How to Delay XBMC Start

In the last few iterations of my home theater PC, the rig has been getting faster and faster.  Many would not consider this an issue, but in my case, when my HTPC starts, XBMC starts faster than Windows 7 can get networking up.  This means that XBMC cannot reach my NAS for media folders or for the MySQL databases I have configured.  I tried everything I could think of from batch files to delay start to running a scheduled task after Windows starts.  Then I found it.  I found how to delay XBMC start without have to use any crazy batch files or jumping through any hoops.

I had been using a simple shortcut to XBMC in my startup folder and configured Windows 7 for auto login. After hours of internet searches, a little known switch presented itself.

Typically, the path for the shortcut will look something like this (on Windows 7 64-bit):

“C:\Program Files (x86)\XBMC\XBMC.exe”

All you have to do is add a -d and a time.  For me, I had to add 5 seconds to get everything working as it should.

“C:\Program Files (x86)\XBMC\XBMC.exe” -d 5

Enjoy!