Is it possible to make a bootable CD with a Win interface
 

I have a copy of Windows Media Center Edition 2005, but it only installs from a windows environment. It's not an upgrade, as it lets me install the system fresh on my slave drive OR upgrade on the master drive. Problem is, I'd like to install on my primary drive when it's clean, as Win XP is fugging up my combo of All-in-Wonder 9800Pro and HDTV Wonder with outdated drivers before MCE 2005 gets in there and sets it up [ostensibly correctly]. Is there any way to create a bootable CD that I can use first, then run the Setup from the MCE installation disc, leaving the HD clean until MCE is introduced?

:shrug:

Here's a couple of listings I found when I googled Bartpe. We use a customized disk here at work that works like a charm.

Bartpe
Windowspe article

This is a nice disk to have too.

Ultimate Boot Disk

dunno.

I'd go with Linux and MythTV if I were building a PVR though.

oh and here's a helpful site for everything related to PVR building:
http://www.byopvr.com/

If I had the funds to build a dedicated PC, maybe. But I still need a multipurpose computer, and am still attached to my Office, Outlook, DVD X-copy, Nero Suite Ultra, Photoshop, Money, etc.

So if I follow the instructions on that site, I'll end up with a CD that I can boot up on, eject, and install MCE2005 in an installer pane?
Does it support autorun?
Just wanting to know what to expect.

If your PC isn't a very very silent machine, I'm not sure you're going to enjoy having it next to your TV and running while watching a movie. I suppose you already purchased MCE so you're just going to have to find away around these driver issues. Another alternative would have been buying a cheap Tivo and using JavaHMO to connect to it and integrate the Tivo functionality with your PC.

Jeezus fugging Chrisse!!! Color me scolded. I apologize, Mr. Jones, for ALL my my poor consumer choices. Let me know what I can do to get back into your good graces.

Dude, it looks to me like he was just being helpful. :spock:

If you come on here asking for help fixing the carb in your old Ford Mustang, is it helpful to get advised that "you're not gonna like that Mustang, even when you get it running. You should've bought a Chevy with fuel injection. But you're just gonna have to get that carb fixed. You also could've bought a Prius."
I mean, I thought I was fairly cordial the first time around, when I pointed out that it was a multipurpose machine and I just wanted info on a bootable winCD, not a sales pitch for a dedicated PVR PC.

Ok, first get a used toilet paper or paper towel tube and some aluminum foil. Take the paper tube and cut a small hole.....oops, you said bong, not a power hitter. Nevermind...

In a pinch, a run-of-the-mill soda can can be used to make a decent single-hitter.

Push a small indention into the can near the bottom, opposit the tab-side. Using a knife, poke a couple of small holes into the aluminum in the indention. Fill, light, draw from tab opening. Viola... you're... umm... hungry... need... eyedrops... errr, what was I talking about?

Just what I needed, thanks.

If you're gonna whine like a little bitch when you don't like the advice you get on an internet forum, stop asking for advice on internet forums.