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HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

Last post 06-08-2007, 9:06 AM by Ian Dixon. 11 replies.
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  •  02-13-2007, 12:06 AM 2011

    HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    I bought, on the weekend, an HP Pavillion m7775.uk desktop machine.
    The machine came preinstalled with Vista Home Premium.

    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.

  •  02-13-2007, 10:33 AM 2021 in reply to 2011

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    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
  •  02-13-2007, 3:37 PM 2027 in reply to 2011

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    Have you checked for any driver updates etc?


    TheDigitalLifeStyle.com the home of The Media Center Show!
    Microsoft MVP
  •  02-14-2007, 7:09 PM 2051 in reply to 2027

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    Microsoft have identified one issue with HP factory software configs containing the Picasso add-in in which Picasso steals focus from Media Center when the Extender session is launched.  When this happens, all input is redirected to it instead of to ehshell.  Please have people press the green button (to bring Media Center to the foreground), then try navigating.
     
    A secondary/more permenant workaround is to go into Settings->General->Program Library Options->Edit Program Library and uncheck Picasso and the Front Panel add-ins.  Then you must restart either Media Center or the Extender session.
     
    Please let me know how you get on


    TheDigitalLifeStyle.com the home of The Media Center Show!
    Microsoft MVP
  •  02-15-2007, 5:50 PM 2059 in reply to 2051

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    Update on how to fix it

    This is in Media Center/from the Media Center Start page: Task->Settings->General->Program Library Options->Edit Program Library


    TheDigitalLifeStyle.com the home of The Media Center Show!
    Microsoft MVP
  •  02-26-2007, 8:34 PM 2214 in reply to 2059

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    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

     

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  •  02-26-2007, 8:44 PM 2215 in reply to 2214

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    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!

    Thijs

  •  02-27-2007, 12:32 PM 2218 in reply to 2215

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    I will try to find out if there is anything else to try


    TheDigitalLifeStyle.com the home of The Media Center Show!
    Microsoft MVP
  •  02-28-2007, 4:23 PM 2230 in reply to 2215

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    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


    TheDigitalLifeStyle.com the home of The Media Center Show!
    Microsoft MVP
  •  03-07-2007, 9:45 AM 2333 in reply to 2230

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    Have sorted your problem now?


    TheDigitalLifeStyle.com the home of The Media Center Show!
    Microsoft MVP
  •  06-03-2007, 7:31 PM 2854 in reply to 2333

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    Has anybody discovered a solution to this problem yet?  I'm seeing the same xbox 360 media center non-response issue with a hp pavilian a1720n/Vista Premium/Pinnacle hd pro usb stick.
  •  06-08-2007, 9:06 AM 2860 in reply to 2854

    Re: HP m7775 problems with 360 Extender

    What programs do you have running in the Startup group?


    TheDigitalLifeStyle.com the home of The Media Center Show!
    Microsoft MVP
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