Customer Reviews

Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2B for System Builders (Old Version)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I heard mixed reviews about Media Center before we purchased it, but decided to give it a try. So far, I've been very pleased with it. There are a few areas that I would change if I could, but that just has to do with how I like to do things. Everything in MCE works well, and I've encountered no problems. It would be nice if you had a little more access to Media Player functions (i.e.- updating track information and album covers from the internet) from within the Media Center, but it's not THAT hard to launch Media Player, now is it? ;]

All in all, I've been pleased with my purchase, and hope to continue using it for quite some time. (since I have no plans to ever upgrade to Vista if I can help it)

I have been using this for almost a year now. I run an Asus A8N-SLI, 1GB, AMD 4000+. I use it to store and use all media. Pictures, videos, ripped DVDs, etc. I watch and record Live TV every day and also own 2 v1 Linksys extenders that are used often. One wireless and one wired. This OS is stable and very functional. I use nVidia's pure platinum codec and that is all you need. OTA HDTV functionality works and looks great. I have 3 analog tuners distributed to the extenders also. I couldn't be happier with the entire setup and will not move to Vista until forced in a few years.

p.s., of course it comes with 2 discs! Who are these people?...

This is a great software easy to instal and understand, for this and another OS you have to now about computers but if you going online you can find instructions how to instal OS, I give at 100%.

Chose Windows MCE 05 for a 2nd HTPC build, solid performance and available plug-ins.

This the best, final version of MCE 2005. It comes with 2 XP MCE CDs, along with a 3rd disc with the Rollup 2 service pak for MCE.

TIP: After XP install, do not install the Rollup CD until after you have opened Media center and configured all the settings. The Rollup assumes Media Center is configured so if you install it early on it can cause errors. Don't install Xp SP3 until after the Rollup 2 is installed.

I don't know how this compares to Vista, but this final XP version with Rollup provides is pretty slick. The only flaws I have found are that when playing Dolby Digital movies, MCE doesn't seem to simultaneously downmix analog audio output (meaning I have to have my receiver on all the time).

Load the Disc 1 CD in the CD/DVD drive and insert the Disc 2 CD when prompted to do so as you would expect.


Here is the part you will not expect and must be followed to install XP Media
Center:
The files for XP SP2 are located on the Installation Disc 1 and there is no
documentation telling you this. When the installation program tells you to insert
the SP2 disc, you may note that you do not have a SP2 disc. The "Updates for
version 2005" disc is not the SP2 disc. At this point, insert the Installation
Disc 1 and the installation should continue and finish the initial installation to
get Windows working.

Install your motherboard drivers, then install all other drivers.
Many video card drivers that are supplied on a CD with a video card are too old for the Media Center TV. Make sure you get the latest driver from the Manufacture's web site for your video card.

Before you can watch TV and have the TV play controls work properly, you will need
to buy Media Center compatible MPEG-2 decoder software. Some video card web sites
have this software available to download for around $20.

If you install the "Updates for version 2005" disc, the ".NET Framework" software,
that is required before you can install the Updates, will cause your Operating
system to make you select a user each time you boot up even if your computer has
only one user. Once this ".NET Framework" software configures your system to make
you select a user, un-installing the ".NET Framework" software will not remove the
prompt to select a user each time you boot up. I elected to remove and reload XP
Media Center and run it without the "Updates for version 2005" and without SP3. I
haven't noticed any problems and like my XP Media Center very much. I especially
like the free on-screen TV guide with easy TV program recording.

Ok I hope someone can tell me WHY Win XP Media Centre CONTINUOSULY accesses the C Drive while I JUST watch TV with NO recording going on!
It's getting annoying to see the hard drice access light continuosuly flashing while I'm JUST watching TV with Media Centre. Is there ANY reason why Media Centre must access the hard drive if I am NOT recording.
VERY FRUSTRATING! If you have an answer or explanation PLEASE contacxt me:
veryounique@hotmail.com
Thanks!!!!

Received well before expected, brand new packaged in retail package. I am very happy with the product, and will definately order from this retailer again. Will also recommend to friends.

I uninstalled Vista Ultimate and installed Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2B for System Builders. My computer is now much more stable and works properly.

What could I relly say except. being a computer tech, Mesia Center is far better than Vista. I recieved my order quickley and will continue to use Amazon because they ROCK!!! Thanks again.