Install without a network connection? (1 Viewer)

[enchant]

Later this summer, I'll be taking a week of vacation at a friend's cabin in the woods. It has nice amenities, such as a wide screen TV and a fairly new computer, but no internet connection.

I'd like to bring up a copy of MediaPortal and a supply of videos to watch, but I want to know if this can be done without an internet connection.

I'm pretty sure that MediaPortal needs Windows Media player 11, which requires online authentication.

Is there any way I can get around all of this? Is there a version of MediaPlayer that can be installed on a 3-year-old WinXP box?

 

[etheesdad]

MP only needs to be connected to the net to run tvserver and for video/tvshow database updates as far as I know. You only need a working internet connection for the install itself, if all you plan to do with it is watch vids.

WMP only does a WGA check when it installs (and this can be easily circumvented). Once its installed you should not need an internet connection to run it.

Seems to me that all that needs to happen is that the machine is installed and set up with MP, loaded with movies and allowed to connect to online databases, then disconnected and transported to the cabin. Should work fine with all the vids and information in tact.

[edit]

If you're talking about taking MP to the cabin, and installing it there, then its probably do-able but not straightforward due to the issue of the dependencies and then transporting the database. (Im assuming the reason you want to use MP is because of the Datbase features - covers, plot synopses, fanart, etc?)

Personally, Id install on a box and take the box with me. I wouldnt try to install on a machine with no internet - too hard basket - all you would need is one omitted component and the whole project would be cactus. Not to mention total lack of online support if something wasn't working, or if you needed a driver or codec or something you would be stuffed - no way to get it and no way to get information about how to fix any aspect that wasnt working.

 

[enchant]

You only need a working internet connection for the install itself

There is NO internet connection. None for any reason whatsoever.

 

[etheesdad]

ERGH! <<choke>>

PASS!

 

[Owlsroost]

If all you want to do is play video files, why bother with MP - just use something like MPC-HC (all the codecs are built-in, and it's only a few MB so it installs in seconds - but it does need the latest version of DX9 installed, so take that along as well).

Take a wireless mouse and keyboard with you and away you go....(but shouldn't you be enjoying the great outdoors instead..... )

Tony

 

[enchant]

(Im assuming the reason you want to use MP is because of the Datbase features - covers, plot synopses, fanart, etc?)

No - just straight videos, but I like how I have things set up now. I can sit back on my couch and use the remote to browse through my library. Am I in the mood for a movie? Some old Deadwood episodes? A few recent Daily Shows that I've missed? Perhaps there are other media player options available, but MediaPortal is one that I'm familiar with.

Personally, Id install on a box and take the box with me.

I haven't ruled out that option, but I was hoping that I could leave MediaPortal installed on my friend's machine for his use when he goes up there.

I wouldnt try to install on a machine with no internet - too hard basket - all you would need is one omitted component and the whole project would be cactus.

I know. And the thought of getting this close to a complete installation and then discovering that I'm missing one little piece... Well, it would be enough to ruin my week.

I was thinking I could do a test install. Put everything I think I'll need on a thumb drive and then install it on a freshly loaded (and unconnected machine). A dress rehearsal of sorts.

(but shouldn't you be enjoying the great outdoors instead..... )

The great outdoors is overrated. All that nature and stuff - yuck.

Kidding - I love to get away from it all, but you can't guarantee that you won't have three days of rain, and you can't go out drinking EVERY night...

Thanks for the pointer on that alternate player. I'll look into it.

 

[icerg]

GeneralUserGuides/Installation_DownloadOnly - MediaPortal Manual Documentation

this worked for me, test on another pc with no connection first and you should have everything in an installation folder.

 

[enchant]

GeneralUserGuides/Installation_DownloadOnly - MediaPortal Manual Documentation

this worked for me, test on another pc with no connection first and you should have everything in an installation folder.

Well... Not really.

The list of prerequisites is pretty daunting. One of the items is Windows Media Player 11.

It kind of reminds me of the old Steve Martin routine.
"I can tell YOU how to get a million dollars and NOT pay taxes. First, get a million dollars. Next..."

 

[icerg]

kinda reminds me steve martin was not a funny guy

 

[medaust]

Hi, there is a 'naughty ' way to install Media Player 11 without connection to the net. You can do a quick search on the web. I assume you know how to install Media Portal without internet connection. Regards