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Windows Media Center 2005 Can't Join Domains? Think Again...

Tom Warren   on 03 January 2005 - 01:41 · 71 comments & 29489 views

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DLL patching hero Rafael has found a great way to enable your MCE 2005 install to join Windows domains. Rafael, known for patching the now famous uxtheme.dll to enable custom Windows XP msstyle themes has found a reg edit in Windows XP Media Center 2005 to unlock the previously "greyed out" join domain option. This method is pretty complex but confirmed to work.

This will allow you to leave and join domains within Windows Media Center Edition 2005.

Please note: The only other ways to get MCE 2005 onto a domain are to upgrade from a previous MCE or to join domain in setup.

View: How to: Join Domains Within MCE 2005
Screenshot: Unpatched Windows Media Center 2005
Screenshot: Patched Windows Media Center 2005


I contacted LokiTorrent earlier today about what they were up to; site administrator Lowkee was kind enough to answer our questions.

First, the obvious : why are you doing this?

There are many reasons why I am doing this, but the primary reason is that I run a completely legal website that the MPAA or anyone else has no right to force me to close. In just the past few weeks, the MPAA has forced the shutdown of many other bittorrent sites which were setup to do nothing more than allow people to share what they wished. It will be a dark day when we roll over to let organizations such as the RIAA and MPAA make our freedom of speech laws for us. I'm sure you have heard of the bill the RIAA is currently trying to pass here in the US making ALL reproduction and recording devices illegal? If that bill passes, even our telephone answering machines will be considered illegal. As I cannot lobby government to prevent such self-serving bills from passing, I will fight the battles I am able to. When I was given this lawsuit, I simply made a conscience decision that if it has already gone this far, it is time I took action to stop it for myself. The astounding support from the community is simply reinforcement of my position.

Do you think that piracy is acceptable?

Piracy is a byproduct of peer sharing. When peer-to-peer software is being written, there aren't 10 developers wringing their hands together over how much software and music people can steal from those who make a living selling it. Peer sharing is used to allow people who don't have the financial funding of the MPAA and RIAA to share there works, for free, to a worldwide audience without the massive costs of bandwidth punishing them for being popular.

The MPAA are a massive organization with large backing for funds; do you think you can stand up to them where so many sites (like suprnova) have fallen by the way-side?

You can be as frightening as you wish, make all the threat you want, but in the end an invalid argument is just as invalid. We run a legal site for use by those who wish to share their own creative works, and as much as I realize the MPAA is a huge organization with deep pockets, I have the law, common sense and millions of people behind me.

Looking forward- what is your legal road ahead?

I can't say I have much of a legal road ahead. Yes, I don't doubt there are people who abuse the policies of peer-sharing sites such as mine by sharing illegal files, but suing me is tantamount to suing the highway department for drug smugglers using their roads. And like the highway system, the benefits of such a system unmistakably outweigh the side-effects.

Have you received any sizable donations so far?

I have received a few donations from average people that are most likely giving 1/2 of their weekly paycheck, so yes, I have. These are not large amounts of money, as legal council is very expensive, but it clearly shows the peer-sharing community is behind us 100% and is willing to invest a little to save a lot.
Lowkee

It is important to note that Neowin does not endorse or support piracy of any kind; members posting links or detailed information will face severe action.

Post a comment · Send to friend Comments · There are 71 additional comments
(4 replies) #1 Larney on 03 Jan 2005 - 01:51
Cheers for the news
#1.1 sphbecker on 03 Jan 2005 - 15:23
This will not take long for Microsoft to block. Under the new pricing, MCE is cheaper then Pro; MS will not allow businesses to use MCE for workstations. At any rate, joining a MCE computer to a domain is a violation of the Windows Server license agreement.
#1.2 jagedEdge on 03 Jan 2005 - 22:50
Well, they give you the option in the installation, so who cares if some guy just patched a DLL to reactivate a button that should be active in the first place.

Also, since when did you have to use a Windows Server OS to have a domain? Linux and Mac OS X Servers can also be DNS's
#1.3 Dillshot on 04 Jan 2005 - 00:41
I think the real reason that the domain option is not available post install is due to the fact that the new extenders can't be used on a domain. You can use MCE 2005 on a domain if you choose to forgoe any extender support.
#1.4 Uxtheme Rafael on 04 Jan 2005 - 12:35
jaged, who said anything about requiring a domain... In fact, I even specified Samba in my title
(4 replies) #2 Steven on 03 Jan 2005 - 01:55
lets see how long this news post stays up before Microsoft calls in the CAV.
#2.1 Powerless on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:06
Unless it's in the small print that MCE's cannot join a domain I see no reason why they would.
#2.2 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:37
I couldn't find anything in the EULA or any other 'fine print' stating this. Oops?
#2.3 Powerless on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:48
You'll be OK then.
#2.4 sphbecker on 03 Jan 2005 - 15:26
As I said it another post, the fine print you should be looking at is on the Windows Server License Agreement. It is it not there now, then you better believe it will be added soon, along with a technical restriction.
(2 replies) #3 Azadre on 03 Jan 2005 - 01:55
Out of curiosity: Why would you want to join a domain with WMC 2005 if it is a media OS?
#3.1 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:05
Some people would like to retain the media functionalities whilst actually get some real work done hence why this would be useful... or maybe some people just want more control over their OS. Pick one.
#3.2 ecvogel on 03 Jan 2005 - 03:03
I have a MCE Laptop. Maybe by some odd chance I may want to use it at work? But nope. There is no reason for me, I figure if I need one at work, the boss will buy me on. LOL . Toshiba does not sell the MCE 2005 to existing owners so I am stuck with MCE 2004. I beta tested MCE 2005, so I know it works, and I like it alot. But not enough to to pay for a OEM Full Version. I would pay $30-$40 max for a update CD.
-
Also, when I get the funds, I would love to run a SBS 2003 Premium Server as the media hub, so you see why joining a domain maybe important.
#4 vetlardiop on 03 Jan 2005 - 01:59
OK, THAT just made my XMas.

Thanks Cream!
#5 Larney on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:01
Azadre, because we have a Professional version of Windows XP SP2 so why not have all the features? It can be used and is used as a Workstation OS and MCE is just an add-on like Windows Plus! or Windows Media Player.

Steven, give it 24 hours. 48 if your lucky
#6 Mr. Dee on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:01
This is great, #3, there are MCE Laptops, so if you purchase one for home and work, its easier now, because you can just have one OS for everything.

I personally will use this, although it kinda does make sense, since I have XP Pro/MCE2K5 and Srv2k3 on my laptop, but its nice to finally crack it.
(3 replies) #7 rwilkens on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:02
Oddly, My Media Center 2005 installation was already able to connect to a domain without any changes being required on my part.

Of course, I manually *upgraded* to Media Center Edition 2005 from the original Media Center Edition (year not labelled). And yes, I know you can't buy it, but I acquired mine legally from Microsoft directly (partner program).
#7.1 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:04
Upgrading, in certain conditions, could very well trigger this key on to begin with. Thanks for that info.
#7.2 UnaBonger on 03 Jan 2005 - 03:36
During a clean install of MCE2k5 or an upgrade from MCE2k4 you can join a domain. Other than that, this is the only way.

Cream, thx for the news and Rafael, thx for taking the time to figure this out.
#7.3 briangw on 04 Jan 2005 - 17:49
There was another way, once listed on www.thegreenbutton.com, but I forgot what it was.
#8 d0tn3t on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:03
You might run a domain in your house.
Why?
Why not.

When people get bored, they try new things. Regardless of the legality and performance risks associated.
(4 replies) #9 Trix on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:09
QUOTE
Oh and creamhackered, could you not come up with something better than 'DLL Patching Hero'? Jeez...


yay!
#9.1 creamhackered on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:12
hehe
#9.2 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:12
Yay!
#9.3 vetlardiop on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:17
lol, he calls it like it is.
#9.4 krono6 on 03 Jan 2005 - 17:51
I think that Title is great. I f00k1n' L0v3 T4At P4tCh!!!!!
(2 replies) #10 Tekmaven on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:17
This may work, but once a Media Center 2005 machine is joined to a domain, you will not be able to use any media center extenders with it. There can't be a dll patch to fix this - this is a limitation of Windows XP Fast User Switching.

I have an Xbox Media Center Extender... and I rather have this then have my machine on a domain
#10.1 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:20
Good point.
#10.2 werejag on 03 Jan 2005 - 11:03
i doubt that its to ensure extenders can be used that they removed it.
#11 NetRyder on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:17
Excellent.
(3 replies) #12 Octol on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:29
Hey! I played a game of Minesweeper and took a sip of Dr. Pepper and nothing happened! Isn't my W2k3 Enterprise Server supposed to turn into a Media Center PC if I do that?
#12.1 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 02:41
Did you click your heels three times as well?
#12.2 GM_Axis on 03 Jan 2005 - 04:56
Don't you mean, "Did you click your mouse wheel three times as well?"

#12.3 Richardo on 03 Jan 2005 - 15:04
Naa, you forgot step #33: "Take a piss while you wait"
#13 Nelsinho on 03 Jan 2005 - 06:12
yay excellent.
(6 replies) #14 shichiroji4 on 03 Jan 2005 - 06:38
That just goes to show how vulnerable NT is. Any Tom Dick Harry tweaks a few registry settings and we get to access previously unknown options. Can you imagine what would happen if the DLL chap is going for something more destructive?

MCE2005!? << snipped >>

Last edited by 36818 on 03 Jan 2005 - 11:35
#14.1 corrosive23 on 03 Jan 2005 - 06:43
Because some people would rather have a media center type pc << snipped >>.

Last edited by 36818 on 03 Jan 2005 - 11:35
#14.2 vhcs on 03 Jan 2005 - 09:29
MOD PARENT DOWN - FLAMEBAIT

<< snipped >>

Last edited by 36818 on 03 Jan 2005 - 11:35
#14.3 SquareSoft0 on 03 Jan 2005 - 10:15
You're all a bunch of trolls, drop it.
#14.4 markjensen on 03 Jan 2005 - 11:36
You're all a bunch of trolls, drop it.

Agreed. Trolling portions removed.
#14.5 jagedEdge on 03 Jan 2005 - 22:58
Okay shichiroji4. I agree with you most of the time, but now you've just taken it too far. Unix and Linux are far more customizable/hackable than Windows, so if you were using it as a reason to say Windows is insecure (and being able to modify a DLL doesn't make a system insecure) then you forgot about Unix and Linux.
#14.6 SquareSoft0 on 04 Jan 2005 - 06:06
Well pretty much any OS with direct internet access running with full admin rights 24/7 is insecure. Again, every OS has the ability to not run with direct internet access without 24/7 admin rights, just that Linux goes without admin by default, OSX goes without direct internet access by default, while Windows runs with both by default. A machine is only as secure as the user.
#15 conna on 03 Jan 2005 - 07:00
I am glad that people care enough to figure this stuff out.
(3 replies) #16 localhost on 03 Jan 2005 - 08:05
Hmm, does anyone happen to know where can I get a copy of the theme as shown in the screenshots?
#16.1 SFalcon on 03 Jan 2005 - 09:21
That's the energy blue theme, the default visual style that comes with MCE 2005. I'm not sure if it's allowed to be distributed now that MCE2k5 is released, but I remember that it was against the rules to post the style during the beta.
#16.2 werejag on 03 Jan 2005 - 11:06
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=86268ffa-70b1-4814-bd00-2d380dc5a89d&displaylang=en
#16.3 localhost on 04 Jan 2005 - 02:14
Thanks I guess you need to extract the files and do some manual copying/pasting to the correct directories before it can be used on a normal Windows XP machine.
#17 zaggy on 03 Jan 2005 - 09:58
I totally loved the part about playing minesweeper
(1 reply) #18 EvErSoR on 03 Jan 2005 - 10:04
This is some odd news. I read this in a german tech magazine over a month ago.
Just some dirty regedit work (and this works without a new installation):

"Open up a second installation or fire up a PE-Environment (like Barts PE) and import the MACHINE branch of your MCE installation. Change the value from 'Installed' to find under SYSTEMWPAMediaCenter from 0 to 1.
Restart machine. Now your MCE is an XP Pro with Domain functionality. Enter the domain. Restart with the second installtion or the PE Environment, Make Changes back (from 1 to 0). And .... you've got yourself an MCE with a domain!"

Simple as that!
#18.1 werejag on 03 Jan 2005 - 11:08
"licence error can not check licence"

thats what happens when u change any wpa settings like that
(1 reply) #19 Mx² on 03 Jan 2005 - 10:19
Well done Rafael, EvErSoR, do most have Windows PE? No. We want to add it to a domain when we are in MCE not in some Windows PE Environment.
#19.1 werejag on 03 Jan 2005 - 11:10
his idea would work to load the system hiv. but licence issue will get in the way
(2 replies) #20 noyb on 03 Jan 2005 - 12:28
Now if only someone could write a hack to turn MCE back into Pro so i could use the capture port on my GFX card.
#20.1 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 22:01
Erm, why would this be affected by what OS you're running?
#20.2 jagedEdge on 03 Jan 2005 - 23:02
Well, MCE 2005 is a little different in its drivers (my ATI drivers had problems the first time around where if I brought up the on-screen controls, the video behind the controls would go away). Maybe that's why he wants to turn MCE into just Pro.
(2 replies) #21 Larney on 03 Jan 2005 - 15:50
noyb, MCE 2005 = Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2
#21.1 noyb on 03 Jan 2005 - 16:44
I know but ATI refuse to support the WDM capture driver for the VIVO variants of the 9800 series under Media Centre, if you try and install the regular driver from the regular cats it gives the error message about being an unsupported OS and refuses to install meaning you have to use the specific Media Centre catalyst drivers that leave an unknown device in the system properties, this is noted in their support pages but its hard to imagine that in a day where we have a unified driver model for 2000/XP anyone would even think about a driver that works for Pro and Home but not MCE when essentialy they are the same OS.

Its most likely that they could not be bothered to develop MCE compliance for the onboard chip or are just trying to get people to buy more of the eHome wonders that they are selling. Either way after the hassle of this and the crap support for my Apple Cinema Displays (black screen until Windows loads, meaning no BIOS access or dual booting Linu i think ill just go back to Nvidia as they included Cinema Display support in their drivers since they were launched, i hear that this issue is not only affecting Apple displays but also other large Widescreen LCD's.

Last edited by 63624 on 03 Jan 2005 - 16:49
#21.2 ShiZZa on 03 Jan 2005 - 21:33
Those new sony VIVO have a unsuported PCI-Express in some of the models. At bestbuy we tried to put in a x700 card into one of those PCs to test it and see if that was really the case and the PC wouldn't boot, It wouldn't even POST. So we tried another card. We tried 3 diffrent PCI-Express cards with no luck. So im sure thats why.
(2 replies) #22 BigBoy on 03 Jan 2005 - 16:39
Of course - this will BREAK stuff if you are using a Media Center Extender.

Why? Because Media Center Extenders rely on Fast User Switching which is not enabled when the computer is in the domain.

Also - I dunno what the big deal is. You can still join during setup. And you also have the ability to join if you upgraded from MCE 2004.
#22.1 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 17:33
Hence the big NOTE in the beginning of the text.
#22.2 briangw on 04 Jan 2005 - 17:51
QUOTE
Also - I dunno what the big deal is. You can still join during setup. And you also have the ability to join if you upgraded from MCE 2004


Because some of us already have MCE 2k5 deployed and are still working on bringing up our servers. Plus, this would be awesome to run while having MS's Virtual Server running in the background.
(3 replies) #23 startechstudios on 03 Jan 2005 - 18:04
can't seem to view the web page. Join Domains Within MCE 2005. also can we use this to get Home edition to log into a domain as well? I havn`t been able to view the fix so I don`t know the particulars in the registry but i would imagine that this may work with home too.
#23.1 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 19:32
Works fine for me. Try http://www.vortex-scratchpad.info or http://server.vortex-scratchpad.info:8080
#23.2 Uxtheme Rafael on 03 Jan 2005 - 19:34
... and no, this will not work with Windows XP Home.
#23.3 mkprilliman on 05 Jan 2005 - 23:24
I am also having problems getting to the site using either url. Has MSFT pulled your plug?
(2 replies) #24 KZWings on 03 Jan 2005 - 22:08
Is there any way to get WindowsXP Home Edition to join a domain, similar to this method?
#24.1 SquareSoft0 on 04 Jan 2005 - 06:10
Yes, upgrade to Pro.
#24.2 KZWings on 05 Jan 2005 - 17:04
That doesn't help.
#25 McG on 04 Jan 2005 - 03:41
FIXED!!!
#26 spicedog on 15 Aug 2006 - 23:04
I just tackled this issue on an HP laptop where I ran into a huge catch 22. The hard drive was not visible at all except in Windows. Recovery console would just blue-screen, windows setup wouldnt see the drive to load XP Pro, nothing was working. Finally used the Hiren's cd to boot into NTFS 4 Dos so that I could have full access to the partition and was able to copy the system file to another location so that I could edit it in Windows. Wow. It DID work just fine afterwards and joined the domain.
#27 Alpineflip on 09 Feb 2007 - 18:55
I get the same blue screen when it tries to enter the System Recovery, I cant even make it past step 7 because it doesn't recognize the drive. I have Hiren's cd and Ultimate Boot CD but what did you do exactly to continue on because I am stumped?

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