should I ditch win. Media Center

I just bought a new PC that has Windows Media Center Installed -but I don't want to use this box as a media center -so should I do a clean install of WinXP Pro (I own it) -I ask because I've heard that Media Center can be finicky when it comes to Hardware -and I've already purchased a Radeon X800 PCIe to replace the GFX Card that came with this box.
Again -I don't plan on using this box as a Media Center -so would it be wise to just install XP Pro?
Thanks for your suggestions.
-522.

 

just a *bump* as I'm styill looking for suggestions.
-thanks for any replies,
-522.

 

I haven't used Media Center, but I'm an XP fan. I would do it!

 

Thanks for the reply, Capn.
I would appreciate any other input anyone could provide.
-522.

 

As far as I'm aware, Windows Media Center is basically XP with a different GUI and a few "tweaks".

From the little I've read, it was rushed to market and isn't really mature yet and can be very buggy.

Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to get rid of it.

 

Windows MCE is in its second version now. In v. 2004, it was XP Pro, with some extra multimedia features.

However, in version 2005, while still based on XPP, certain Pro only features have been disabled, making it more akin to XP Home, than anything else.

As for buggy, well MCE is only skin deep. Its XP, w/ some extra features, and others disabled ( MCE 2005 cannot join a domain, for example). This is its second edition, so we can only assume and hope MS fixed any problems from the previous version.

 

I'm gonna assume then that the 'popular vote' goes to installing XP Pro -judging by the replies so far (especially seeing how I'm not using this PC as a Media Center).
Thanks to everyone who replied. Your suggestions/Guidance have helped a lot.
Yours,
522.