How do I change the default program on my startup. Microsoft updated it to their media center. And how do I change my starup programs. windows XP

seems like an issue of junk files and infection in the computer.
remove the unwanted programs
clean the startup from msconfig (expert advised)
clean the junk, prefetch, temp, etc
clean the registry
update the version.

reboot and see if it works.
if this does not help, then call 1-877-805-1027 for expert help

Wow, I hate to necro an old thread here, but seeing as how there is no answer I will chime in here.

You need to change your file associations. This process varies from one OS version to the next so follow the links below for your respective Windows version. I will include XP since I know plenty of people still cling to that to this day.

• XP
  
  • https://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/win_fcab_reg_filetype.mspx?mfr=true
• Vista
  • Change which programs Windows uses by default Windows Help
• Windows 7
  • Change which programs Windows uses by default Windows Help
    
    • Link requires Silverlight be installed
• Windows 8, 8.1, or RT 8.1
  • Choose the apps Windows uses by default Windows Help
• Windows 10
  • Change which programs Windows uses by default Windows Help
    
  • Same steps for Windows 7. In fact, these steps will work for each OS from Vista on up. However, this will be limited to that one file extension (.mp3, .jpg., pdf, etc.). You can follow the path further to update the associations for all files.

I use Windows 10 which does not have Media Center, so I know that walkthrough does not help you. However, it may help others with similar file association issues.

App Crash is a term used to designate application software crashes. If you check the Event Viewer program the error will be reported as APPCRASH.
The following troubleshooting instructions are valid for WIndows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 and Vista. These also apply for Windows XP, but it is recommended you upgrade your OS version because Microsoft is no more providing official support for XP.S
Scan and clean your windows Pc Reginout Download
Compatible w/ Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP By clicking to download,

Exclude the Application Files from DEP From the Data Execution, the Prevention security feature exclude the app that crashes frequently.

For Windows 8.1/ 8 and Earlier Versions:

• Right click the Computer desktop icon.
• Select Properties from the context menu.
• Click "Advanced system settings" link.
• Click the Advanced tab.
• Click Settings under Performance.
• Click the Data Execution Prevention tab.
• Choose "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select".
• Click the Add button.
• Browse the root folder containing the application that crashes. Add each .EXE file to the DEP Excluded Files list.
• Click OK ' OK.

Turn Off the User Account Control Disable the User Account Control to prevent conflicts with running application and UAC feature.

For Windows 8.1/ 8:

• Press Windows Key + X simultaneously.
• Select Control Panel.
• Click User Accounts and Family Safety ' User Accounts.
• Click "Change User Account Control settings" link.
• The User Account Control Settings dialog will appear. Move the slidebar to the extreme bottom, i.e. Never Notify.
• Click the OK button.

For Earlier Versions of Windows (7/Vista/XP):

• Click the Start button.
• Type "Change user account control settings" in the Search Box.
• Press the ENTER key.
• Refer Steps # 5-6 from Windows 8.1/ 8 user's paragraph.
• You may download window 7 from here: https://download.zone/window-7-super-lite-download/

Uninstall Recent Updates If any new updates are recently installed, do uninstall them. There might be some compatibility issues.

For Windows 8.1/ 8:

• Press Windows Key + X simultaneously.
• Select Control Panel.
• Click System and Security ' Windows Update.
• On the left side panel you will find "Installed Updates" link. Click that link.
• In the new page list of all installed updates will appear. Click the "Installed on" column to sort the list in date-wise manner.
• Right click a recently installed update, select Uninstall. Follow the same procedure for all recently installed updates, if any.

For Earlier Versions of Windows (7/Vista/XP):

• Click the Start button.
• Type "View installed updates" in the Search Box.
• Press the ENTER key.
• Refer Steps # 5-6 from Windows 8.1/ 8 user's paragraph.

Check Disk for Errors Start checking for problems pertaining with your hard disk. Bad sectoral issues may cause App Crash.

For Windows 8.1/ 8 and Earlier Versions:

• Double click the Computer icon.
• Right click your system disk.
• Select Properties.
• Click the Tools tab.
• Click "Check Now" button.

Set the Default Power Plan Settings One or more installed software may have changed the Power Plan settings. Set the default options that will prevent the reoccurrence of App Crash problem.

For Windows 8.1/ 8:

• Press the Windows Key.
• Type "Power Options" in the Search Box.
• Click the Settings icon.
• Open that from the Search Results.
• Power Options dialog will open. In front of the default power option, click "Change plan settings" link.
• Click the "Restore default settings for this plan" link.
• Click the "Change advanced power settings" link.
• A new dialog will appear. In the Advanced Settings tab click the Restore Plan Defaults tab.
• Click OK ' Close.

For Earlier Versions of Microsoft Windows:

• Click the Start button.
• Select Control Panel.
• Press F3 key.
• Type "Power Options" in the Search Box.
• Open that from the Search Results page.
• Refer Steps # 5-9 from Windows 8.1/ 8 user's paragraph.

Clean Boot the Computer Use the System Configuration to disable all startups and services to diagnose frequent app crashes and errors.


For Windows 8.1/ 8:

• Press the Windows Key + C.
• The Charms Bar will appear. Click the Search icon at the top of the Charms Bar.
• Type "MSCONFIG" in the Search Box.
• Click the Apps icon, and then open that from the Search Results page.
• Click the General tab in the System Configuration dialog.
• Select "Diagnostic startup" option.
• Click Apply, and then OK.
• Restart the computer for the changes to take effects.

For Earlier Versions of Windows:

• Click the Start button.
• Point to All Programs ' Accessories.
• Select Run.
• Type "MSCONFIG" and then press ENTER.
• Click the Startup tab.
• Uncheck all the checkboxes, click Apply.
• Click the Services tab.
• Check-up the box labelled "Hide all Microsoft services".
• Disable all services as well.
• Click Apply ' OK.
• Reboot the PC.

Use Tuneup Utlity Software to clear unwanted files on the c drive.
u can use this to also remove unwanted programs, registry entries, etc. this will definitely speed up your system. also check if a lot of programs load at os start up. you can also remove unwanted programs loading during startup.

Sounds like you are running out of ram for the program. Try upgrading to some more ram in your system. Windows xp recommends minimum 512k of memory to run.

Try reinstall windows. If this doesn't work you might have a conflict with your tv-tuner

Try going into Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, click on the Media Center software, if listed, and see if it gives a choice to Change and/or Repair. You'll probably need your Windows CD if/when it prompts for it.

install all updates for media center or even better download tv pack 2008and install that

Start> right click on My Computer and select properties. Click the advanced tab. Under start up and recovery click settings. Uncheck the box labled Time to display list of operating systems. Reboot, all done.