Reckless

The MCE shell does play DVDs. I don't think it's perhaps the best solution (not as feature rich as some players) but it certainly works! I use nVidia's DVD decoder.

Not true at all, Windows 2000 can run any game XP can. Given the same level of patches they are virtually the same. Windows XP makes it slightly easier with retro games with it's enhanced compatibility options but that's about it. As for VMWare, Virtual PC also has some level of DirectX capability though I'm not sure exactly what this is.Windows 2000 compatibility is enabled through the use of a shortcut to the .exe you wish to run. If the comp ability tab doesn't show for the properties of a shortcut you need to register slayerui.dll. Often you'll find that it's possible to get something running with the aid of official (or otherwise) patches, compatibility settings and running as an Admin. However, nothing is for certain Entries in the db at www.ntcompatible.com is often a useful indication on what does/doesn't work.