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dif between xp and media center

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ifix1

ifix1

Technical User
Dec 31, 2001
154
US
Hi
can someone tell me the differance between windows xp and windows media center..

Thanks
 
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Windows XP Media Centre Edition is basically Windows XP Pro with the Domain features removed and built in Media Features. You can use the PC as a normal Windows XP PC, use the same applications, however upon starting the Media Centre you are given a unique GUI for Watching and Recording TV, Viewing Pictures, Listening to Music, Accessing unique online content and more.

With the new 2005 version there are some other great features, like the ability to connect an X-Box or another PC as a extender device to share your media content around the home.


Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators
 
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What is Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005?

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, available pre-installed on Media Center PCs, allows you to get the most out of digital entertainment in a simple, connected way in any room in the home. Photos, music, television, movies, and games—you can experience them all to the fullest, while easily controlling everything from one place. Media Center PCs deliver advanced computing plus easy-to-use integrated digital entertainment that you can enjoy when and how you want. All your digital media is in one place, accessible on either a PC monitor or TV display, using a single remote control. With Media Center, you can pause and rewind live TV or radio, digitally record an entire TV series or program category, watch DVDs and videos, organize and play your music collection, and showcase digital photos.


 
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The pre-2005 MCE editions were supersets of XP Pro. The 2005 PCE is essentially a superset of XP Home.

My opinion.
 
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Question: I've been using Win XP Pro since it was released. I upgraded to SP1 when it came out. Somewhere along the way, my boot screen says: Windows XP - Media Center Edition. This has lasted through SP2 (CD). When did XP Pro become "Media Center Edition"? Is there any way to check if this is a labeling glitch, or what extra features should I have if really MC Edition?
 
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Hi Micker377,

If you have been using XP since it came out then this is certainly not a Media Centre Edition PC. Another thing is that with SP2 Microsoft standardised their boot screens so all XP Editions just said XP and not Home or Pro like they used to.

At a guess I would say that you have a theme customisation application on your PC. If so then it is likely that this is the reason for your boot screen change.

If not I would be concerned that SP2 was not installed properly as one of the changes it makes is to replace the boot screen.

Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators
 
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micker377,

It says what?!

This is not an XP glitch, it is a you glitch.

I thought this Forum mentioned a year ago not to use Kazaa to repair your PC?

Just kidding, but seriously you need to fix the licensing of your XP. The only thing imaginable is that somewhere along the line you used an MSDN release of XP Media Center Edition.

With the Microsoft Genuine Advantage effort underway, this will prove untenable as a license state for your machine.

Run the verification tests:
Then call Microsoft to see how to resolve the issue for your machine.
 
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Hi there,

@micker377 - Same thing happened to me... I wondered aswell what the H*ll was going on... but with some XP PRO releases and an upgrade to SP1 led to this change... mine just mentioned it in the BOOT.INI screen not the SPLASH screen (windows XP with the running bar)... after installing SP2 this was gone, but I replaced the Splash screen anyhow to something nicer...

@all - thanx for the information... and links...



Ben

If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...
 
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Scary.

But I hold firm to my belief that something is wacky with the base installation. There was no provision for Media Center in SP1 or SP1a, and subsequent Hotfixes do not care per se. They certainly would not change the logon screen. XP SP2 is a little smarter, but it would pull your Product ID (pid) to decide on the screen. My concern is somehow you are showing the wrong PID. See the wonderful Carey Frisch's remarks:
 
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Thanks for the responses. Aparently I wasn't clear enough: it isn't on the GUI boot screen, it's on the "choice" screen (as Ben describes, except mine is still there). Doesn't hurt anything, just curious.
BTW, I went to the "confirmation" site and my copy is legal.
Never messed with "Media Center" in any way.

Thanks Ben, glad to know I'm not crazy (contrary to what others might say!)
 
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There is the possibility that one of the HOTFIXES, either before installing SP1a or after installing SP1a that did this...

btw. micker377 - back in my college days, they used to call me CrazyGerman, I allways wondered why... I mean the German is correct but the crazy thing???? oh well... glad to have you thing you're not...

@linney - I just use NOTEPAD to edit my Boot.INI...



Ben

If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...
 
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Thanks Ben - it's no problem, I was just curious. BTW, back in the CB days, my "handle" was "Mad Irishman".

"There's only two kinds of people in this world, those who are Irish - and those who wish they were!
 
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@all - ROFLOL......


Ben

If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...
 
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My CB Handle was "Wooden boats"

Which a sailor/racer would immediately know why I cannot accept comments from those "Down Under" without comment.

Return the Cup linney.

Bill
 
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The Kiwi's stole that from us years ago, last I heard the Swiss may have it. At least you can rest in the knowledge it is still called the America's Cup. You might even get it back one day.
 
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<Is this a support forum or an insane asylum??>

Occupational hazard.
 
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