How to clear Extender connection data from your Xbox 360 and Media Center computer

This article discusses how to clear connection information from your Windows Media Center computer and from your Xbox 360.

When you connect your Xbox 360 console to a Media Center computer, your Xbox 360 console creates and stores information about the connection. This information is known as "connection data."

When you try to connect your Xbox 360 console to a Media Center computer after you use the console together with another Media Center computer, the two devices may not be able to connect. Because the connection data is specific to the version of Media Center that is running on the computer, connection data from one connection can prevent your console from connecting to another computer.

If you previously connected your console to one Media Center computer, and if you want to connect the console to a different Media Center computer, you must first remove any existing association between your Xbox 360 console and the computer. To remove an existing association between your Xbox 360 console and a Windows Media Center computer, follow these steps.

Steps on a Windows XP-based Media Center computer

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Media Center, and then click Media Center Extender Manager.
2. Select the Xbox 360 console, and then click Properties.
3. Click Remove.
4. Click Yes to confirm the removal.

Steps on a Windows Vista-based Media Center computer

1. Start Windows Media Center.
2. Click Tasks, and then click Settings.
3. Click Extender, and then select your Xbox 360 console.
4. Click Uninstall.

Steps on your Xbox 360 console

1. In the System Settings section of the Xbox Dashboard, select Computers.
2. Select Windows Media Center, and then press the A button.
3. Select Disconnect.
4. Press the B button repeatedly until you return to the System Settings section.
5. If the Xbox 360 console has a hard drive or a memory card, move to the System Settings section, and then select Memory.
6. Select Hard Drive or Memory Card, select Games, and then select your profile.
7. Select Xbox 360 Dashboard, and then select Windows Media Center.
8. Select Delete, and then press the A button.
9. Press the B button repeatedly until you return to the System Settings section.

For more information about Windows Media Center Extenders, please visit the following Microsoft Web site: