As we all know "Windows 7" comes with Windows Media Player 12 version which contains lots of new features and also the interface is a bit different from previous versions.
But tbh I don't like WMP12. Its a bit buggy and the most annoying thing is it doesn't provide the taskbar toolbar aka mini toolbar which was one of the best thing in Windows Media Player.
If you also don't like WMP12 and want to get the good ol' mini toolbar back in Windows 7, then this tutorial will help you.
In this tutorial, we'll downgrade the WMP version in Windows 7. We'll install WMP11 and it'll bring the taskbar toolbar back as shown in following screenshots:
WMP11 Running in Windows 7:
WMP Taskbar Toolbar in Windows 7:
So here are the required steps:
1. Right-click on Computer icon on desktop and select Manage, it'll open a new window. Now go to Services & Applications -> Services. You can also open the same from Administrative Tools -> Computer Management. Or you can directly open "Services" list by providing services.msc command in RUN or Startmenu search box.
Now right-click on "Windows Media Player Network Sharing" service and select "Stop". It'll stop the service.
2. Now you'll need to take ownership of following files/folders:
- "Windows Media Player" folder in "Program Files" folder
- All files starting with wmp in "Windows\System32" folder
- wmploc.dll.mui file in "Windows\System32\en-US" folder
How will you take the ownership? Just follow the steps given in following tutorial:
Add Take Ownership Option in File / Folder Context Menu in Windows Vista and 7
PS: Make sure to take the backup of all above mentioned files/folders, so that you can restore them if something goes wrong.
3. Now download following ZIP file, extract it and run the extracted EXE file:
This installer will install WMP11 and will ask to restart your system. Select the second option to not restart the system and finish the installation.
4. Now open regedit and delete Installed Versions key under following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Setup
If you are not familiar with registry editor, then download following ZIP file, extract it and run the extracted REG file. Its a ready-made registry script file which will automatically delete the above mentioned key:
5. That's it. Now restart your system and get ready to enjoy the WMP 11 version and WMP taskbar toolbar in Windows 7.
Thanks to Lord Devrexster from WinMatrix for this information...
This article was posted in Windows 7.
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will
Hi VG.... Please help me regarding my taskbar problem..!
I dont know how and why it happened.
..Pls see the SCREENSHOT...
http://i44.tinypic.com/2pqknrm.jpg
All my opened windows are displaying on the right side of the taskbar..!
Thanks a lot VG
VG
^^ Unlock taskbar and drag the taskbar buttons placeholder to left.
wills
That was a solution..! Thanks alot VG !I've set it right with your steps.....coool....
FiDra
Thanks alot VG !
I can now use the WMP11 and it's toolbar. But the toolbar is too small. Is there any solution to make it bigger so that it can fit the taskbar.
Thanks in advanced !
VG
^^ Nope. You can decrease taskbar size from Taskbar Settings.
Astitva
i want my wmp 12 back....how to get it back
WizardCM
Is there a way to have both WMP11 and WMP12 installed at the same time?
VG
^^ Nope.
oscar
Well, this is a great tutorial, but, I think most people who have installed Windows 7 will have the ability to use visual effects like the buttons provided by the taskbar without following the tutorial to show the WMP on the taskbar, besides, I think many prefer use other players such as Winamp or Foobar2000 anyway ...
OfNoConsequence
Be aware that this hack (because that's what it is) won't be supported by Microsoft.
If you have issues, and post them in newsgroups, or call Microsoft for support of them, as soon as they hear you are using "task bar player", your call to support will be ended with "sorry, that's not a supported configuration".
Use a third party player if you don't like WMP 12, there's nothing stopping you.