Win Easy way to start XBMC when Windows 8.1 starts
#1
I just installed Windows 8.1 and have a nice way to start XBMC with Windows.

It still loads explorer so you can exit XBMC and not have to run anything extra, you will be taken straight back into Windows, no messing with Shell or anything.

So firstly you have to have Windows 8.1 (8 will not work). Either wait until the 17th October until it officially comes out or download the beta.

Once you have 8.1 installed and setup, right click on your Start bar -> Properties.
Go to "Navigation" Tab and tick "When I sign in or close all applications on screen, go to the desktop instead of Start" (This is only available in Win 8.1 - hence the upgrade).
Click OK to leave that menu.

Next we need to set Windows to automatically log in without asking for a Username or Password:
Press the Windows key + R for Run (or just press the Windows key and type Run).

In the Run box type "netplwiz"

In User Accounts untick the box "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer."
It will ask for your to confirm your Password, so enter this and click OK.

Next open up the Run box again (Windows Key + R)

In the Run box type "shellConfusedtartup".

This will open up the Startup programs list.
Just copy in a XBMC shortcut and Bobs your uncle!

Next time you restart it will automatically load XBMC and it will be the main focus.
You can then just exit XBMC and be taken back into Windows without having to run Explorer or anything else.
My full HTPC build log:
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=129352
Core i3-2120T 2.6Ghz, 4gb Kingston DDR3, mSATA SSD, Moneual 312 Case, GT520 GPU
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#2
Thanks!
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#3
Love your work SavellM!
Exactly what I was looking to do. Thanks!
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#4
Glad I could help Smile
My full HTPC build log:
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=129352
Core i3-2120T 2.6Ghz, 4gb Kingston DDR3, mSATA SSD, Moneual 312 Case, GT520 GPU
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#5
Thanks, That brilliant...
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#6
Np matey
My full HTPC build log:
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=129352
Core i3-2120T 2.6Ghz, 4gb Kingston DDR3, mSATA SSD, Moneual 312 Case, GT520 GPU
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#7
thanks a alot SavellM 1 question is it normal that there is a lag around 3-4 secs? because it 1st shows the desktop then xbmc after secs..

thanks!
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#8
Yup unfortunately there will always be a slight delay as it still needs to load explorer and the desktop.
My full HTPC build log:
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=129352
Core i3-2120T 2.6Ghz, 4gb Kingston DDR3, mSATA SSD, Moneual 312 Case, GT520 GPU
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#9
I just run a .BAT file in my Startup folder. It waits 10 seconds until it runs XBMC to allow all my other drivers to load. Change 11 to whatever seconds+1.

ping 127.0.0.1 -n 11 > nul
start "" "C:\Program Files (x86)\XBMC\XBMC.exe" -fs

Just put the above in a text file and call it start.bat and put it into your startup folder. Works for Windows 7 at least.
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#10
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=136798
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#11
I think you could use the task scheduler which provides a bunch of control options.

scott s.
.
maintainer of skin  Aeon MQ5 mods for post-Gotham Kodi releases:
Matrix see: Aeon MQ5 Mod Matrix release thread
Nexus see: Aeon MQ5 Mod Nexus release thread
Aeon MQ 5 skin and addon repo 11.1.0
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#12
Is this method so much better then running it via shell?
What are the pros and cons for running XBMC in shell?
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#13
Thanks SavellM!

But I have a small niggle.... I also run Plex Media Server on the same PC, and I believe it is starting after XBMC, so after the boot processes have all finished I have XMBC full screen, but with the Windows task bar in front of it, and holding the focus. So to actually use XBMC I need to grab a mouse and click on it, at which point the task bar vanishes. Frustrating huh?

I think I'll start XBMC via a batch file and add a "timeout /T 5" command to ensure it starts last, and I'll report back after trying it.
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#14
Nope. Didn't work, but I could see that PMS had well and truly loaded before XBMC fired up.... even with the delay blown out to 15 seconds.

Any ideas why XBMC doesn't have the focus?? Have I missed something?

I'm thinking now of using an external command line utility called "nircmd" to bring the XBMC window to the foreground.

Again, I'll report back once I've tried it.
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#15
Try my xbmclauncher tool.
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