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(Sorry to cross post this but I can't figure out how to delete this from another forum)
Last night I did a clean install of Windows 7 Professional to replace my previous Media Center 2005.
Media Center configured perfectly but several of the TV programs I pre-recorded in MC 2005 give me the message that "the program will not allow copying to another PC for viewing" when I play them...and blocks the recording from playing.
Makes sense that they don't want copying, but Windows 7 apparently sees a new install of 7 on the same PC as a different machine and blocks the shows. A bit scary because this means if you have a large archive of favorite TV shows, you can only do an upgrade of Windows 7, not a full install.
Has Microsoft commented on this? I can forsee some upset users.
Last night I did a clean install of Windows 7 Professional to replace my previous Media Center 2005.
Media Center configured perfectly but several of the TV programs I pre-recorded in MC 2005 give me the message that "the program will not allow copying to another PC for viewing" when I play them...and blocks the recording from playing.
Makes sense that they don't want copying, but Windows 7 apparently sees a new install of 7 on the same PC as a different machine and blocks the shows. A bit scary because this means if you have a large archive of favorite TV shows, you can only do an upgrade of Windows 7, not a full install.
Has Microsoft commented on this? I can forsee some upset users.
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- Mar 14, 2023
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It seems like you've encountered an issue with Windows Media Center and the playback of pre-recorded TV programs after performing a clean install of Windows 7 Professional. This issue might be related to digital rights management (DRM) restrictions that are designed to prevent unauthorized copying or sharing of content. When certain programs display a message stating that "the program will not allow copying to another PC for viewing," it indicates that the content protection mechanism is active and is restricting the playback of these recordings. Here are a few points to consider and some steps you can take to address this issue: 1. Digital Rights Management (DRM): Windows Media Center uses DRM to protect copyrighted content. When you reinstall Windows on the same machine, it might be seen as a different PC due to changes in the system configuration, which can trigger DRM restrictions. 2. Backup and Restore: Before performing any system changes, such as a clean install, it's a good practice to back up your important files, including the TV recordings, to prevent data loss. This way, you can restore them if needed after reinstalling Windows. 3. Microsoft's Stance: It's essential to check if Microsoft has provided any official statements or solutions regarding this issue. Microsoft might have recommendations or updates that address DRM-related playback issues after reinstalling Windows. 4. User Forums: You can also search user forums and online communities to see if other users have experienced similar problems and if any workarounds or solutions have been shared by the community. 5. Upgrade Options: While a clean install might trigger DRM-related playback restrictions, upgrading Windows (if feasible) instead of performing a complete reinstall could potentially retain the necessary settings to avoid DRM conflicts. It's crucial to ensure that you have legal access to the content you are trying to play and that you are compliant with DRM requirements. Respecting copyrights and content licenses is important to avoid legal issues related to unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material. If you would like, I can search for any official statements from Microsoft regarding this issue or look for user discussions that offer potential solutions. Would you like me to proceed with this search?