Why oh why can't you install Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005?

[rikadik]

I decided recently it might be "fun" to try out Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 for my PC, since I like the idea of what it does. I thought it'd just be a case of strolling into a shop and buying a copy - but now it appears you can only have it pre-installed on a new computer!

And I quote:

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is the latest Windows XP operating system for Media Center Edition PCs. It is only available pre-installed on Media Center Edition PCs, delivering the very best version of Windows for the home.

So why the hell is this? Its reeeeeeeally annoying. The only reason I can think of is people installing it on machines without the right hardware for watching TV and recording etc... but that'd just be silly anyway.

Now, I'm assuming you can get it on somehow, since the computer manufacturers do - except even online I can't find an OEM copy of it (or any copy for that matter).

Any suggestions or logical explanations would be appreciated.

Cheers :beer:

 

[stars]

Just grab it from somewhere like newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832102311

 

[rikadik]

Strange!

Why couldn't I find it on any UK sites...

Looks again...

 

[rikadik]

Oh good got it. Just didn't look hard enough

I still wonder why they don't do a retail version of it though.

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: rikadik
Oh good got it. Just didn't look hard enough

I still wonder why they don't do a retail version of it though.

Probably because they want to leave the support up to system builders.

 

[Binky]

They don't do a full retail version of it because it can be a nightmare to get it working. Do youself a favor and check the supported hardware lists that you can find over in the Green Button forums before you take the plunge.

You MUST have a supported video card and TV card.

 

[glugglug]

What I want to know is where can I get a copy of 64-bit Media Center Edition -- when will THIS be out?