Removing Windows Media Player

When I did a re-install of Windows XP I ended up with version 11 of Windows Media Player. I hate that version.

I downloaded from CNET version 9 and tried to install it.

As usual, Windows won't let you do what you want to do, only what it wants you to do. I got the error message that tells me I already have a later version of Windows Media Player and I can't install version 9.

I tried removing the Windows Media Player (version 11) that is on my machine and it is not listed in the Remove programs list. I tried to just delete it and it wouldn't let me. Another case of not being able to do what I want.

Finally I used Unlock Assistant to delete the Windows Media Player folder (and all the file in it).

I used CCleaner and Registry Repair in an attempt to remove all references to Windows Media Player.

Alas, Windows still tells me I can't install version 9 because I have a later version of Windows Media Player installed.

Can anyone tell me how I can get rid of (remove) all references to this version 11 of Windows Media Player so Windows doesn't tell me I can't install version 9?

Thanks

 

Have you read this? It should help.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/934372

 

It's no good idea removing IE because it contains some important files in which Windows works well , read this article !! :cool

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/browsers/f/removeiexp.htm

 

Did you read the original post? The user is asking about removing Windows Media Player, not Internet Explorer.

 

solaris89 - Thanks for your reply. It probably would have worked if I hadn't DELETED the Media Player files.

Now I've got one foot on the dock and the other foot in the boat and when I try to step either way, the boat moves.

When I try to use the command line program from the URL you posted for me, it tells me I don't have Windows Media Player installed and when I try to install Media Player 9 it tells me I already have a more recent version.

 

Hmmm, sorry to hear that. Might try some ideas from the link below, other than that I'm stumped. One quick though: have you performed a full computer search for any remaining files? Ocassionally something as trivial as a leftover skin for the player will trigger the "already have a newer version installed" you are getting.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...ll-wmp-9/a7575898-33e1-431f-ae43-534e2781e14a

 

Well, I did a system restore to yesterday and Media Player 11 is back and running.

I tried both 1 & 2 as suggested in the URL you gave me, neither worked. Either method at some point asks for a SP3 disk (which I do not have). Long gone.

What I don't understand is that Media Player doesn't show up in the installed programs list when you try the Add/Remove Programs screen from the Control Panel Icons.

Oh, how I hate Windows. Let me count the ways.

 

I've been searching for two days, many, many hours (using Google) all over the Net for a way to remove Windows Media Player. Many hits, most are the same old, same old instructions that don't work.

I found this one ==>http://www.instant-registry-fixes.org/methods-to-uninstall-windows-media-player/

Scroll down to -

How can I uninstall Windows Media Player using the exe file?

If you are unable to locate the option to uninstall in the Control Panel, then follow the procedure discussed below.

1. Open the Registry Editor by running the Regedit command.
2. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \MicrosoftWindows\ Current Version \Uninstall
Note: Under this key, you will find entries for all the applications installed on your computer.
3. Click on the entry for Media Player 10 beta, Media Player 11, and any other update you want to remove. On the right two strings will be displayed: DisplayName and UninstallString.
4. Now, double-click on the UninstallString, and copy the value in the Value Data field.
5. Next, exit the Registry Editor window and paste the copied string value in the Start > Run > Open field.
6. Select the OK button to start the uninstallation process.

Warning: The steps listed here require you to access the Windows Registry. Remember to make a backup of the registry before you start working with the registry. All changes done to the registry from the Registry Editor are permanent and cannot be undone.

As you can see it involves messing with the registry, something I've never done before. Scares the hell out of me.

I'm thinking of trying it (getting desperate).

I need to know how - to make a backup of the registry before you start working with the registry.

Any other comments/suggestions before I proceed to shoot myself in the foot would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Could the newer version info be coming from a restore point?

 

I don't know. I have no idea what Windows does internally. Logically, if that is the case, then one would have to do the DELETE and then wait until all the old restore point info expired (what about two months) before trying to install version 9. Aghh!

 

It was my mistake , i am really sorry !! :-o

 

I've concluded that Windows has effectively embedded Media Player to the extent that it can't be removed. Only disabled.

I have read a number of forum, etc. claiming that there are at least two ways to remove it and/or roll it back to a previous version. All rely on using the Add/Remove programs function in some manner or form. With Windows XP SP3, that is no longer an option.

I've tried at least two commercial "remove" programs that claim they can remove anything and one even provides step by step instructions for removing Media Player. They don't work.

In the past three days, I have "removed" or "deleted" Media Player 11 at least five (5) time, only to have it reappear the next time I re-boot or try to install Media 9.

A few claim to be able to "roll back" the current version to the previous version, which is an indication that some form of Media Player is always present and need merely be activated.

As with IE, Windows wants that market and they are not going to let you remove it, only ignore it, which I will do.

Media Player 9 was simple, easy to use and tolerable. Improvements, like many of Windows "improvements" fail to improve. They only make it more difficult to ignore.

I am of the school - "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I'll pass on editorializing on Window's plan to monopolize the software industry.

Thanks to all who tried to help. Maybe a shotgun is the answer.

 

You are not confused about how to uninstall wmp , vlc player is an alternative choice !! :cool

 

I have a copy of VLC, had one for years. I like Media Player Version 9. I have Media Player 9 on my main machine and have been VERY careful not to do the upgrade.

It's my secondary machine, that I just re-loaded WinXP (that has Media Player 11) that I want to change to Media Player 9.

About my only use is ripping songs from albums (I own) and burning comps to play in my car. Media Player 9 is much easier to use (IMHO). Maybe it's what one is used to.

 

You're right, WMP cannot be removed. What I did in my XP is by going to the Add/Remove Windows Components in the Add/Remove Programs and unticked the box with WMP. It will not be deleted though. Guessing you tried that as well?

Had 3 plugins in Firefox browser by WMP and it took some research/work/questions to get these plugins removed from the Plugins Addon Manager in there as these didn't have a delete button, just disable. Firefox scans all plugins and puts them in memory whether you need/want them or not. I just didn't want to see these 3 plugins anymore.

IMHO.. MSFT's OS can be compared to an octopus having its tentacles spread out all over, it's all intertwined.

I have VLC as the default for years and so far it has never let me down.

 

Hi

Often, when an uninstall/rollback goes wrong, RE-installing the version you were attempting to remove puts new UNINSTALL data on the machine.

Thus, my recommendation is to reinstall WMPv11, and THEN attempt to revert back to WMPv9.

Short of this, a reinstall of the OS seems to be the only easy option left.

 

I agree about WMP. I only use it for ripping/burning CD's I have Win 7 64bit, I guess my WMP version is 11, I dorked around with it and couldn't find a version number, but it's ripping/burning functions are just as, if not more intuitive than previous versions and does the same job I've always used WMP for just fine (ripping and burning). I always use Winamp for music because it has extra features that I like, and VLC for video, because it ALWAYS works on any filetype . If you can't get the older version of WMP you want, I would at least try 11 for rip/burn, it's as easy as it always has been. No, I don't work for microsoft . I just know what works for me.

 

Yes, Oma I tried that (more than once).

mcsmc - There is no uninstall code for Media Player. I can't revert back to 9 since 9 was never on this machine. I have an install download of 9, but as I said (and Windows keeps telling me) I can't install 9 since I have a later version (11).

FED UP - I tried a rip and burn with 11 and it wasn't bad. Couldn't find a way to direct the rip to a folder of my choice. Windows put it in the music library. I guess Windows knows best.

Thanks all for your replies. I should have known better than to try to tell Windows to do something that Windows doesn't think I should do.

 

Ah, 9 was never installed in the 1st place? Try looking for:

Run:
C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallwmp11$\spuninst\spuninst.exe
Click yes to the "scary" prompt.

Then:
C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallWMFDist11$\spuninst\spuninst.exe
Click yes to the "scary" prompt.

Reboot

I'm not sure if the above will even be available. Also, I have no idea if you have even tried it.

 

theefool - Just tried it (both). Got error msg that said this refers to a location that is unavailable.

Thanks for giving it a shot.

 

Organize > Options > rip music > rip music to this location : click the 'change' button

 

Thanks. I don't have an Organize option, but I right clicked on Rip and got an Options menu that included a place to change where the ripped tracks were to be stored.

Scratch one of the (many) reasons that cause me to hate Windows and/or it's Media Player.

 

If v9 was never on the machine, then you won't be able to revert, which is too bad.

You CAN download the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack, which comes with Windows Media Player Classic Home Cinema, a modified yet updated version of the older WMP (it's likely available for download separately from the codec pack as well). You can give that a shot and see if you like it.

 

I have given up. Windows wins. I tried a rip and burn with Version 11 and it wasn't bad, maybe just different. That is all I'll be using it for.

I have Version 9 on my primary machine and Version 11 on my secondary machine. One of the features I didn't like about Version 11 was it was always trying to "call home". I've disconnected the Internet (local network) on the secondary machine and only connect as needed (not often), so Version 11 can't "call home".

Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions.