MS Windows MCE 2005 Install

[saeapu]

Hello,

Let me first start of listing my hardware config.

p4 3.0 Ghz with HT,
1 GB Ram,
BFG 6800 OC
DFI Lanparty 875 B MOBO
2 - 120GB Harddrives

The question is that I have read in the forums that the only way to buy MCE is an OEM version. Which is either in a new pc that is bought from a retail store or threw newegg...

Also, that the main point for MCE is if the user does movie editing/viewing, listening to music, or just doing media stuff.

But I do not really do editing on movies, but I watch and listen to movies / music alot.

I really like the GUI (Graphical User Interface) in MCE. Since Microsoft says that the reason you can only get MCE is on a retail computer is b/c it has special hardware such as tv tuner card...and things like that.

Since, I do not have a tv tuner card, would it be a problem to install MCE 2005 on my computer with my configuration. Also, will there be a problem with drivers, since most of my vendors only offer XP drivers.

I think the drivers should not be a problem, since the Kernal System on MCE and XP are very similar.

Your help would be greatful

Thanks,
SaeApu

 

[loup garou]

You shouldn't have any problems. Make sure you get MCE drivers from NVidia for your vid card.

Movie editing isn't really a big feature of MCE.
IMO, MS should just repackage MCE as XP Home, I think every home computer should have this sort of media functionality (Translation: I think MCE rocks. )

 

[saeapu]

Thanks for the quick reply,

Would Games work...?

I thought that MCE is based on Win Pro...If it is on Home...then does it have or not have IIS ...since Home is not capable of IIS ?

 

[loup garou]

It's actually based off Pro in the 2005 version, so IIS is available. The only real difference I've seen is that you cannot join a domain.

 

[saeapu]

So Games would not be a problem to install and play ...?

Correct ?

 

[loup garou]

Nope, no problem.

 

[saeapu]

Have you ever used MCE...is it worthed for me to upgrade from home...to it.

 

[bobalong]

The only problem I have with MCE 2005 is the MP3 tagging through WMP10 (big pile of poo).

I'm currently running MCE, but don't use any of the functions except for the remote programed to work in Winamp 5

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: bobalong
The only problem I have with MCE 2005 is the MP3 tagging through WMP10 (big pile of poo).

I'm currently running MCE, but don't use any of the functions except for the remote programed to work in Winamp 5

No problems with tagging here when ripping to wma lossless, I also like how WMP10 automatically downloads album art.

 

[Daniel]

Originally posted by: werk
It's actually based off Pro in the 2005 version, so IIS is available. The only real difference I've seen is that you cannot join a domain.

I think you can join a domain during the install, can't go back and forth like regular xp pro but at least you can join if you had to.

 

[saeapu]

I have heard that MCE install has 2 disk..is that true...also,

why service pack is installed with MCE

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: saeapu
I have heard that MCE install has 2 disk..is that true...also,

why service pack is installed with MCE

Yes, MCE consists of 2 disks (all new OEM XP media includes SP2). The first disk contains XP SP2. The second disk contains a cab with the MCE files. I'm not sure if the OEM version is this way, but my copy from our Action Pack subscription includes the TabletPC cab on the second disk as well. If you punch in a TabletPC Product Key during setup, it'll install XP TabletPC, if you punch in an XP Pro Product Key, it'll install XP Pro SP2, if you punch in an MCE Product Key, it'll install XP MCE.

The installation procedure goes like this:

Boot off CD1
Installation begins, prompts for CD2
Insert CD2
Copies MCE features
Prompts for CD1
Insert CD1
Finishes installation

 

[saeapu]

You said that 1 dsk is the SP2 disk...what if you already have installed SP2 on your computer...can you just install the MCE Cab files

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: saeapu
You said that 1 dsk is the SP2 disk...what if you already have installed SP2 on your computer...can you just install the MCE Cab files

No.