Windows Media Player vs Real Audio, Jukebox, etc.

Hello-

All of a sudden, for no apparent reason, Real keeps trying to take over when I try to use WMP. In fact, it drove me to such distraction, I uninstalled Real. Or tried to---- After the uninstall I entered "Real" in Find Files and Folders and there were still about 20 items left.

Now my problem is that WMP doesn't seem to want to start when I put a music CD in the drawer. When it finally starts there is either static or music that cuts in and out. 90% of the time the sound is great but it's that other 10% that is driving me nuts---and the seeming forever to get started.

Could Real still be a problem?

 

Real vs WMP

Forgot to say I uninstalled and reinstalled WMP.

 

2totango,

Not likely that any remaining remnants of Realplayer are causing you any problems. It is probably safe to delete those remnants. I personally have only 2 players installed. Realplayer is not one of them. I have Windows Media Player Ver 6.4 installed to play Video content only and nothing else. My primary player for Audio use is WinAmp. Now I know that there are those out there who may not like WinAmp but I think they are in the minority. WinAmp has been a very stable platform and handles dang near 100% of everything I throw at it. As to the static and breakup of audio when using WMP is that occurring with audio CDs, downloaded audio files, or both? BTW, if you are interested, WinAmp can be downloaded at the following link: WWW.winamp.com

For those rare times when I'm unable to download an audio file in a different format than Real, I have a free utility that will convert it to a WAV format.

PS: I'm your neighbor, as I live in Tacoma.

 

Hi Decapo

Right now I've only been playing CDs--Michael Feinstein--saw him last night at Jazz Alley. He keeps getting better with age--if that's possible.

 

Is the problem specific to certain CDs? Have you played them on your home or car stereo CD player or on a friends computer with WMP installed without any problems? Also of late, some of the major labels (Sony, BMG, etc.) have been incorporating new anti-copy schemes into recent releases. Companies are not stating on the labeling if their CDs are copy protected. Some of these new releases are reportedly causing play difficulities on CD ROMs. I do not know if those reported playing problems include the static and breakup of audio as you described. Are your CDs very recent releases? The following article may be of interest:

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,69504,00.asp

Also, you did not mention which version of WMP you are using, and it obviously would be helpful to rule out problems with WMP. One way would be to install a different player. If it does not replicate the same problem, it would lead one to more strongly suspect WMP or some other underlying cause. Another free media player worth considering is UltraPlayer available at: WWW.ultraplayer.com Hopefully other readers will post with their suggestions. Keep checking back and do let us know what you do find. Best regards..........Decapo

 

Thanks again Decapo, but----

1) Am using the latest WMP
2)CDs all check out fine on our new Boze CD/radio (unbelievable sound).
3)WinAmp is installed and works fine------except--now--the CDs don't play at all. I've checked the settings and it's set to play CDs automatically. Just doesn't.
4) Really a puzzle. They were playing but with the problems mentioned. Now--nothing.

 

My experience using WMP in versions above 6.4 is limited. But I would think the newer versions of WMP should have user selectable settings, that may be causing a conflict with WinAMP. Dedicate each player to perform different functions. Then check and see if Auto Insert is enabled on your system:

1. Right Click on My Computer
2. Select Properties
3. Select the Device Manager Tab
4. Select View Devices By Type
5. Find CDROM in the list and highlight your CD player
6. Select Properties
7. Select the Settings tab
8. Place a check in Auto Insert Notification.

If Auto Insert was already selected, uncheck it, click OK, re-check it, click OK, back yourself out and do a Re-Boot. Hopefully that will correct it. Beyond that, some of the others reading this post might add to my input. How about it people? Anyone out there ready to offer a remedy or suggestions?

 

Followed your instructions. Not a peep.

Could it be that while all this other stuff is happening the laser died? The drive does not appear to be reading anything.

I have Norton Diagnostics which says the disk drive is operating properly.

 

Any respectable computer outlet would probably test it for you at no charge. If defective consider buying a replacement from them. You may also want to consider installing it in a friend's computer. About a 15 minute job or less. Be sure the slave/master settings are the same as his unit. I've replaced 2 units in the past 5 years, so they can fail. I don't believe that Norton diagnostics would be able to tell if the laser was working or not.

 

Thanks Decapo--I'm taking it in tomorrow. Something has gone crazily wrong and the system definitely needs analyzing.

Ken

 

Yes - I believe Real is the problem.
I had the same problems (Media Player Vs. RealAudio conflicts).
I did the upgrade to RealOne and it even became worse.
To my opinion, Real is VERY user UNfriendly, and with
poor programing level that causes MANY problems and conflicts with other media players (MP3, WMP etc...)
Trying to get help from RealNetwork showed only that
their support personnel are "learning" the problems at the
same time with the customer ...
They NEVER gave me streight answer (6-7 calls) to ANY
of my verbal or e-mail questions.

Try to delete and also remove any registry entry (with Regclean) or similar,
and everything will start working just fine.

BTW: I'm still waiting for 5 or more unanswered questions from Real which they promised to answer about 2 months ago...