Issues installing a certain version of Windows 10

Question

I recently purchased this Dell G5 5000. I purchased it after my OptiPlex 9020 died. I used the OptiPlex (which had Windows 7) to run Windows Media Center and was able to watch and record DRM protected TV with my HDHomeRun Prime.  I wanted to create the same setup on the G5 5000 but have had nothing but issues. It came with Windows 11 but to run WMC, I need Windows 7 or Windows 10 version 1511 or earlier. I can't get either to install. Whenever I try a stand alone .iso of this version of Windows 10, I get to the screen where I need to select a hard drive to install it on, however, the list is blank and no driver I have found (including the Intel Rapid Storage option) work. The only way I can reinstall Windows is through the Dell OS Recovery Tool. This works great, it finds the hard drives no problem, but it isn't the version I want. When I try to do the advanced mode, I select the .iso I want, but it doesn't work. What am I doing wrong? Is there a better way for me to install this .iso? How can I get Windows installation to see these hard drives?

speedstep · Answer

@airic2011  Windows Media Center is REMOVED from WIN10. Old versions of WIN10 are End of Life End of Support. Windows 7 8 10 version 1511 or earlier will NEVER install and systems past 2015 6h gen skylake DO NOT ALLOW legacy anything. Its 64 bit windows 10 21H1 or newer period end. You can reinstall Legacy Windows Media Player and Directx 9 10 11 support in the features section of control panel  (Programs and Features, Add features to windows.) Then download and install directx June 2010 Then download Movie maker Then Download VLC Once all of those things are done download the DELL Media Suite. Programs and features Turn Windows features on off

airic2011 · Answer

Thanks. I know WMC is no longer supported, that is why I want this one particular version of Windows 10 to install. I can get WMC working on that version, but I need to install that version.

So how can I do that? Every time I try, Windows doesn't able to locate either hard drive and I can get any drivers to work.

Vanadiel · Answer

Step 1: Create Windows installation media using this Microsoft link: Windows 10 Microsoft Media creation tool

Step 2: Enter your BIOS and make sure the HDD mode is AHCI and not RAID. Select AHCI if it's not.

Step 3: Boot from bootable media (USB media) and install Windows 10 on selected HDD.

Step 4: Activate Windows 10 using a valid license key.

Tesla1856 · Answer

@airic2011 wrote:

Dell G5 5000.

... watch and record DRM protected TV with my HDHomeRun Prime.

1. I need Windows 7 or Windows 10 version 1511 or earlier. I can't get either to install.

1. No offence, but this sounds very short-sighted or a dead-end quickly ahead.

Are you sure you don't want to install Kodi for Windows (or maybe Plex) ... anything with a future. I'm sure we could find you something that will run with a HDHomeRun Prime as a DVR.

So, you are just recording ATSC Digital-TV from an antenna, right? Or, are you trying to record encrypted Cable-TV with a rented Cable-Card ?

airic2011 · Answer

Trying to record encrypted cable tv with my rented cable card. I do use Kodi but there is nothing that I am aware of on there that allows me to watch and record DRM channels.

Tesla1856 · Answer

Be sure only your future C-drive is connected. Be sure it is very-empty. Like DiskPart cleaned and RAW. If it won't work (ie see a disk to install to) when set to (single disk) RAID ... then try AHCI.

speedstep · Answer

@airic2011  'I want this one particular version of Windows 10 to install.'  1511 is no longer available to download anywhere.  You cant install it without media and its internal security certificates are expired.  Class 3 UEFI bios also locks out this version.  In short without physical media you cannot even try to install but even with that media you need an older system and to install OFFLINE with the date and time set to back in 2015 so that the base install would not have expired security certificates.  Older model Like Optiplex 7040 with 6th gen or older processor is also REQUIRED which is why this works fine for legacy win7 win8 etc. Newer models will not install expired certificate versions of legacy windows or 32 bit anything EVER.

Tesla1856 · Answer

@airic2011 wrote:

Trying to record encrypted cable tv with my rented cable card. I do use Kodi but there is nothing that I am aware of on there that allows me to watch and record DRM channels.

Cool. I always thought it would be nice to try this. Spectrum bought Time-Warner here, and we just use their DVRs.

One reason I never did is it died-out pretty fast. Microsoft dropped MCE/CableCard solution long ago . Wasn't CableLabs involved somehow? Cable Companies never seemed to keen on it. Microsoft has XBox and streaming, Smart-TVs, Apple-TVs, Roku ... all going the other way.

Back to your question ... Is DRM still an issue? I thought the HDHomeRun-Prime/CableCard combo UNENCRYPTS it, (in the beginning) so it can even record it.

airic2011 · Answer

It does, but only certain programs can view it. WMC is one and is free. It works great, hence why I am straining to keep my current setup.

My other option would be to pay for the HD Homerun software which isn't as advanced (even though WMC came out like 18 years ago).

I have Xbox 360s setup throughout the house so I have DVR function in several rooms. I have all the hardware so I am just trying to get the software to cooperate.

I have Spectrum as well. I just gives me more options than a traditional DVR.

Tesla1856 · Answer

Sounds like you have some options.

Personally, I would go with something like Windows-11 on a current machine and that "HD Homerun software".

But sounds like you might prefer getting a refurbished OptiPlex and getting old-Windows and WMC running again.

speedstep · Answer

@airic2011  The supported working solution i would recommend would Be Dell Precision T1700 Tower, optional 365w power supply, 32 gigs ram, RTX 4000 video card,  windows 7 ultimate dvd for dell. https://www.ebay.com/itm/304166999698 You can get extended support but its too expensive IMHO. having the media means you can reinstall anytime and t1700 is maintainable with non dell power supply if needed. newer faster model would be Precison 3620 All drivers are in a single cab T3620-WIN7-A12-16GDG.CAB So you can install 7 and later on change to 10 at will with inexpensive OEM win10 DVD 11 also works but its not supported. You will want both dvds because these go away forever once stock is gone. the dvds work on ALL supported models.

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