OSX - Importing Media Library

[syfodyas]

Hi there,

I've read through the guide on importing media but can't get it to work.

(http://droidboxforums.com/threads/how-to-import-your-media-into-xbmcs-library.26)

I'm on a Mac with Mavericks so I'm not sure if the setup is any different, but I've made sure I'm sharing the correct folder using SMB and no joy. I don't suppose you can help? Or provide a step by step guide for Mac users that I can follow?

Thank you.

 

[ChrisM]

I've not got a Mac here, but let's go through the basics...

If you use ES File Explorer on your DroidBOX device, scroll to the right (once I think, until it shows a network tab) and click on the New + option at the bottom. Select LAN. Leave Domain empty, then enter the IP address, user name and pwd that you're trying to use in XBMC.
If you do that, can you view the contents of your shared folder on the Mac? Can you open one of the files there?
If not, we'll know your Mac needs attention in terms of network shares.
If you can, then we know we need to look at which point it goes wrong in XBMC, and if any error messages are displayed.

 

[syfodyas]

Hi @SilentlyScreaming, thanks as ever for your help.

When I try the above, I get a "Error, cannot find the server" message..

This is a screenshot of my 'Sharing' settings in mac System Preferences, which may help. Both the Mac and Droidbox are on the same network, Mac contacted via Ethernet, and Droidbox wirelessly.

 

[ChrisM]

Are you using the IP address ( 192.168.0.12 ) or the (NETBIOS name I think) network name ( Richards-iMac I'm guessing from that screenshot ) when you try to access the Mac on your network? Whichever you're currently using, try the other. From the fact that it isn't working in ES File Explorer, we at least know that this isn't an XBMC-specific issue. Do you have another device with WiFi or an ethernet port at home? If so, try accessing your Mac on that with the same details. We'll get to the bottom of this one way or another!

 

[syfodyas]

Okay, so I've tried in the server field of ES File Explorer:

192.168.0.12
smb://192.168.0.12
afp://192.168.0.12
Richards-iMac.local

None of which work. Interestingly the smb and afp addresses show a message saying "Adding server, please wait a minute..." before saying "error, cannot find server".

I don't have any other devices really to try to access the Mac from. I do however have another Mac downstairs. In the past, I've been able to access my shared folders on that Mac, but having just checked, the Mac downstairs cannot connect to the Mac I'm on now, so it must be something to do with the sharing preferences, but I'm stumped as to what else I can change?

 

[ChrisM]

I'd try pinging your main Mac (from your one downstairs) -
Take the following steps to run a ping on Macintosh OS X:

• Double-click the Macintosh hard drive.
• Double-click the Applications folder.
• Double-click the Utilities folder.
• Double-click the Network Utility icon to open the Network Utility window.
• Click the Ping tab.

(Thank you google )
If you can't ping the machine, I'd assume other network related comms aren't going to help.
If you CAN get a response from your Mac, try temporarily creating a new folder somewhere, and sharing that. Hmm, except the process is failing at the IP stage, not a specific folder. Ignore this sentence.
Check the firewall info link here - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1549 and make sure you're not blocking those types of comms.

Maybe try reversing the process - install the last app mentioned in this thread - http://droidboxforums.com/threads/local-network-based-apps.101/ - Samba File Sharing. Once set up, see if you can access your Android network share on the Mac downstairs first. If you can, try it on the troublesome Mac. If you can access the Android share on BOTH devices, I'm not sure what it proves. If you can't access the Android share on EITHER device, then I think it might be worth checking your modem/router's firewall for any strange rules in place. If you can ONLY access your Android's network share on the downstairs Mac, we've fairly conclusively traced network comms issues to the settings on your main Mac.

Sorry this is all so theoretical, I've not got access to a Mac, and it has been quite a few years since I used one.

 

[syfodyas]

Hi, sorry for the delayed response. I actually installed the new OSX Yosemite on both Macs over the weekend, which then meant I could share between the two.

I then tried to add the network again on XMBC and it showed up, so all working!

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Fongy]

I am really glad this thread exists, as I am having the same issue. I am unable to connect to my iMac via XBMC/ES File explorer.

Of course, I have read Syfodyas's and Silent's posts above. I am getting exactly the same message 'Error Cannot Find the Server' in ES File Explorer, and Error 2 in the XBMC add file menu.

I have tried the following steps:

1. Complete reinstall of OS X Yosemite on the iMac.
2. Tried connecting to folders on my iMac through my other computer, MacBook Pro (which was successful).
3. Tried pinging to the iMac from the MacBook, which is successful.
4. Tried SMB and AFP.

It's pretty much the main reason I bought the new x7, so I will be gutted if I can't get this to work.

If it makes a difference, I am using a VirginMedia superhub, with both devices connected to the '2G' network. Are there any settings I need to change from within the router do you think?

I would really appreciate some help as I have ran out of ideas.

Cheers

 

[ChrisM]

If your SuperHub admin inteface has a DMZ setting, try putting the iMac in it, if that doesn't help, try putting the DroidBOX device in it. It is possible neither will help. If one does allow sharing, then we know we need to open up ports in SuperHub's firewall. Don't leave either device in the DMZ after testing, it basically opens up the device to anything anyone sends it.

Have you tried using ES File Explorer on your DroidBOX device to connect to the iMac? Are you using the iMac's IP address or the NetBIOS name on your DroidBOX device?

 

[Jones]

Hi My macbook is 13-inch Late 2007 running OSX Lion 10.7.5. I am having trouble setting up either through es or xbmc. I've looked at the link but cannot figure out how to do this. I have set-up file sharing, tried all the different ways, i have pinged it, which comes back, and it still cannot connect to my droidbox. Can anyone help please?

 

[ChrisM]

Try opening the ES File Explorer app on your device, then expanding the Network tab on the left. Now LAN, then New. Enter in your Mac's details, and see if the share is accessible in ES File Explorer. This will give us a start at least.