INTERACT FORUM

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Can you run MC20 as a service?  (Read 2530 times)

Dare978Devil

  • Junior Woodchuck
  • **
  • Posts: 73
Can you run MC20 as a service?
« on: October 09, 2014, 07:09:42 pm »

I am actually only looking to run the DLNA server as a service.  I have MC20 on my main computer in the basement.  That computer is attached to a big external drive which serves out media files to the XBOX and PS3 upstairs via DLNA.  It works really well.  However, the one thing I have to do is remember to run MC20.  I start it up, and the icon is then selectable upstairs on the PS3.  Sometimes the kids shut down everything to play a game, including MC20.  So I was wondering if it was possible to run the DLNA server as a service, and start it with Windows boot.  Then it will always be running on the computer regardless of whether or not the GUI is actually running.
Logged

glynor

  • MC Beta Team
  • Citizen of the Universe
  • *****
  • Posts: 19608
Re: Can you run MC20 as a service?
« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2014, 12:15:48 am »

MC won't run as a true Service.  It runs as the currently logged in user, and can't run before any user has logged into the computer.  So, if you want to do this so that it'll run even when NO user has logged into the computer, and it is sitting at the login prompt in Windows, then you're out of luck.

There are weird hacks you can do on Windows to turn applications into services, but this is not supported in MC, and if you do it, you're on your own.

HOWEVER...

If you have the computer set to Auto-Logon when it boots up, so it goes to the Desktop automatically (or the Start Screen in Windows 8 if you didn't upgrade to 8.1 for some reason), then you can absolutely do this.

In other words, if you just want it to auto-launch the same way other regular programs can auto-launch when you boot up (like iTunes for example), then yes, MC has this.

Tools > Options > Startup > Windows Startup > Run on Windows Startup.

Either of the choices there that include Media Server will automatically start up when Windows loads and logs in.  The Media Server only mode will launch MC minimized to the system Tray, in Library Server mode (a minimal mode that just serves the Library).  The Media Center and Media Server mode will do this, and will launch MC itself (the full UI).

You probably want the former from your description.

When you choose either of these two options, you can run MC "proper" on the computer and when you "close" it (with the X or whatever), it'll go back into that minimal Library Server only mode.  To truly close it, you have to right click on the Library Server icon in your system tray and pick Exit.
Logged
"Some cultures are defined by their relationship to cheese."

Visit me on the Interweb Thingie: http://glynor.com/

Dare978Devil

  • Junior Woodchuck
  • **
  • Posts: 73
Re: Can you run MC20 as a service?
« Reply #2 on: October 10, 2014, 07:16:40 am »

Re:>>> "The Media Server only mode will launch MC minimized to the system Tray, in Library Server mode (a minimal mode that just serves the Library)."

That is precisely what I wanted, thanks!  (hope that steak tastes good....)
Logged

rudyrednose

  • Regular Member
  • Galactic Citizen
  • ****
  • Posts: 344
  • nothing more to say...
Re: Can you run MC20 as a service?
« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2014, 09:44:31 am »

Regarding autologin, beware of the network not yet available when MC starts (more a problem for client/server setups).
Have a look there: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=91700.msg631144#msg631144

Quote
hope that steak tastes good....
That steak picture has quite a history !  It is Glynor's "medal of honor" for being the user most helpful to others, as voted by users in a decembre 2012 poll.
See http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=76539.0
Logged

rudyrednose

  • Regular Member
  • Galactic Citizen
  • ****
  • Posts: 344
  • nothing more to say...
Re: Can you run MC20 as a service?
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2014, 09:52:57 am »

Speaking of Omaha steaks, I see that it was MrC that created your avatar Glynor (he was the runner up).
MrC has not posted since the first of July, anyone knows for sure that no ill happened to him ?
His  posts are missed  :(
Logged

glynor

  • MC Beta Team
  • Citizen of the Universe
  • *****
  • Posts: 19608
Re: Can you run MC20 as a service?
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2014, 10:01:10 am »

No. There's a thread about his absence over in the off topic board.

I've PMed and emailed him a couple of times too, but radio silence has persisted. I'll admit I'm now becoming somewhat seriously concerned.
Logged
"Some cultures are defined by their relationship to cheese."

Visit me on the Interweb Thingie: http://glynor.com/

connersw

  • Citizen of the Universe
  • *****
  • Posts: 661
Re:
« Reply #6 on: October 10, 2014, 10:05:31 am »

I've been concerned as well. I sent him a PM ~a month ago asking if all was well, but never heard back.  I don't have his email though so not sure if it is a case of just not being on interact.  He is surely missed though; by far the most knowledgeable person on the forum, and he has personally helped me out a ton.

Edit: didn't realize there was already a post about him--I don't ever check that board.
Logged

glynor

  • MC Beta Team
  • Citizen of the Universe
  • *****
  • Posts: 19608
Re:
« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2014, 10:26:09 am »

Edit: didn't realize there was already a post about him--I don't ever check that board.

Yep:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=90825.0
Logged
"Some cultures are defined by their relationship to cheese."

Visit me on the Interweb Thingie: http://glynor.com/
Pages: [1]   Go Up