Remote setup "the right way" ?!

Hi all,

i got a ZOTAC Zbox AD04 with an attached IR reciever. (Windows 7)

I want to control, XBMC (latest RC2) with my Harmony one.
But the whole remote thing is driving me Nuts!
Maybe there is "the right way" to deal with remotes in windows ?!

Without any setup i can control xbmc "somehow" with the delivered remote.
But some keys beeing pressed close XBMC and start WINDOWS MEDIA CENTER.
I searched in every system seeting but am not able to find how to deactivate that.

After setting up the harmony with the zotac ad04 profile i have the same: some keys are working, others start Windows Media Center. Context Menu for example is not working after all.

Any tipps on how to set this one up right ?!
Maybe i need eventghost ?! i am open for any recommendations.

Just to be clear: the delivered ir reviever, is this piece "mce compatible" ? or does every ir reciever work with an mce profile ?!
Thnx in advance!