MacBook Air: Can't see Remote Disc (DVD or CD Sharing) host computer on the network

Resolution

Mac OS X Leopard firewalls

If your host is a Macintosh running Leopard, inspect your Security System preferences panel. (From the Apple menu, select System Preferences, click the Security icon then click the Firewall tab.)

• The default setting, labeled Allow all incoming connections, allows Disc Sharing to operate correctly on the host computer (shown below).
  
  


• The setting labeled Set access for specific services and applications also allows Remote Disc to operate on the host computer (shown below).
  
  
  
  Remote Disc applications are already 'signed' and authorized to operate correctly using this setting. You do not need to add them manually. For more information, see this article.

Note: Do NOT use the Allow only essential services setting. Remote Disc does not work with this setting.

Windows firewalls

Remote Disc for Windows software co-exists very well with built-in firewalls implemented in Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Vista. Third-party firewall software, however, may not allow Remote Disc for Windows to operate correctly.

You may need to modify your third-party firewall to allow Remote Disc for Windows programs to communicate over your network:

1. Look for a Control Panel for your third-party firewall software.
2. Add the following programs to the Program Control or Programs panel:
   
   • ODSAgent
   • RemoteInstallMacOSX
   These programs need full access to operate properly with your firewall.

Every third-party firewall vendor's implementation is unique. Consult your product documentation or the vendor's website for further information.