Media Center 2005 Nightmare

[nerdvernacular]

Just finished a self build the other day and was glad all hardware is running smooth and in working order. Unfortunately, Windows XP MCE (I purchased the OEM version) was the worst install I've ever come across (you'd think by now it'd go smoother than 3.1 and earlier did)

Anyhow, during install, it asked me for an SP2 disc, which I didn't have (only 2 install discs and an Updates for Version 2005 disc which contained a self extracting executable that can't be read during install).. Thus shortchanging me on installing everything initially (eg IE). Once up and running I had to load SP2 and all sorts of drivers via portable harddrive since my onboard network adapter wasn't recognized (Asus A8N-E - nForce chipset) Once that went, I couldn't get online. I now am, and have been getting online since by going into the control panel/admin and then manual starting dhcp, dns, network connections, simple tcp/ip and a few other processes.. Which is ludicrous. Is there a way to set it up for them to start on windows loading (they're already set to automatic... which doesn't start them.)

Furthermore, it appears my windows installer isn't properly functional as some of my software on CD can't install citing Windows installer problems.

Windows Activation does absolutely nothing when clicked.. Does anyone happen to know the executable used there? I think that may be incomplete/corrupt as well.

I've also had odd network issues, such as not being able to recognize my xbox 360 on media connect, and media connect not properly recognizing my windows version.

In addition.. Windows Update doesn't work. It bails on me, thus the only way I managed to update Windows was through the site that allows you to do it in Firefox.

At the moment I'm at a loss.. I'm pretty sure it will come down to getting replacement discs from Newegg and restarting the process all over again. I was just hoping there was a way to manually repair my windows install and keep everything else I've loaded. Good grief.

Anyhow, if anyone has any ideas, tips, suggestions or otherwise, they are immensely appreciated. I'm beginning to look like a crack addict having lost track of time the last two evenings tinkering with my Windows install. I could use some fresh air.

Thanks in advance!
Shawn

[macko72]

I would start again from scratch. The procedure is as follows:

Disc 1
Disc 2
Disc 1 again (this is what is being asked for when you get the prompt to install "winXP service pack 2 disc")

When it asks for sp2 just stick disk 1 back in.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/m...r/default.mspx

[nerdvernacular]

thanks... figured that one out the other day.. unfortunately was half comatose the first install.. everything is running smooth now.