How to modify the server configuration file to avoid I/O limitations during fast-forward/rewind operations in Windows Media Services 9 Series

Microsoft Windows Media Services 9 Series lets a client fast-forward or rewind at a rate that is faster than real time. However, because of the amount of data that is being streamed during a fast-forward/rewind operation, the server may experience some disk I/O limitations. This article discusses how to modify the server configuration file to limit the maximum fast-forward/rewind rates.

Warning This article contains information about editing the namespace. Before you edit the namespace, verify that you have a backup copy that you can restore if a problem occurs. If you edit the namespace incorrectly, you can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall any product that uses the namespace. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems that result if you incorrectly edit the namespace can be solved. Edit the namespace at your own risk.

To change the maximum fast-forward/rewind rate, follow these steps:

1. Stop Windows Media Services by running the following command at a command prompt:
   net stop wmserver
2. Change to the following folder where the namespace file is located:
   %SystemRoot%\system32\windows media\server
3. In Notepad, open the ServerNamespace.xml file.
4. Locate the Other node in the namespace.
5. Add the following text under the Other node:

   <node name="MaxPlayRate" opcode="create" type="int32" value="0x5" />
   

   The value that is specified in the MaxPlayRate node limits the maximum fast-forward or rewind rate that the server will use. In this example, this value limits the server to a rate that is five times the typical rate of play.
6. Save and then close the ServerNamespace.xml file.
7. Start Windows Media Services by running the following command at a command prompt:
   net start wmserver

The following code describes the changes that were made to the ServerNamespace.xml file: