I was, before now, using a MCE2005 PC with an Xbox 360 acting as a media center extender in my living room.
What happens, with the HP m775 is that I can set up the connection just fine using the add extender features of Vista Media Center, but when I attempt to start the Media Center on the 360, it finds the device, connects, goes to the main screen (ie. TV, Video, etc) and then just freezes. Sometimes I can navigate the interface for up to 20 seconds before this happens, but it always freezes. The xbox is still working (I can press the 360 guide button and the blade pops out) but the Media Center Extender software just freezes. I have to quit to the dashboard or resatrt the console.
I have tried everything over the weekend. I tried setting up a new network with a new router. Same problems. I tried a direct connection with a cross over cable to eliminate any network problems and, yes, same problem. I even tried a new 360 but, sadly, same problem.
At the same time of purchasing the HP, I also bagged a Sony Vaio Vista laptop which works absolutely fine with the 360. I've seen other people with the same problem on these forums and nobody has solved it yet. HP support is terrible, Microsoft wouldn't speak to me as Vista was preinstalled. PC World knew nothing, and Xbox support should have called me back hours ago.
I have Vista drivers for all my components, and everything seems fine and dandy. I can run the Media Center software perfectly on the HP PC, but the moment I try to get my 360 extender connected to it, it screws up.
Any help would be appreciated.
I have, for the record, tried disabling firewalls, anti virus software, all start up programs, with no luck.
This is a hard one to work out. If you go in to the event view can you see any errors in Media Center's log or the main system event?
One thing I find useful is run MSCONFIG and go to Start up and disable all the startup program and go to services and disable any non Microsoft ones and give that a try.
I know you have tried disabling firewalls etc but it still could be a service causing the problem. I am going to read out your problem on this weeks Media Center Show to see if we can get you some more help
TheDigitalLifeStyle.com the home of The Media Center Show! Microsoft MVP
Have you checked for any driver updates etc?
Update on how to fix it
Hi there,
I have the exact same issue as the orginal poster. Also on a brand new Pavilion - Dutch model 7780 - running Home premium. By trial and error I already noticed that sometime pressing the green buttons helps getting control back. However this doesn always work - sometimes I cant get it out of the freeze at all.
Im trying the tips you gave Ian and will let you know how it goes.
Cheers,
Thijs
Ok, I disabled Picasso but unfortunately that doesnt help. Im getting crazy here.
What other options do you see Ian? Any input from your show about this particular issue?
There is also a program listed called "intel DH" or something. Will disable that too and try again.
Any more help appreciated!
Somthing else to try!
Try removing your Xbox 360 hard drive and see if you still have the problem. Please let me know how you get on
What programs do you have running in the Startup group?