Windows 7 metadata shutdown

[storm101506]

Now that Microsoft has (underhandedly in my opinion) shutdown the meta data server for Windows 7 and 8, suddenly the VGX-XL’s are facing eminent extinction. Those who still enjoy using their system will have to move on to Windows 10. But of course Media Center is no longer included with WIN10 and you will also lose the eject button.

So that being said for anyone sticking with Windows 7 are there any alternative metadata services that will work.
Thinking about this, is there a way to reconfigure the code in WIN7 Media Player that links to the old server so that it will search the server active in Windows 10. It couldn’t be that hard for someone you knows how these things work in Windows.

[AndyRob]

I have 3 Vaios plus various laptops and desktops - all running W7 Media Centre Ed still running (more or less) perfectly thanks to Mr Big and no thanks to Sony or MS, .

Let's hope that those experts, like jwaiv and many others who have all had a huge 'thank you' from me in the past, can devise a pathway for those of us who want to stick to what we know and love. Or at least something like it. 'Familiarity breeds (no) contempt' from me whatsoever and come 2020 I have a lot of decisions to make. Hopefully with not too much time spent and money to spend.

Anyway, the reason I'm here - and looking for the best place to post this - is because the latest MS update (end September 2019) I've installed on the Vaios trashed the normally perfectly reliable HDMI sound. After a bit of fiddling around I found that I could still use the Headphone output to feed into my amplifiers so it's not desperately inconvenient.

I know you can roll back the updates but it takes ages to find the individual culprit and you can often do more harm than good. You can also delete and re-install new or old drivers but again it's a bit hit or miss. Any ideas?

[Oliver]

Just posted this elsewhere, but I'd upgrade to Windows 10 and either hardwire the eject button or download a software eject button and set up a short cut on a remote or keyboard.
I ran my VGX-XL3 on Windows 10 and it work a charm. Super quick on an SSD drive too. I intended to hard wire the eject button, but installed a virtual software button as a "temporary" fix, but just stuck with it. I didn't really miss Windows Media Centre, but apparently they are work round for that too.

[storm101506]

After some extensive searching and attempts at reconfiguring the Media Player server to the active one in Windows 10, I decided to give dBpower amp a try. THIS is the fix in my opinion, not only does the program both rip and batch rip CD’s, provide multiple audio codecs, it also pulls down meta data and gives you different options for cover art.

Once the music files are ripped they are dropped into the My Music folder and both Media Player and Media Center recognizes the file. Once I rip a disc I scan the files into KODI and never go into the ancient Windows programs. KODI is a much better program but if you still like Windows 7 and Media Center dBpoweramp interfaces excellently. So I guess the VGX-XL’ s will yet live on (for awhile anyway).