I can admit it: I’m a complete computer idiot and I need help. Here’s the deal:
I have Windows Media Player and I also have MSN media player. I’ve selected Windows Media Player to play everything (at least I think I have). However, when I download an MP3, the WMP comes up and shows that the clip is playing, but there’s no sound (I know my speakers work). This happened awhile ago too, and lasted for a long time, then suddenly one day I had sound again. It used to be played by the MSN media player (I’d actually prefer that, but can’t find anywhere to select that as my default player) but now when I download something the WMP comes up, not the MSN player.
Can anybody help me figure out how to select the right things so that I can listen to the all-important ITM clips???!!!
Open My Computer or Windows Explorer;
from the menu bar: Tools/Folder Options
tab File Types
press M, and scroll till MP3 is selected
click Change
and pick a program…
I tried that already, Denny. It shows WMP as the program opening MP3s, so it should work. “Change” isn’t given as an option and “edit” only allows me to edit within the WMP, not change what pulls up the MP3.
Two questions, Susan: 1) What’s your operating system and 2) Why do you prefer the MSN media player? (not being nosy, asking for a constructive reason).
DOS and I prefer the MSN because I’ve occasionally had problems in the past with the Windows Media Player and the MSN has always been reliable, playing when and what I wanted it to play. Up until now, that is.
Ummm… DOS? Not Windows XP or some such? (You wouldn’t be able to use Windows Media Player under DOS, I shouldn’t think. But whaddo I know). Anyway, I should perhaps have asked, what version of Windows?
Pam (filling in until a real computer geek happens along)
Hmm. Thought in the interim I’d look up the “MSN Media Player” to see what I could see about your issue (in the mood for a challenge tonight); did a google search, and sort of..can’t find such a beast. Would it be “MSN Music” that you were using/liking? Now I’m confused, too.
Don’t you just hate it when folks answer questions like yours with stuff like, “The program you’re using sucks! Download this!” “Buy that!” “Get a M**!” I do too; but now I find myself doing it anyway. I was going to recommend that you, well, chuck both media players and download Winamp (free) and set it as your default for your mp3s. Not pretty, but faster and more reliable than Windows Media Player, which seems to relentlessly grab all the file associations…and then malfunction. So in the (unlikely) event the mighty geek oracle can’t help, here’s the link: http://www.winamp. The latest version says it’ll run under Windows 98 SE and Windows ME, as well as 2K/XP. HTH.
Susan, does your computer play any kind of sound at all? Have you checked that the speakers are securely plugged into the back of your machine? The can look plugged in but not be entirely in..
True but for private support, that is, not associated with my regular job, there are certain things I’ll support and some I won’t. I’ve had people with a hand-me-down 386 with Win95, 128mb ram a 4gb hard drive and old 16bit sound and video cards insist that they should be able to run Battlefield 1942 or Doom 3. I won’t even try to make that work because it won’t. I tell them immediately.
It sounds like Susnfx may have other issues besides just her particular media player.
I’ve got Windows 98. I’m at work now and can’t look at anything or try anything… I appreciate the suggestions. I’ll pass on WinAmp - had it once before and didn’t like it at ALL. I’ll check the speakers again tonight…I don’t even hear the sound effects for the regular computer actions when the speakers are on.
You realize of course how earth-shattering this is, when I NEED to listen to clips.
You may want to review ALL the programs on your system that play sounds. There are many programs that will take control of your sound system and not let go, even when they are not apparently running, i.e. they don’t close down cleanly. This means Windows won’t allow another program to access the sound card, or a driver, or other utility associated with the sound system (depending on what was left locked up) until that lock file gets removed.
Remove what programs you don’t need from your PC that use your sound system. Investigate by trying one program at a time to see at what point does your sound system get locked up. It may be a game or a media device of some kind that is the culprit, even an old version of DirectX. Make sure you have the latest patches for Windows, as well as the latest device drivers for all your hardware.
That sounds reasonable, djm, but I wouldn’t even know how to start. As I said at the outset, I’m completely computer illiterate. I’ve installed all the patches Windows has sent me, so I know I’m okay there. I’ve tried deleting programs, but I’m even baffled by that - I’ll think I’ve deleted a program and lo and behold I’ll be cruising around somewhere and there will be a file from that program, so I know I didn’t get it all out.
I think it may be time for a new computer. whimper
Since I haven’t had a spot of trouble with my computer in the last seven years, I’ve come to the conclusion that not knowing what I’m doing is the best way to manage (as opposed to some people I know who think they know computers and are constantly hacking themselves into disasters). The thought of trying to get the stuff I want and need onto a new computer gives me the willies.
Up until last month, I ran windows 98 without a hitch at all. Nothing wrong with it whatsoever.
The only reason I upgraded to XP was because I was forced to if I wanted to use windows remote networkin to access my office from home, since the version in 98 is pathetic and doesn’t work properly with windows2000+ versions.
I don’t have 98 anymore, but if I remember correctly, under the StartMenu is a folder called “Accessories”, and under that a folder called “Entertainment”. In that folder should be a program called “Volume control” (or something involving “Volume”). Bring this program up. I think there were 5 sliders to raise or lower the volume for each type of sound input (one for CD, one for WAVE, etc). Make sure all the sliders for all the volumes (especially the one for WAVE) are all the way up. Also, there should be a check box, next to the word “Mute”, under each slider. Make sure none of these have check marks on them. If any of them are checked, click on the box to un-check them.
Unfortunately, your Volume program may look very different than mine, or your soundcard software may have its own version, but whatever you can find for Volume, make sure everythings turned up and unmuted.
And try some other sound inputs when you get home. Can you play CD’s correctly? Can you play .WAV files, but not .MP3 files? What version of WMP do you have? Since we can’t see your computer, more information = Good.
