Microsoft has included several hidden switches in Windows 7, to start up the Windows Media Center (MCE). You may simply create a desktop shortcut using them. Changing the way ehshell.exe launches can allow you to disable it upon startup.
Switches to start Windows Media Center
/nostartupanimation – Stops startup sound & Windows Media Center logo “pebble” going off into the distance
/noshutdownui – Removes the “shutdown” item from the tasks menu
/mediamode – Starts in media only mode (no close/minimize/maximize options in top right corner)
/widescreen – Start in widescreen mode, even on 4:3 display (windowed only)
/nochrome – Display windowed mode Media Center but without the window chrome
/playallmusic – Plays all your music instantly
/playfavmusic – Plays all your favorite music
/playfavslideshow -Plays your favorite slideshows only
/playfavslideshowwithmusic – Plays your favorite slideshow with music
/playslideshow – Plays all slideshows
/playslideshowwithmusic – Plays all slideshows with music
/screensaver – Starts the Media Center screensaver
/configuress – Starts Media Center at the “configure screensaver” screen
Hope this helps!
These too may interest you:
- Create Shutdown, Restart, Log Off, Suspend Shortcuts
- Create a Desktop shortcut to Switch User Accounts
- Create Website Shortcuts.

- Tags: Media Center, Shortcuts