I agree with Tom regarding stripping down to the barest essentials with device drivers and services, regardless of the Windows version. with an HTPC, a dvd drive is a definite requirement, while running a game cab soley for emu gaming, you can probably get by with and external drive connected via USB when you need to make necessary updates. Other considerations are selection anti-virus/malware products that assume a smaller memory "footprint" without sacrificing effectiveness (assuming you are going for a full HTPC as opposed to a standalone cab with minimal or no web access - in which case, would negate the need for anti-virus/malware as any updates could be scanned and moved via an external drive to it). IMO, I don't know that there can be a one-size fits all installation as each person's needs vary. Variances may be dictated by OS, hardware, etc. That is why I was attracted to to GameEx as a frontend. I have flexibility built-in to make it whatever I want it to be (HTPC with ability to retro game, etc or stand-alone game cab with or without jukebox, or... well, I think you get the idea. It may be possible to come up with some basic configuration recomendations based upon broader build categories and more specific configurations within these categories based upon OS and/or hardware considerations. Such would make my job easier in developing my system, having spent quite a few hours pouring through the forum threads for ideas, workarounds, and troubleshooting advice.