#If you already have an SMB share set up, feel free to skip ahead to Secção 3.2.1.2, “ #Setting up SMS to access the shared folder (PS2 side)# ”. Just make sure you note down the IP address of the SMB server and the Netbios name of the SMB server#

#The following instructions explain how to set up a windows share in WindowsXP home/professional.#

#Let's assume the folder D:/Shared/videos/ contains the media files you want to share. Navigate to this folder in windows explorer, then right click on the folder name 'videos' and click Sharing and Security...:#

Figura 3.4. #Setting up a windows XP share, step 1#

#In the box that opens up, click the option saying that you understand the security risks but want to share the files without the wizard.#

Figura 3.5. #Setting up a windows XP share, step 2#

#In the next box, click 'Just enable file sharing', then click OK.#

#Now the properties box will have changed, showing the network sharing options. Tick the box 'Share this folder on the network' and enter a share name, e.g. 'videos'. Leave the 'Allow network users to change my files' option un-ticked. This will make the share read-only.#

Figura 3.6. #Setting up a windows XP share, step 3#

#Next click OK (unless you are one of those people who feels more comfortable by unnecessarily clicking 'Apply' first). Either way, you'll now have a shared video folder. You should see a 'hand' underneath the folder icon:#

Figura 3.7. #Shared folder in windows XP#

#That's it. if you have another computer on your network, you may wish to test the share out before trying it on your PS2.#

#The next step is to configure SMS on your PS2 to access this new shared folder.#

#Open up a basic text editor such as windows notepad, and enter the following:#

<ip address of the SMB server (computer sharing the files)>
        <name of the SMB server>
        <name of the PS2 (any name will do)>
        <username (optional)>
        <password (optional)>

The name of the SMB server is found in My Computer > Properties > Computer Name > Full Computer Name. Type the name in CAPITALS, omitting the trailing '.' character. The PS2 name can be anything you want. The username and password are only required if your share is user or password restricted. If you have set up the share using the method described above, leave both blank. For example:

192.168.2.20
DTHP
Playstation2

Figura 3.8. #Saving the SMS.smb file#

#Now you must copy this SMS.smb file onto your memory card, into the SMS folder. As you've already got a networked PS2, I'm going to assume you'll use FTP to transfer the files (see Secção 2.3.1, “ #Copying SMS to your memory card using FTP# ” for how to set up an FTP connection). Copy the file to /mc/0/SMS/SMS.smb.#

Figura 3.9. #Screenshot of SMS.smb upload via FTP#

#Once the transfer is finished, restart your PS2 and load up SMS.#

#On the PS2: Load up SMS, then open the Device settings menu (press START, select Device settings..., press X.#

Figura 3.10. #Device settings menu#

#If the Autostart network option is turned on, turn it off:#

Figura 3.11. #Device settings menu (Autostart network disabled)#

#Press TRIANGLE to leave this menu, then select Save settings, from the main menu and press X. Now restart SMS.#

#Go back to the 'Device settings' menu, and scroll down, you should see a new option Network protocol. Press X to change this option to SMB/CIFS.#

Figura 3.12. #Device settings menu (Select SMB/CIFS Network protocol)#

#Now select Start network support and press X. After an Intialising Network... message, you should now see a new icon in the PS2 browser:#

Figura 3.13. #SMB share connected (right hand icon in top menu bar)#

#At this point you may wish to turn 'Autostart network' back on, if you do so, don't forget to Save settings afterwards. Press TRIANGLE to exit the menu, then RIGHT, RIGHT, X to select the network share:#

Figura 3.14. #Navigating an SMB share#

#Press X to navigate into the folder, then X as usual to play the file.#

Figura 3.15. #Navigating an SMB share - selecting file for playback#

Figura 3.16. #Playback started#