getting PS3 to recognize external usb drive connected to computer

[hoogoosedmoose41]

This is gonna probably be a dumb question to ask but here goes:
I have a 500 GB external USB drive connected to my Computer that I can stream music pictures and video clips to the PS3. ive found that I have to do the following scenario every time i want the PS3 to recognize the media server. ( I use windows media player with xp pro).
First i turn the drive on and the computer recognizes the drive...then I have to go in and turn file sharing off then back on again (windows media player) before i can do the search for media servers otherwise the ps3 wont find it.
if I turn the drive or the computer off I have to go back and turn file sharing off and on again and do the search for media player to get it to connect.
is there a way for the PS3 to communicate automatically rather than having to turn file sharing off then on again.


I can connect the drive directly to the ps3 but i lose the WMP functionality.
Just wondering if theres a better way.

I hope i dont sound too confusing