Sims 2 Mini-Image w/ XP Media Center

[buroja]

Briefly, here is the problem:

I recently upgraded my system from Windows XP Professional to Windows XP Media Center 2005. All of the games which previously worked with XP Pro work just fine (with original discs and mini-images,) except for The Sims 2 (and each of its two expansions). These games just crash when I try to run them. I see the splash logo, then Windows tells me that they've crashed and asks if I want to submit an error report or not. The only way for me to play The Sims 2 is to use both the No-CD crack AND the original disc or the mini-image. Neither of the expansions will work at all, with the original discs or the mini-images. I'm going half-crazy because the problem doesn't make any sense. Media Center isn't really any different from Pro whatsoever. It's like Pro with the Plus! pack, only Media Center. Has any one else had this experience, and/or have any suggestions?