HOW DO I ADD PROGRAMS TO VISTA MEDIA CENTER?

[Goatman]

I'd like to add access to additional programs from Vista Media Center on my VGX-XL301 (ie via Online Media / Program Library). I remember doing this under XP Media Center, but I can't remember how I did it!
Thanks in anticipation . . .
- Mike

[Blencogo]

Hi Mike.

Try this: -

Start MCE. Go To Tasks -> General -> Automatic Download Options. Select Download Now at the bottom. Wait a couple of minutes and then check the Online Programs, they should be there.

This seems to work for 50% of users. For others something seems to block the download and you need to check your firewall etc. (I think One-Care needs to be turned off). Also make sure "Get More Updates" is chosen in Microsoft Update and check other settings are automatic.

[Goatman]

Hi Blencogo,
Oops - I don't think I explained myself very well.
What I want to do is to be able to start games that are already on my PC from within Vista Media Centre without having to exit to the Desktop - ie, have them selectable from the same "program library" screen which already has programs like Chess Titans, Solitaire etc, there by default. What confuses things is that you navigate to that screen via Online Media / Program Library even though they're not online programs. When I try to edit the Program Library in Vista Media Centre, it only allows me to turn on or off what's already there - I can't see how to add access to my own local programs. I really want to be able to run "Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved" from my couch!
Sorry for the confusion!
Cheers
- Mike

[Blencogo]

Ah! I see.

Have a look at this link - scroll down to 'Vista Media Library'.

http://blog.adamgreen.co.nz/CategoryView,category,Vista%20Ultimate%20Media%20Center.aspx

There must be a better way but this is a start.

[Goatman]

Thanks for this, Blencogo.
The link is very useful - I've bookmarked it.
However, although it helps with adding folders to the Media Library, it doesn't help with adding executable programs into the Media Centre Program Library. I recall that I did this easily on my old XP MCE 2005, but I just can't see how to do it in Vista MCE. The option to "Add Programs" just seems to have disappeared. I have a Crossfire wireless controller which enables me to play PC games from the couch using my Xbox 360 wireless controller on the VGX-XL301. This works like a dream. The frustration is that to select a game, I have to exit Media Centre, drag the keyboard out of the cupboard, and start the game from the desktop. There must be a way to do this from Media Centre without having to drop back to the desktop (just as you can with the preloaded Windows games).
My search continues . . . I'll keep you posted.
Many thanks for your help.

[Goatman]

I'm back again to report that I've had no luck adding programs to Vista Media Centre on my XL301. The option was there under XP Media Center (just "Add Programs" on the main screen). But that option seems to have disappeared from Vista.
All I want to di is to be able to run some of my favourite programs directly from Vista Media Center instead of having to exit to the desktop, which I could do easliy with XP MCE.
Any ideas, anybody?

[pclarkson]

Hey Goatman

Download EMUCentre (http://www.push-a-button.com.au/products/mce/vista/emucenter/index.php) and have a look at the excellent forum at thegreenbutton (http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/thread/193461.aspx)

This program was orginally built to run MAME through media centre but has expanded to various other emulators and can launch windows exe files

I recommend donating to the project so it can be completed as it is a very early beta but shows a lot of promise.

Hope that helps.

Give me a shout if you need any more info

[Goatman]

Brilliant!
Thanks, I'm off there now . . .

[pclarkson]

No Probs,

Best of luck!