MCE Noob!!! Can i install it over xp??

[screemer]

Everywhere i read it seems to say that media centre has to be pre installed on a set system?? Is this true?? Can i not buy it and installed it over my Xp home sp2??

[bashtage]

Originally Posted by screemer

Everywhere i read it seems to say that media centre has to be pre installed on a set system?? Is this true?? Can i not buy it and installed it over my Xp home sp2??

You can buy it, although only OEM only copies whihch require an additional hardware purchase (often as small as a cheap mouse). The typical cost if around 80. However, you shoudl first ensure that all of your HW is compatible with MCE.

[balders]

Or you could try Media Portal, from http://mediaportal.sourceforge.net/

It's a freeware product, currently in beta, but seems pretty stable. Seems to do pretty much everything MCE does (and more), but it's free! It's had a lot of good feedback too. The first full release is due soon although there is a Release Candidate that I've been playing around with quite happily.

Balders.

I've been using Media Centre for about a year or so and I've just built a new Media PC and can't afford to spend that much on an MCE licence when I already have an XP licence.

I installed MP yesterday and I have to agree that it's an excellent product. I strongly advise you to give it a try before splashing out on MCE. Besides, as it's just an application that runs on top of your XP SP2 you get to keep all your settings, apps and data. If you don't like it, all it will have cost you is a bit of time.

Dave

[screemer]

So am i right in saying that it runs just like any other program?? ie, it can be deleted?

Originally Posted by screemer

So am i right in saying that it runs just like any other program?? ie, it can be deleted?

Yes, if you mean Media Portal. It can be un-installed just like any other program

[mpaul0055]

Wow this MP looks great.

Anyone know about streaming WMVHD to your 360 through this?

Ive got a non MCE pc and can only get the pics and music at the moment??

ANSWER TO MY OWN QUESTION:

NO XBOX 360 COMPATABILITY AT THE MOMENT