Downgrade from XP Pro to MCE?

[Grahamdubya]

So I currently have XP Pro SP3 installed on an older machine I fixed up to run my TV and entertainment center, etc. I bought Media Center 2005, hoping I could just install that, but when I tried to install it from the Windows GUI, it told me I couldn't, as "the version I had installed was newer."

So, I tried to boot from CD, but every time, it would just spin for a minute and then head back to the BIOS screen. I suppose I could just straight up wipe the drive, but I'd at least like to do that via the MCE installation interface. Any suggestions?

Oh, and I'm intentionally not using Vista in any capacity.

[chuck4456]

Originally Posted by Grahamdubya So I currently have XP Pro SP3 installed on an older machine I fixed up to run my TV and entertainment center, etc. I bought Media Center 2005, hoping I could just install that, but when I tried to install it from the Windows GUI, it told me I couldn't, as "the version I had installed was newer." So, I tried to boot from CD, but every time, it would just spin for a minute and then head back to the BIOS screen. I suppose I could just straight up wipe the drive, but I'd at least like to do that via the MCE installation interface. Any suggestions? Oh, and I'm intentionally not using Vista in any capacity.

Wiping the drive is probably the only sure way to install it.
Why not just install some type of DVD making/viewing software?
If that is what you are after.
All Media Center is, is XP PRO with some added media features as I have learned from two copies of both.

[Grahamdubya]

Well, virtually the entire reason I want Media Center is because I'm exceedingly lazy and can then use a remote control. Is there a particular utility you'd recommend, though, if the MCE disk can't be booted from right now, to wipe the HD?

[glc]

http://www.dban.org/