Here's what I did for XP this weekend, almost step by step,
it took 5mins after the download.
Download the Windows 2003 Resource Kit
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9d467a69-57ff-4ae7-96ee-b18c4790cffd&DisplayLang=enYou want two files from it after you have installed it.
instsrv.exe and srvany.exe
I put them in the same directory as Media Server.
Change to that directory then
instsrv "MediaServer" "C:\....\srvany.exe"
change c:\... to your path
Now run regedit, you need to create a registry key and 3 entries
Go to
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MediaServer]
Use Edit -> New -> Key
Give it the name "Parameters"
In the new Parameters key create these string values, change the actually values to be correct for you
"AppDirectory"="C:\Program Files\J River\Media Center"
"Application"="C:\Program Files\J River\Media Center\Media Server.exe"
"AppParameters"=""
Now you have to edit the new MediaServer service details
Right Click "My Computer" -> Manage -> "Services and Applications" -> Services
Find the "MediaServer" service and right click and choose Properties.
Check it is set to "Automatic", then choose the "Log On" tab
Tick the "This Account" button and give it details of a local account that can logon and run Media Server interactively.
Now switch back to the General Tab and click Start.
That's it, the new service should be running Media Server.
Usually if something doesn't work check the registry changes are correct. If you are not using XP, the NT and W2K Resource Kits have the same commands
Good Luck
Mike