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Differences between MCE and XP Pro


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Hi.

I've been trying to decide whether or not to move from XP Pro to MCE for my main OS.

I currently have both on a dual-boot, but I've been wondering what differences they have, despite the obvious Media Center in MCE.

What are the limits (if any) that MCE has compared to XP Pro?

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AFAIK connecting to a domain is the only thing Media Center Edition can't that Professional can. For the rest it has off-cource the Media Center, parts of the Plus! expansion pack and some powertoys.

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and media center runs a lot faster, but why cant it connect to a domain?

Althought it's build on XP Pro, Media Center Edition is an enhancement for Windows XP Home Editio and is for home users,Not for Bussiness Users....

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OK, from what I've read here, it sounds like more of the XP Home vs XP Pro.

Connecting to a Domain ain't an issue here, just as long as workgroups are still fine.

My main reason is because I got myself an Xbox 360 and I'm getting sick of having to dual-boot between Pro and MCE, all I wanted to know would there be any limitations to software installs etc.

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and media center runs a lot faster, but why cant it connect to a domain?

In order to support extenders Fast User Switching must be enabled. Fast User Switching cannot be enabled for computers that are members of a domain.

If you upgrade from MCE 2004 or set the registry value that says you upgraded, you will be able to join a domain but will not be able to use extenders when you are joined to a domain.

You can also join a doimain during Windows Setup before the OS is converted to MCE.

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In order to support extenders Fast User Switching must be enabled. Fast User Switching cannot be enabled for computers that are members of a domain.

If you upgrade from MCE 2004 or set the registry value that says you upgraded, you will be able to join a domain but will not be able to use extenders when you are joined to a domain.

You can also join a doimain during Windows Setup before the OS is converted to MCE.

Would you share those registry entries with me please? :)

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Would you share those registry entries with me please? :)

OK, here it is:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA\MedCtrUpg]
"IsLegacyMCE"=dword:00000001

Please note that this is a protected key so you will have to use another installation of Windows to change it.

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Looking at the price difference (MCE2005: 99 EUR/122 USD vs Pro: 129 EUR/158 USD) you may accept the inconvenience of the missing group policy editor and the centralized management - as long as you can help yourself with some registry tweaks. :yes:

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