Windows XP MCE 2005 installation

[Omarko]

Does anyone here installed Windows MCE 2005 successfully?

I was using win xp pro sp1 and I got the 2 CD MS windows Media Center 2005. When I put the first cd in it selects Upgrade as recommended option and goes throught the whole process of installing it with few restarts etc but after its all done there is no MCE icon anywhere to start the application ? there is also nothing in the windows/ehome folder. any hints? ta

do I need to do a fresh install ?

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Omarko

do I need to do a fresh install ?

Omarko, it probably recognised the underlying XP architecture which is why it suggested an upgrade.

In reality, MCE is quite a different animal and it really needs a fresh install. Dependent on your current data setup - I'd strongly recommend using a separate partition for the OS and then getting cosy with Norton Ghost or Drive Image. After you've installed MCE and you have the core setup mirrored - you can then play and mess with MCE to your heart's content, safe in the knowledge that you are only minutes away from a fresh install to start over with if you screw things up.

Good luck

Mike

[Sambooka]

Hi Omarko,

When you install the MCE 2005 OEM disks and use a standard XP key (not an MCE one) all you will be left with is a standard XP Pro install. That's even on a fresh install.

As you did an upgrade, it would have used the installed XP Pro Key and just upgraded the OS with out installing MCE.

There are ways you can install MCE over the top of XP Pro but it's not pretty and you really shouldn't go there.

Follow Mikes advice and you'll be right.

Cheers

Sambooka

[Warder5]

Originally Posted by Sambooka

Hi Omarko,

When you install the MCE 2005 OEM disks and use a standard XP key (not an MCE one) all you will be left with is a standard XP Pro install. That's even on a fresh install.

As you did an upgrade, it would have used the installed XP Pro Key and just upgraded the OS with out installing MCE.

There are ways you can install MCE over the top of XP Pro but it's not pretty and you really shouldn't go there.

Follow Mikes advice and you'll be right.

Cheers

Sambooka

I gather you are saying that you maybe able to use the Windows XP key changer program to change the serial key Xp is using to a Media Centre Key and then do the upgrade? As then Media Centre would pick up the new XPM key and install the XPM components?

Cheers,
Vaughan

[arkay]

There's a few different ways to do it but they're all pretty ugly. Nothing as simlpe as changing a key and doing an upgrade install.

A fresh install will give you the best chance of enjoying the experience

If you're keen to puddle in your existing setup and try and upgrade then let us know and I'll dig up the link on how to do it. (Can be found at www.thegreenbutton.com).

Cheers,
Arkay.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Warder5

I gather you are saying that you maybe able to use the Windows XP key changer program to change the serial key Xp is using to a Media Centre Key and then do the upgrade? As then Media Centre would pick up the new XPM key and install the XPM components?

Cheers,
Vaughan

Hi Vaughn and welcome

Mmm - key changers/changing keys - all a bit complex and maybe not too legal

If you have a a new copy of MCE, why wouldn't you simply save your settings and start over with a fresh install of MCE? Believe me, there are enough challenges to met already by starting afresh, going the upgrade path is certainly doable, but you may not like the result

[Raymond]

My OS was MCE 2004 and I was eligible for a free MCE 2005 Upgrade (1 disc). I have had no problems installing it and reinstalling it after numerous full system recoveries (xcpt that I have to phone MS for a new code each time now).

One of the MS warnings was that all MS updates incl. SP2 had to be installed before running the 2005 upgrade.