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Chapter 7, Build a Windows-Based Home Theater PC

3. Install .NET Framework, Windows Media Player 9,

and DirectX 9

Although not absolutely required by the HTPC we’re building, you’ll want

to download a few things from Microsoft. They’re all free and are signifi-

cantly better than the previous versions. You can use Windows Update to

make installation easy.

1. Use your web browser and go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.

Click Yes if you’re prompted for permission to install components.

2. Click Scan For Updates. Windows Update will examine your computer

for installed updates and report them back to the web site to determine

which updates are still required.

3. Select Windows XP from the navigation tree on the left.

You’ll find all three of the components you’re looking for in this section.

Unfortunately, DirectX and Media Player must be installed individually, so

you have to do all three separately.

1. Find Microsoft .NET Framework version 1.1 (or a newer version, if

available) and click Add.

2. Click “Review and install updates.” Any critical updates that you’ve

missed will automatically be added.

3. Click Install Now and then click Accept to accept the license agreement

and begin the installation.

When the installation is complete, click Windows XP in the tree on the left

to go back in and repeat the process for DirectX 9.0a End-User Runtime. ...