Playing MP3 recordings

[Don Kona Woods]

Previously, I played MP3 recordings on my computer, but due to some changes in my computer, I have lost the ability to play them.

What do I need to download to play MP3 recordings?

Aloha,
Don

[Don Kona Woods]

In case it is not clear, I want to play MP3 recordings from the internet through my computer.

What do I need?

Aloha,
Don

[Wiz Feinberg]

If your computer is running almost any version of Windows, it has a built-in Windows Media Player. That is usually the default player for .mp3 files. If mp3 files on your hard drive will open and play in Windows Media Player, but not if you click on mp3 links on a website, your browser needs to be reconfigured to open mp3 files in Windows Media Player.

There is a recent thread where the poster had a similar problem and everything appeared to be configured properly. Still, the media files refused to open in Windows Media Player until they were reset to do so and "Apply" was clicked upon. This is done off the Start menu in the "Program Access and Defaults" utility.

[Jack Stoner]

I have seen problems where Quicktime was causing "lockout" problems and MP3's from the Internet would not play.

[Don Sulesky]

Here is the fix Wiz posted.
It worked for me.
Don

Quote:
I had the same problem and finally got it fixed. I'm using Vista Home Basic. Here are the steps I used to get it fixed:

1.) Go to Control Panel, double-click "Default programs"
2.) Click "Associate a file type or protocol with a program" - takes a few seconds to load the list.
3.) Double-click the file-type under the "name" column (such as ".mp3"). It is probably showing something already, like "Windows Media Player", but don't believe it.
4.) Now you'll have a list of "Recommended Programs". Double click the one you want. I chose "Windows Media Player" even though it was already "supposedly" set to that. Again, it will show "loading" at the bottom of the screen for a few seconds.

It should now work, try again.

[Don Kona Woods]

Thanks for your posts regarding my problem.

I am running Windows XP.

Jack says,

I have seen problems where Quicktime was causing "lockout" problems and MP3's from the Internet would not play.

I have Quicktime, so what was your solution?


Don, I would like to follow your outline, but at Control Panel on Windows XP there is no "Default Programs" listed. What can I do now?


Wiz says,

This is done off the Start menu in the "Program Access and Defaults" utility.

Cannot access Program Access and Defaults through Start menu. Any other suggestions?

Helping me could be a test of your patience or help you work on patience!

Aloha,
Don

[Don Sulesky]

Don
I'm using Vista.
I don't have my HP with XP set up so I can't help you there.
Maybe someone who has XP can locate the files you need.
Good luck.
I had to reset mine this morning again.
Don

[Wiz Feinberg]

Thanks for your posts regarding my problem.

I am running Windows XP.

Wiz says,

This is done off the Start menu in the "Program Access and Defaults" utility.

Cannot access Program Access and Defaults through Start menu. Any other suggestions?

Don;
If you are unable to locate the icon labeled "Program Access and Defaults" you may have to recreate it. To do this follow these instructions.

• Right click on your Start Button
• Select the last option: Properties
• Click the Start Menu tab
• Select the radio option Start Menu
• Click on the Customize button
• Click on the "Advanced" tab
• Scroll down the list of "Start Menu Items" until you find "Set Program Access and Defaults"
• Click in the checkbox in front of that entry to place a checkmark in it
• Click Apply
• Click OK

Click (left) on your Start Button again and this time you should be able to find an icon labeled "Program Access and Defaults." Open the utility and proceed as previously discussed to re-set the association of .mp3 files with Windows Media Player.

[Don Kona Woods]

Wiz and Don,

Thanks for all your helpful posts.

The steps were followed and were successful.

Aloha,
Don