MB Server, Win 8.1 Firewall and Android/Roku apps

[nethawk 0]

While I've been using MB Classic with WMC extenders for some time, I've recently upgraded and installed both Android and Roku apps.   I've been unsuccessful in either of them connecting to the server on my LAN until now.

 

Windows 8.1 allowed apps firewall setting has two entries for Media Browser Server - one that allows public access, another that has only the Private networks box checked.  However, the private entry was not checked, and Windows Firewall would not allow me to change it.  Not until I created an inbound rule for the program and port could other LAN devices see my server.  Now all is well, with all three Android devices and two Roku now working correctly.

 

I don't know why the firewall setting could not be changed, nor why the crucial private setting was disabled.  Hopefully this will help others having connection problems.