Something that 'changes' the version of Windows XP...

[Reeves]

My apologies for the obscurity of this question, but I've just re-installed Windows because everything was going to balls. I use Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002... even though it says 2005 on the case. Now, I remember installing Windows Media Player 11 even though it won't install on MCE 2002, and I recall downloading something that would change the version of Windows you have so that, when you look on the System properties in Control Panel, the version of Windows you have changes, and allowed me to install WMP 11.

Annoyingly, I've googled every term and wording I can think of, and I can't find anything of this sort. My apologies if I might be asking for something that not very legit, but does anybody know where I might be able to find this... thing?

Many thanks

[Alexia]

You're after the System Packs. Two have been released.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389


I don't know if you have to install SP2 before you do SP3, or whether SP3 will update your system with SP2 stuff too.

[Reeves]

I've installed Service Pack 3, but it still says I'm running Version 2002 and WMP 11 is still asking for Version 2005.

[Alexia]

I've installed Service Pack 3, but it still says I'm running Version 2002 and WMP 11 is still asking for Version 2005.

Then perhaps you do have to sequentially install SP2 then SP3. I shall investigate.

EDIT: Indeed it does: on that very page I linked to:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Windows XP Service Pack 1a (SP1a) must be preinstalled before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3).

Did you install SP2 or SP1A?

[Reeves]

Yep. I made sure SP2 was installed before SP3 because I have camcorder software that refuses to install on SP1 or SP3.

[Nick Harvey]

You can change the version the system thinks it is.

You change a Registry value somewhere, but I don't have my notes on the subject handy to give you the details.

Is Dr Lobster about? I'm sure he'll know the answer off the top of his head.

[Pete]

I find the whole XP MC business quite confusing.

According to Wikipedia (yes, I know) there are four versions of XP Media Centre

Windows XP Media Center Edition (codename "eHome", Jan 2002) was the first showing and based directly on Windows XP Professional. This was only available from Tier 1 computer manufacturers (HP, Dell, Sony, Zitech, et al).

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2003 ("Freestyle", Oct 2002) added a number of features, including FM radio tuning.

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 ("Harmony", Nov 2003). Windows XP Service Pack 2 upgrades earlier versions of MCE to this one.

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 ("Symphony", Nov 2004) is the first edition of MCE available to non-Tier 1 system builders. Among other things it includes support for Media Center Extenders, and CD/DVD-Video burning support.

So therefore you must have either 2004 or 2005. And given the claim that 2005 is the only one available to non Teir 1 OEMs you'd think you'd have 2005. Is the disc a copy? Does the serial work if you download a new ISO?

[Alexia]

Yep. I made sure SP2 was installed before SP3 because I have camcorder software that refuses to install on SP1 or SP3.

Oki coki ... what about the various hotfixes they send out? Have you fully updated via Windows update all the critical updates you need? When I did the same as you, I needed to do about half-a-day's worth of updates to get everything back to how it was before.

EDIT: Ignore me; reading Nick and Pete's answers it's quite clear I'm over my head on this one! I look at things in quite basic terms.

[Ebeneezer Scrooge]

If your box says mce2005 there should be a media center roll up disc in the case which effectively upgrades you to 2005. From memory, the disc was a comparatively plain looking disc (compared to normal ms install discs) can't remember if you can download the roll up or not.

It converted the previous poor version of mce to the very useful second version... how terribly unWindows-like!

[Reeves]

If your box says mce2005 there should be a media center roll up disc in the case which effectively upgrades you to 2005. From memory, the disc was a comparatively plain looking disc (compared to normal ms install discs) can't remember if you can download the roll up or not.

It converted the previous poor version of mce to the very useful second version... how terribly unWindows-like!

You know what? I've had that disc in the case for ages and never actually used it. Turns out it is the rollup. I'll give that a go.

Thanks very much for the help and advice, guys!