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...
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Marc
Nice tutorial, but it didn't work for me.
I followed every step carefully. I have taken ownership over all files. Created a restore point before installing WMP11. The installer couldn't overwrite the files where I've taken ownership over. Then I've exported the Registry key and deleted it.
When I try to start WMP11 I get the following message, WMP11 isn't installed properly.
Someone with a solution ?
With kind regards,
Marc
to the site author
the toolbar isn't needed anymore, if you point over the wmp icon in taskar you can choose if u wanna play/pause, previous/next song..
by the way, i don't what u have against wmp12, i think it's great, tiny and not massive like the previous versions..
p.s. sorry for my poor english
Marc
I hate that there isn't a mute button and you can't control your volume. 2 small but for me important features...
Lo
Is there a way this can be done on build 7100 because I really hate windows media player 11 and i really miss having the toolbar which was very convient for me, if there's a way please let me know im running the 64 bit version but im sure a 32 bit version would work just fine.
bobby
dude tnx a bunch its workin alrite!!but wn mp3 files are double clicked ...it starts windows media player and the folder getz stuck 4 about a minute...n then a message comes ..error cannot open wmp server not connected or lost or somethin wt will i do...!!any help!!!!!!!!!plzzzzzzz(draggin n droppin is workin tho!!)
VG
^^ Sorry but I don't have much idea about it. It might be a bug in using this hack.
chained
Fantastic! Worked without a hitch
Personally I've always like wmp and I wish they would put more into development for it. I hated the fact that they took the mini player out in the Windows 7, thank you so much for posting this!
jac
I have follow all the steps but yet still cant get to see WMP11 ...
Wilbord Marzan
Why microsoft is removing some functionalities from Media player 12 and from windows 7:
1. when playing, in the media player 11 you can make right click and use Find in Library function, now in media player 12 that function is gone.
2. When in a folder properties, in vista, xp, 2000 you can change the icon of the folder by using the Customize Tab, Now on windows 7 you can't do it.
Why, if everybody knows that upgrade a software it for adding functionalities rather than remove them.
yogesh kumar
i installed the wmp 11 carefully as what the steps were told. but now i am unable to enque any song also double clicking on the icon doesn't play the song .
i always get the error whcih is like this
C:\ ..... \afterglow.mp3
Server execution failed
can anyone help me in this matter