MediaDirect
What is MediaDirect?
Dell MediaDirect is a software application that is published by Dell, Inc. and is pre-installed on the computers they sell. It attempts to provide DVD and CD playback and recent editions include features such as an address book and calendar. It is a custom version of CyberLink PowerCinema developed and licensed to Dell by CyberLink. MediaDirect works in conjunction with the operating system and the Dell QuickSet application. Each version has separate editions that can only be installed on certain computer models. This is achieved by using folder and file names in the installation software that matches the BIOS SystemID. Unless the drive and all pre-existing operating systems are left as originally installed, MediaDirect can trigger a forced repartitioning of the drive whilst attempting to load. This intervention typically causes the loss of all operating systems and data on the device.
Overview
The most common release is 3.5, with over 98% of all installations currently using this version. During setup, the program creates a startup registration point in Windows in order to automatically start when any user boots the PC. A scheduled task is added to Windows Task Scheduler in order to launch the program at various scheduled times (the schedule varies depending on the version). The software is designed to connect to the Internet and adds a Windows Firewall exception in order to do so without being interfered with. The primary executable is named mdirect.exe. The setup package generally installs about 31 files and is usually about 26.99 MB (28,303,320 bytes).
Program details
URL: www.dell.com
Installation folder: C:\Program Files\Dell\MediaDirect
Uninstaller: C:\Program Files\InstallShield Installation Information\{9C6978E8-B6D0-4AB7-A7A0-D81A74FBF745}\Setup.exe -runfromtemp -l0x0009 -cluninstall
Estimated size: 26.99 MB
Language: English
Files installed by MediaDirect
| Program executable: | mdirect.exe |
| Name: | CyberLink PowerCinema |
| CyberLink PowerCinema Main Program |
| Path: | C:\Program Files\dell\mediadirect\mdirect.exe |
| MD5: | 7a1f58bf6d9b8c6068260d6568ae48e0 |
Additional files:
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DKA.dll - DKA Dynamic Link Library
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PCMService.exe (by CyberLink) - Cyberlink PowerCinema (CyberLink PowerCinema Resident Program)
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CLLauncher.exe - CLLaunch Application
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CLDrvChk.exe (by CyberLink) - CyberLink CLDrvChk (CLDrvChk)
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fcl_dll.dll - KMI
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QtGui4.dll (by Trolltech ASA) - Qt4 (C++ application development framework.)
-
BGDismount.exe
Behaviors exhibited
Autoplay Handler
- MDirect.exe is registered as an AutoPlay event handler named 'MediaDirectPlayCDAudioOnArrival' with the ProgID of 'AudioCD' and the action verb 'PlayWithMediaDirect.
Scheduled Task
- PCMService.exe is scheduled as a task named 'PCMService.exe_1458000341' (runs on registration).
Startup File (All Users Run)
- PCMService.exe is loaded in the all users (HKLM) registry as a startup file name 'PCMService' which loads as "C:\Program Files\Dell\MediaDirect\PCMService.exe".
Windows Firewall Allowed Program
- PCMService.exe is added as a firewall exception for 'C:\Program Files\Dell\MediaDirect\PCMService.exe'.
How do I remove MediaDirect?
You can uninstall MediaDirect from your computer by using the Add/Remove Program feature in the Window's Control Panel.
- On the Start menu (for Windows 8, right-click the screen's bottom-left corner), click Control Panel, and then, under Programs, do one of the following:
- Windows Vista/7/8/10: Click Uninstall a Program.
- Windows XP: Click Add or Remove Programs.
- When you find the program MediaDirect, click it, and then do one of the following:
- Windows Vista/7/8/10: Click Uninstall.
- Windows XP: Click the Remove or Change/Remove tab (to the right of the program).
- Follow the prompts. A progress bar shows you how long it will take to remove MediaDirect.
OS VERSIONS
Win Vista (SP2) 75%
Win XP 0%
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HOW IT STARTS
Automatically starts? Yes
(Found in the run registry)
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USER ACTIONS
 |
Uninstall it 27%
Keep it 73%
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Windows
Which Windows OS versions does it run on?
| Windows Vista |
85.01% |
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| Windows 7 |
11.67% |
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| Windows XP |
2.09% |
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| Windows 10 |
1.23% |
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Which OS releases does it run on? |
| Windows Vista Home Premiu... |
67.21% |
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| Windows Vista Home Basic |
13.19% |
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| Windows 7 Home Premium |
7.63% |
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| Windows Vista Ultimate |
2.89% |
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| Windows 7 Ultimate |
2.89% |
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| Microsoft Windows XP |
1.97% |
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Geography
76.13% of installs come from the United States
Which countries install it?
| United States |
76.13% |
| United Kingdom |
5.73% |
| Canada |
3.40% |
| Germany |
2.10% |
| France |
1.65% |
| Australia |
1.48% |
| Brazil |
0.66% |
| Japan |
0.56% |
| Netherlands |
0.56% |
| Ireland |
0.51% |
| Belgium |
0.49% |
| India |
0.49% |
| Italy |
0.41% |
| Norway |
0.34% |
PC manufacturers
What PC manufacturers (OEMs) have it installed?
| Dell |
99.34% |
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| Acer |
0.22% |
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| Hewlett-Packard |
0.22% |
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| Toshiba |
0.09% |
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| Lenovo |
0.06% |
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| Gateway |
0.03% |
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| Sahara |
0.03% |
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Common models |
| Dell Inspiron 1525 |
29.01% |
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| Dell Inspiron 1720 |
8.41% |
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| Dell Studio 1737 |
7.72% |
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| Dell XPS M1530 |
6.10% |
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| Dell Studio 1537 |
5.70% |
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| Dell Inspiron 518 |
4.85% |
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About Dell
Dell manufactures, sells and supports computers and related products and services.
Publisher URL: www.dell.com