MS MCE Keyboard on Standard XP

[slay]

Hi

I am trying to build a PVR (well I have done most of it), but I wanted to use the keyboard from the comfort of my sofa. I acquired an MS MCE keyboard, but then realised it expects you to reinstall with Media Centre Edition just to load the IR keyboard/mouse drivers! I dont really want to install MCE, its too restrictive, and I am using none of its features - I am using GBPVR, which is ultimately more configurable, I can access my Telewest cable box and record in DivX for example.

So, I was wondering if anyone had managed to sort drivers for XP? I heard some guy had ported the Mouse driver, so it could be used in applications, but I havent found anything for the keyboard.

Was wondering if you Hexus gurus would be able to come up with any ideas...

(Edit - Oops, I only meant to say hello, this is the wrong thread for actual question, innit? Hmm no delete post button - help!)


-Slay

[Lee H]

it's not possible to use this keyboard on XP I'm afraid as the drivers are embedded with MCE2005 and you need the hardware kit with the IR reciever for this to work correctly.

anyhoo - welcome to hexus mate

[Zak33]

that's it Lee.....you give him the bad news and THEN welcome him

[slay]

Er - I have the IR kit, blasters and remote and keyboard. I got all the hardware. I just need the software dude!

Like i said, someone's done the Remote; check out:
<cool URL>
(Ok, I'd love to put the URL in here, but it says I have to have 5 posts)

look for "HIP MCE Send and Receive Interface (Freeware)"

now - how about the keyboard folks? if I was a good enough programmer, I'd give it a go..but sadly I'm not.

cheers
-Slay

[slay]

ps, thanks for the welcome..! ;-)

[slay]

where there's a will there's a way:
aitchteeteepeecolonbackslashbackslashdubyadubyadubya.byremote.com.au/downloads/default.asp?SCLASS=HIP

[slay]

guys

apparently, you can use the MCE keyboard on normal XP, you need to download and install "Update Rollup 2 for eHome Infrared Receiver for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (KB912024)"

cheers
-Slay

[BigBry]

Tell us if this works please.

[ultimate]

Just a point Win Xp/ Media are incorporated in the same system so you can swap between xp or media which means that you can use the media centre K/board with XP as slay says just make sure that you download update rollup 2 for ehome infrared receiver kb912024.

[johnny02004976]

slay any chance you can post the URL for the driver?? i'll give it a try, its a real hassle dual booting just to use the keyboard

EDIT: also welcome mate

[slay]

johnny big number,

Here is the link:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/912024/

Just stick the phrase I posted in quotes into Google, mate!

Be aware that it needs XP SP2 to be installed - will let you know these evening how I got on, as I decided to download a whole bunch of updates at the same time.....and of course, was out with the girlf this weekend...there's only one thing worse than having a keyboard on the living room floor, and thats not keeping her indoors fed and watered..

When I tried to run some other drivers for the MCE kb, it specifically 'you can only run these on MCE', but this one just complained about not having SP2 - I take that as a good sign....

-Slay

[slay]

Success!! Yes the 'update rollup 2 for ehome infrared receiver kb912024' definitely works for XP Pro - I can now use my MCE keyboard - relief. You do have to have SP2 installed, otherwise it refuses to install.

But whats with the crappy mouse? Lol, with that thing, I look like my mum using a mouse!

thanks for the post, ultimate. I actually had it downloaded already, but the sheer number of pre-req's made me forget about it...

cheers
-Slay

[johnny02004976]

forgot to post mate - it works a treat

[slay]

johnny

does you mouse move like a pig? or is it just my keyboard?

Sorry that sounded stoopid - i meant the built-in mouse on the MCE kb.

its almost unusable, unless you slow it right down in Control Panel - the fact you have to push down to make it go is frankly crap.

-Slay

[johnny02004976]

mines fine mate, i find the harder u press the button thing the more sensitive it becomes, i just use shortcuts

[slay]

yeah, but the harder you press it, the harder it is to control it! I heard in other posts that its gets better after use, but mine has been the same for a few months now.


cheers
Slay