP-based computer

911728 Xbox 360: Firewall ports that you must open when you connect an Xbox 360 console to a Windows Media Center-based computer

For more information about how to modify Windows Firewall, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

308127 How to manually open ports in Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP

283673 How to turn on or turn off the firewall in Windows XP

For more information about firewall settings, visit the following Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/extender/setup/default.mspx

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