New PC

[bradavon]

Go to Windows Update and click the "View available updates" link, you'll see all the Updates in there:

http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/image ... -HiRes.jpg

If SP2 isn't listed, install what is and then it will appear. Oddly MS only show SP2 once you've at least installed some of the other updates. It's unlikely you'll need all of them but some you will, such as the Hotfixes and General Vista updates.

Alternatively I posted the link to download and install SP2 manually a page back. Actually it's probably better to install the direct link first, it's likely the "View available updates" list will reduce afterwards (as some of the small Hotfixes shown are part of SP2). Here it is:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... c3199ea2b3

Download and install this. In the Windows Update list of Apps to install you definitely want to put on "Windows Live Essentials". It will give you the latest Windows Live Photo Gallery and Messenger, those are the only two components I install.

Do you have any version of Microsoft Office installed btw? You'll need SP3 for Office 2003 and SP2 for Office 2007. These will appear in the Windows Update list once installed.

p.s - Personally I always click "View available updates", that way I only install what I want and not the rest.

[grim_tales]

Vista installed SP2 for me for some reason, probably as I had installed the other updates as you said.
Its working now

[bradavon]

Nice!

[grim_tales]

Hey,
I tried playing The Big Boss HKL PE DVD in our PC and it works - now we have working speakers - maybe theyre a bit bigger than I thought but ANYTHING is better than, nothing
Can you change whether you play it with WMP or Media Center? I tried Media Center but dont know if I "set" it to that by mistake - I'm not sure I like Media Center because of the huge logos/buttons on the screen.

[bradavon]

I tried playing The Big Boss HKL PE DVD in our PC and it works

WOW! That's amazing. A DVD on a PC!

Can you change whether you play it with WMP or Media Center? I tried Media Center but dont know if I "set" it to that by mistake - I'm not sure I like Media Center because of the huge logos/buttons on the screen.

Of course. The big buttons are because it's designed for a TV and Remote control. Many people love WMC (in that scenario) I find it clunky and rarely use it. WMP all the way:

It needs changing in two places in Control Panel:

1. Go into Control Panel
2. On the left hand side click on Classic View, instead of the rubbish category view: http://www.diy-networks.com/config/imag ... -large.jpg
3. Open "Default Programs"
4. Click on "Set you default programs": http://i.msdn.microsoft.com/Cc144154.De ... .85%29.png
5. Find WMP and on the right click "Set this program as default" on the right: http://www.vistax64.com/attachments/tut ... stored.jpg
6. Go back in "Default programs" in Control Panel
7. Click on "Set program access and computer defaults": http://www.cnblogs.com/images/cnblogs_c ... ograms.png
8. Choose "Custom": http://www.yoingco.com/PNGs/dp7.png
9. Scroll down and put a black radio button in "Windows Media Player" but don't untick anything: http://www.yoingco.com/PNGs/dp13.png
10. Click OK

If you get any UAC prompts (the ones which darken the screen) obviously click "Continue".

p.s - Have you installed Windows Live Essentials? It's in Windows Update. It really is essential. Personally I've just installed Windows Live Photo Gallery and Messenger. You may want Windows Live Mail too (unless you login to your e-mail in Internet Explorer).

[grim_tales]

No need to be sarcastic Brad (1st comment). Just checking everything worked OK
I'm not sure about Windows Live Essentials - I've got Messanger

[bradavon]

No need to be sarcastic Brad (1st comment). Just checking everything worked OK

No, genuinly I'm amazed .

I'm not sure about Windows Live Essentials - I've got Messenger

They probably installed it for you. Go into "Start" ---> "All Programs" and you may see Windows Live Photo Gallery.

[grim_tales]

Its OK now Brad I sorted it out I went into "Autoplay" (or something like that) and changed it to "ask me every time" for DVD movies

[grim_tales]

Yeah Windows Live Photo Gallery is there

[bradavon]

Give it a try. Windows Live Photo Gallery/Mail are updated versions of the ones included with Vista.

Its OK now Brad I sorted it out I went into "Autoplay" (or something like that) and changed it to "ask me every time" for DVD movies

Well that isn't what you asked for but it will do. That will change Autoplay, actually probably more relevant considering it's a DVD.

[grim_tales]

WMP is much better. Its true full screen and all the icons disappear after a while.

[bradavon]

Both happen in WMC too. There's a Full-screen button. WMP isn't that good as a DVD Player though, PowerDVD is much better.

[grim_tales]

I know that but even when I put WMC in full screen the huge buttons were always there.
PowerDVD huh?

[bradavon]

I know that but even when I put WMC in full screen the huge buttons were always there.

Like I said, it's designed for a TV and Remote Control, not mouse. It will really come into it's own with Windows 7 and touch-screen.

It's primary competitor is Sky+/Media Centres not Media Players like WMP and iTunes.

PowerDVD huh?

Huh what? PowerDVD is much better than WMP, for playing DVDs.

[grim_tales]

I meant I've never used it before, I have heard of it Do you download it?
ETA: I think you have to buy it. I dont know how much DVD I'll watch on here, maybe not enough to justify it.

[bradavon]

Yes you download it, yes it costs but yes there are ways around that.