removing unlisted apps

Discussion in 'Software' started by GrreatRon, Feb 2, 2010.

  1. GrreatRon

    GrreatRon Sergeant

    How can I remove an application that is not listed in "Add & Remove Programs"? Specifically, Windows Media Player.
     
    GrreatRon, Feb 2, 2010
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi Ron

    What Windows version you have?

    Basically you dont remove inbuilt apps unless they are listed in Windows Components add/remove (which is in the same menu as Add/Remove) instruction HERE off hand WMP is not listed in XPs list.

    Windows 7 you can remove Windows Components from Win7 as in WMP, IE8 etc and info HERE

    Only other way off hand is to custom re-install your Windows with nLite (with guides on nLites homepage)

    I would leave it and just keep it upto date, just dont use it if you use another media app, it causes no major harm.
     
    DavidGP, Feb 2, 2010
    #2
  3. GrreatRon

    GrreatRon Sergeant

    I am using XP and just went to Windows Components and unchecked WMP. I'll see what that does. I'd like to ignore WMP because if I try to use it I get a message that it must shut down.

    What is an alternative media player?

    Thanks.
     
    GrreatRon, Feb 2, 2010
    #3
  4. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi Ron

    The Free VLC Player is an alternative.


    Dont know if you'd wish to try and fix WMP or not? would need what Service Pack of Windows you are using, what version of WMP and what is the error in full, can find clues in Event Viewer and in either System or Application log lists, just need to wait till WMP crashes and then check for an error at that particular timeframe.
     
    DavidGP, Feb 2, 2010
    #4
  5. GrreatRon

    GrreatRon Sergeant

    I think I'll leave WMP alone for now and try the VLC Player for a while. How do I make it the default Player?
     
    GrreatRon, Feb 2, 2010
    #5
  6. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    Click on Start then Set Program Access and Defaults. Click the down arrow next to custom and in there is a choice to "choose a default media player".
    Of course when VLC installs, it will probably offer you the choice of file extensions that will launch VLC instead of WMP.
     
    plodr, Feb 2, 2010
    #6
  7. GrreatRon

    GrreatRon Sergeant

    I don't have a "Program Access and Defaults" when I click on Start. How do I get to it?
     
    GrreatRon, Feb 3, 2010
    #7
  8. plastidust

    plastidust Command Sergeant Major

    Try going back to "Add Remove Programs", on the far left of the window at the bottom of the column. Right below the "Add/Remove Windows components".
     
    plastidust, Feb 3, 2010
    #8
  9. GrreatRon

    GrreatRon Sergeant

    OK. Got it. Went there and I cannot uncheck "use my current media player"

    What now?
     
    GrreatRon, Feb 3, 2010
    #9
  10. plastidust

    plastidust Command Sergeant Major

    In Window Explorer, try double clicking on a file that would normally play in Windows Media Player. See if it doesn't come up in VLC.
     
    plastidust, Feb 3, 2010
    #10
  11. GrreatRon

    GrreatRon Sergeant

    It's working fine now - Thanks!
     
    GrreatRon, Feb 3, 2010
    #11

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