Vista version of making MP seem more of HTPC

[NewUser]

I looked on the Media Portal wiki and found this gem.

http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/Use...HTPC_looknfeel

Due to the issue of ATI 690G drivers + Media Portal + windows XP, I've decided to avoid it and use Vista. Is there a Vista version for the HTPC_looknfeel article?

Thanks all.

[Darre]

AFAIK there is no such guide for Vista, but if you use the xp guide and google you will probably be able to customize alot of it. I'm using scripted logon and have MP launch instead of MCE when I press the green button. Scripted logon is located at the MS site, I believe its the same as for xp. I use MP tray to launch MP when I press the green button, and disabled MCE with gpedit.

Also check out this thread.

Good luck!

[NewUser]

I finally have my HTPC setup with Vista. I'm now at the stage of tweaking vista and now google is my best friend.

If i do manage to succeed I will write a guide for others to follow

[Spragleknas]

Please do

[NewUser]

Does anyone know if i boot in safe mode will it boot explorer.exe or the hacked media portal?

[NewUser]

wow can't believe this is easiest than I thought.

The startup routine that needs masking from a cold boot is
BIOS screen, (use asus Mylogo. if motherboard supports it)
Window Vista orb animation, (replacable icons in authui.dll)
mouse icon for a split second, (use invisble cursor. bascially a cursor with a black skin so it blends in)
welcome startup login screen, (there is a stardock program for vista but you could only change the backgroud)
Desktop with cursor, (use desktop wall paper same as MP background skin. use cursor hack in xp to hide in corner)
MP splash screen. (use the hacked method in the XP link)

That seems like a lot of work doesn't it. Its possible to change all that. (except for the vista welcome screen, its a bit hard to remove the logos without resource hacking it and a lot of time and effort)

OR

Hibernate!

Using cold boot method it takes 1min 6 seconds, timed from pressing the power button to entering MediaPortal. Hibernate only takes 20 seconds tops. It also only shows one screen revealing windows vista and that is the "Resuming windows" screen (also a split second of the "welcome" screen). D

If Hibernate is used, not only do you get a faster boot by 3 times, you also only need to change potentially 3 screens (boot screen too). I'll investigate more into it.

[NewUser]

I'm in the process of trying it out (through the hibernate route). If possible I will make a youtube to show what the startup is like, along with a guide of what I did.

EDI: SUCEESS! Wow it now sure looks pretty. The boot screen I have made is for the Blackmyst skin. And will only show when hibernation is used. The process is VERY complicated (well not so complicated but it is very "dangerous". One wrong move and you could prevent windows from starting)

Any mods want to have a guide appended to MP wikipedia? I can take a lot of screenshots to simplify it. Most importantly however does anyone actually want to know how? It would take a lot of time and effort to write it up.

[Darre]

Please write a guide to make vista disappaer and make it seem like it actually is just a media center, not a PC.

If its 'dangerous' just pack it full of warnings etc

[burnerbaum]

I´m really looking foward for such a guide, too. Would be great if you can do it!