Stream Windows Media files on demand

This quick start demonstrates how to use Windows Media Services to stream a single file from your server when a user requests it, also known as on-demand streaming. Users can start, stop, pause, fast-forward, and rewind the content they request by using controls on the player. From a user's perspective, on-demand streaming is similar to playing content on a DVD or CD player.

Windows Media Services requires no additional configuration and is ready for on-demand streaming. All you need to do is place the file that you want to stream in the default Windows Media Services content directory. The file can be either a Windows Media file or an .mp3 file.

1. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then locate the file you want to stream.
2. Copy the file to the %systemdrive%\Wmpub\WMRoot folder on your Windows Media server.

   Your server is now ready to stream the file.

For more information about testing your streaming content, see Testing a stream.

Note

• You can use announcements to direct users to your content. Announcements are metafiles that automatically open Windows Media Player and direct the Player to the content on a publishing point. For more information about announcements, see Working with the announcement wizards.

Related topics

• Understanding streaming media
• Quick starts