Domain and Cached Credentials (read the FAQ)

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From: scottrudy (scottrudy_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 10/14/04 

Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 23:05:14 -0700

Ok, by looking at the newsgroups I never got a definite answer to how can I
retain logging in to a domain or ensuring cached credentials. In general I am
opposed to joining a domain (because the admins like to install evil
software), but I happen to be working with Microsoft's corporate network this
week and I am concerned that they might force me to join in order to make
sure my PC is up to spec. Yet I really want to check out MCE 2005. So, I
found the answers in the FAQ (who would have thought?)...

Q. Can I connect a new PC running Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 to a
work network or domain?
A. While you can access network resources on a work network or a domain, you
cannot join a Windows XP Media Center 2005 PC to the domain*. PCs running
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 are designed specifically for home use*.
Professional features, specifically Domain Join and Cached Credentials
(Credentials Manager for logins) are not included*. As a result, you will be
prompted for your login username/password to access network resources after a
reboot or logging back into the PC*. In addition, file shares or network
resources set to require a domain-joined PC for access will not be
available*. Remote Desktop and Encrypting File System support are still
included.
 
Notice the asterisks that I added? Well read on...

Q. What about consumers upgrading from Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004?
Will they lose these features?
A. No. Consumers who are eligible for an upgrade to Media Center Edition
2005 will keep these features as they were a part of their originally
purchased product.
 
So if you have access to MSDN, install the 2004 edition and then install the
2005 edition. I think for MSDN developers Microsoft should just not disable
that feature, since it will just promote people trying to find the hack to
enable it. I give the community two months. Till then I am taking the long
road.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Disadvantage of XP Media Center Edition?
    ... Is there any disadvantage to choosing the Media Center Edition? ... The domain issue presumably affects corporate networks ... MCE will have more features. ... You are correct that it cannot be joined to a domain but that won't impact your ability to connect to a wireless network. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Feel Duped by Microsoft with MCE NOT being allowed to join DOM
    ... domain and a network. ... MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart Display\Security ... >>> This is what Microsoft states on their Media Center Edition 2005 web site ... >>> Professional features, specifically Domain Join and Cached Credentials ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter)
  • Re: Disadvantage of XP Media Center Edition?
    ... > between XP home, or XP Media Center Edition, for the same price. ... MCE will have more features. ... to a wireless network. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: MCE2005 is Windows XP Home
    ... Check the section "All the Benefits of Windows XP Home Edition and Windows ... While you can access network resources on a work network or a domain, ... you cannot join a Windows XP Media Center 2005 PC to the domain. ... Professional features, ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter)
  • Re: MCE versus Win XP Pro
    ... No domain login or cached credentials by default and Media Center features added, otherwise, it's XP Pro. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter)