Setting up XP media center

Do y'all answer questions about XP Media Center? I've had this HP Media Center computer for 7 months but never set up the media center software. I see that I'm supposed to have MSN Messenger installed. Since I don't, and won't, does that mean I cannot use the media center stuff? If I could I would probably listen to local FM radio and possibly watch/record TV.

Do I have to have messenger running to run the media center software?
Or is there alternative software that will run the media center features without messenger running?

David Hall
San Antonio, TX

 

Here are a few websites that might help you. Not sure about having to have messenger running, I wouldn't think so.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx

http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/windowsxp_mediacenter.asp

Steve