How to Strip Down VMCE

Windows Vista Media Center Edition includes a set of features called "Windows Media Center" that turns your PC into an entertainment center and media hub. This can be a valuable addition for users who want to watch TV and listen to music on their computers, but not all users require or want Windows Media Center. If you would rather have a stripped-down version of Windows Vista, without the Windows Media Center functionality, you can do this by disabling the Media Center services from the "Services" control panel.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" menu, then type "services.msc" in the Search field. Press "Enter."

2. Scroll down in the "Services" window to locate the "Windows Media Center" services.

3. Double-click the "Windows Media Center Extender Service" entry. Click to select "Disabled" in the "Startup type" drop-down list. Click "OK."

4. Double-click the "Windows Media Center Receiver Service" entry. Click to select "Disabled" in the "Startup type" drop-down list. Click "OK."

5. Double-click the "Windows Media Center Scheduler Service" entry, then click to select "Disabled" in the "Startup type" drop-down list. Click "OK."

6. Double-click the "Windows Media Center Service Launcher" entry. Click to select "Disabled" in the "Startup type" drop-down list, then click "OK."

7. Close the "Services" control panel window.

8. Click the "Start" menu, then type "msconfig" in the Search field and press "Enter."

9. Click the "Startup" tab.

10. Click to uncheck the box next to "ehTray.exe" and any other startup entries that include the "ehome" directory in the "Command" column.

11. Click "Apply" and "OK."

12. Click "Restart" when prompted to restart your PC.

References

• Tweakhound: Windows Vista Services Guide
• OptimizingPC: Improve Performance by Disabling Windows Vista Services