Programming Your Microsoft MCE Remote Control

[Mike]

If like me your Microsoft MCE Remote System was purchased as OEM, it's quite likely that you didn't receive the instruction leaflet with it.

So for those who want to program it (very limited functionality but useful) - I tracked down a guide that I used some time ago - hope it helps

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Using the MCE Remote Control Learning Functionality:

The TV, Vol+ and Vol- buttons on the remote control can "learn" IR commands from other remote controls. This feature lets you use the TV button to turn on your TV and the Vol+ and Vol- buttons to adjust the volume on your TV or another device such as an audio receiver.

By default the Vol+ and Vol- buttons on the remote your pc sysyem volume and the TV button has no command assigned until it "learns" one.

Do not perform this procedure in bright or natural light.

1. Place the remote head-to-head (2-3" apart) with the remote control from which it is learning

2. On the MCE remote press and hold the DVD MENU and OK buttons at the same time until the LED turns off. (~2 sec)

The remote is now in learning mode.

3. On the MCE remote, press and release the TV, Vol+ and Vol-, depending on which command you want it to learn.

The MCE remote blinks once to confirm the selection.

4. On the remote control that is teaching the command, press and hold the button that you want the corresponding button on the MCE remote to learn.

The MCE remote LED flashes twice to confirm the selection

If the remote did not learn the command, the LED blinks quickly four times.

To try again, repeat steps 1 through 4.

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To restore the default remote control settings

1. Press and hold the DVD MENU button and the LEFT navigation button at the same time until the MCE remote LED turns off.

2. Press the OK button.

The MCE remote LED blinks twice to confirm that the buttons have been reset.

The TV button will have no command assigned to it and the Vol+ and Vol- will adjust the MCE system volume.

If the default settings were not restored, the LED will blink quickly four times. To try again, repeat steps 1 and 2.

//END

[darkmenace]

If the batteries go flat in the MCE remote does it lose the commands its learnt or is there some sort of flash type arrangement to keep it safe?

[SpiffBB]

I dont think it loses the commands. I run low on batteries so I changed them and the remote still remembered the learned commands.
Regards
Oscar

[Mike]

Originally Posted by SpiffBB

I dont think it loses the commands. I run low on batteries so I changed them and the remote still remembered the learned commands.

That's right Oscar, I change my batteries every couple of months and they're always there afterwards.

[darkmenace]

Good to know.

[aeb001]

OK so hows this one for wierd. My MCE remote has stopped working, although the receiver still registers that a button has been pushed, with the flash of the red LED. So i took my remote to work today &the bastard works fine there....... what the hells is that all about?????

[specks90]

aeb001,

I have had the same problem remote just stops working. I pull the batteries out for five minutes and pop them back in and it works again, it's like it is reseting or something?

[cjbowden]

I have the same problem with the remote, but only if I shut my system down (ie Off, not restart or standby). I usually fix it by unplugging the the receiver and putting it into another USB port.


Don't ask me why, but it seems to work. I haven't had a problem since I never turn my machine off.

Chris

[Ronza]

I swear I have a Microsoft .PDF of how to program the remote that I can upload to the web. Does anyone know what the 4 buttons at the bottom are used for (the coloured ones). On the Dvico they were actually useful...how can I teach them things on the MS Remote?

[SEdave]

I've seen that exact issue with certain motherboards (which i don't use), only way to fix it was to unplug the USB receiver and plug it back in. Maybe try a driver update? Flash the motherboard to newer version?