This may seem a very trivial thing to some people, but I'm desperate! And...I know someone on this site knows the solution to my problem. The first person to give me viable help will get my unending gratitude. Priceless, I know...now on to the problem. My husband has been wanting an MP3 Player since last year. He hates mowing the lawn and feels that listening to his tunes will help him do it more willingly...hmm...likely story. Anyhow, he got his wish, he got his MP3 Player. Specifically an Eclipse. It's only 4 GB but can be expanded to 16. I know, too much information. I'm trying to load his favorite CD's on for him and my version of Windows Media Player won't PLAY. I'm using a Dell Inspiron 1525 Laptop with Windows Vista Home Basic on it. Internal 500 GB HD with an external 500 GB HD. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
I Need Help With Windows Media Player!
(16 posts) (6 voices)-
CherylL5156
MemberPosted 11 years ago # -
Campy
MemberAre you sure your sound isn't muted either in media player or on your laptop? What are you using to rip the songs from the CDs? You could reinstall Windows Media Player to make sure there isn't a problems with it. You could install a different free music player or free media player.
Posted 11 years ago # -
CherylL5156
MemberThat's just it...I've attempted to install the newest version of Window Media Player and it says it's already loaded. However, I try to launch M.P. and it sits there...nothing happens. No on sound being muted or down. I'm going to bed right now and hubby says after playing around with the MP3 Player, "It's too hard to manuver on this little thing, the earpods hurt my ears, pack it up and we'll take it back. Look for something that I can USE!" Ooookaaay. The master has spoken. However, I'm still gonna need something to rip songs from the CDs, no matter what we end up with. Ho-Hum. It's going to wait 'til tomorra. Thanks, Campy!
Posted 11 years ago # -
Idunnobutiwastold
Gaming AcolyteAFAIK, sometimes, plugging in headphones or external speakers changes the default audio settings.
Temporarily disconnect any audio peripherals and see if the sound is audible on the laptop's built-in speakers.Or try right-clicking on the volume icon in the task bar, and a context menu will pop up. From there, you can access the volume mixer and a list of playback / recording devices.
You will have to manually select the correct settings for your PC's audio device — which can be a confusing process, at times.I don't know about Vista, but on Windows 7, one can click on the Start Menu button and type "fix audio" in the search bar.
After a brief moment, a link labeled "Find and fix audio playback problems" will appear in the list. Clicking on the link will launch a wizard that repairs the problem automatically.Posted 11 years ago # -
CherylL5156
MemberWell, I've been up all night trying everything and anything to get Windows Media Player to install on my computer. I get nothing. I quit trying to install WMP!! If anyone has a suggestion of something I can use to rip music from CDs to use on our MP3 players, for free, I'm all ears. I appreciate what Campy and IDNBIWT suggested to me, just not what I need. I'm so sleepy I can hardly type. So, I'm putting this off until I get some rest and can look at this with a fresh and rested mind and body. Nighty-Night folks! LOL.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Campy
MemberCheryIL, if you just want to rip CDs, there are lots of free options available. You can do a good search an find lots of options and reviews. Here are a few good choices:
Fairstars CD Ripper
CDex
Exact Audio Copy (EAC)You may also need the LAME MP3 encoder for some of these to encode the music to MP3 format if that is what you want.
Here is one tutorial on how to do this if you need the help.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Idunnobutiwastold
Gaming AcolyteFWIW, Microsoft has an online "solution center" that attempts to automatically repair some software issues.
— Surf to: http://support.microsoft.com/fixit/
— Click on the "Windows" icon that's at the top of the page.
— From the drop-down box below the row of icons, select "Play games, music or sounds, pictures or video".
— At the bottom of the webpage, a list of suggested solutions will then be displayed. Click on the description of the software problem you are experiencing (for example, "Fix Windows Media Player video, and other media or library issues").
— You will be redirected to new page. On that last page, click on the big green button labeled "Run now" to follow the prompts.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Campy
MemberSorry about the typos in my last message. I had just gotten up and must have still been half asleep.
If you are tired of fusing with WMP, why don't you just go get VideoLan Media Player (VLC). I prefer it anyway. You may still want a ripper like the ones above as they can be easier to use and/or better than the ones imbedded in players.
Posted 11 years ago # -
CherylL5156
MemberThanks, guys. I will look into all of your suggestions. As you can see by the time lapse, I slept a day away yesterday. I was like a zombie all day, thought it best for everyone and my computer's health NOT to do anything with it until now. So, I've got a fresh perspective and I'm well rested and have a pot of coffee on the brew...look out Windows Media Player!...I'm coming to get you and I always get my ma...er...program to work for me. You've both been great to help me like this. I will post back when my problems are solved and my husband is back out mowing the lawn blissfully bumping along with his tunes.
Posted 11 years ago # -
CherylL,
From what I see, your problem reminds me my problems with Windows Calendar way back in '09 with Vista. It just stopped working! I contacted Microsoft and they recommended I make a new "user". That turned out to be one HUGE mistake but there was no going back once I did it. It did get Calendar working but a few months later it quit again! I wasn't about to go through that mess again and went looking for a replacement. I've been using VueMinderLite (free) since then.
When I got a new machine with Windows 7 on it, I installed VueMinderLite again. I just don't trust Calendar.
It may turn out that you need a freebie replacement and you might try IrfanView (free). I use it for all but videos and can do them with it, too -- I just don't.
If it doubt - go looking for a reputable replacement. Don't trust Microsoft if they start spewing change users. That doesn't explain why it quit in the first place.
Posted 11 years ago # -
CherylL5156
MemberOK. I took a little bit of a longer break than anticipated today. It was in the high 80's to low 90's today, so I thought it would be a fine time to go into town and get an ice cream! Yum-Yum. Just what the Doc ordered...cooled us both off and gave me the break I needed. Surprisingly enough, hubby didn't argue one bit. He won't EVER pass up a chance for something/anything sweet, like me for example! (LOL).
So, now, it's back to work...I'm going to try one of the freebie replacements that have been mentioned in the above posts and just keep going until I find one that works on my unit and I'm happy with. Will post my results when I get some! Thanks, again, guys...you are the best!! :)
P.S. I thought there was a spellchecker on this board...am I wrong?
Posted 11 years ago # -
I use VLC for my media player..Love all the different skins etc. MS has to many DRM dreams for my liking. I decided not to use WMP after a friend of mine made a video with MS stuff of his grandchild. He went to make copies for friends, etc and MS wouldn't let him. They really go too far at times..
As far as a decent rip, I use Ashampoo Burning stuff. Hopefully you snagged it the last time it was offered on GOTD.
Spell Checker here? Don't think so. Firefox does my spell checking..if I remember to look. It will tell me but sometimes I forget to look.
Posted 11 years ago # -
mikiem2
Moderator" I'm trying to load his favorite CD's on for him and my version of Windows Media Player won't PLAY. "
You'll find a decent listing of tools here http://www.videohelp.com/tools/sections/audio-encoders
As far as winmedia player there were a few issues with the fraunhofer mp3 codec installed by media player -- at one point a media player update replaced the good version. It's been a while so info's a bit harder to find nowadays, but this might help. http://www.fixya.com/support/r4126876-activate_faunhofer_iis_mp3_professional
Also wouldn't hurt to check the properties for your optical drive(s) [CD/DVD] because they should have some relevant settings for ripping.
Posted 11 years ago # -
CherylL5156
Member"Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles..." name the musical!! Actually was able to find a download of 'Media Player' that has been working for the past four days. Don't ask me where I found it...'cuz I've been surfin' all over the place hunting for it. I've been "rippin' & syncing" my fool head off. All I get from the grumpy old man is, "More, I want more music on this thing!" Plus, "I need a pair of headphones that sound half-way decent!" If he thinks he's going to find what he 'thinks' exists; he's up for a rude awakening. Something to block out the sound of a twelve year old riding mower so he can just hear the music. If he's willing to pay a couple hundred dollars, maybe...but I know him and he won't want to go that route. Oh well, we'll see what comes of this next spellbinding episode!! As a favor to y'all, I'll keep it to myself. You folks have been more than helpful and I appreciate it VERY much!!
Oh...it's "Fiddler on the Roof" that the above lyrics come from. I'm sure everyone knew that already. I was 'Gramma' in my Senior year of High School, waaaay back in '74. That's about enough from me...once again...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You people are the best.
Posted 11 years ago # -
mikiem2
Moderator" Plus, "I need a pair of headphones that sound half-way decent!" If he thinks he's going to find what he 'thinks' exists; he's up for a rude awakening. Something to block out the sound of a twelve year old riding mower so he can just hear the music."
I imagine something like this is what he's after -- Radians® Sound FX Hearing Protection Earmuffs http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/radians-sound-fx-black.aspx?a=754860
Also *some* headphones, over the ear &/or in the ear types [i.e. ear-buds], Usually starting in the $30 & up range I think, seal out outside noise pretty well -- they won't totally block out a loud mower but they'll help a lot. You want to look for something that advertises a good seal over the ear, or for the ear-bud types, a good seal in the ear canal, & then check out reviews to see how well they work. With the ear-bud type I think they sometimes call it something like noise isolation. If he's bouncing around on a riding mower in the hot sun, in-ear phones designed for running or other athletic activities [like in the gym] might be a good choice, being less inclined to fall off & not effected so much by sweat.
**Might** also get away with cheaper ear-buds with hearing protection ear muffs on top of or over them.
Posted 11 years ago # -
CherylL5156
MemberI'm going to peek at VLC. I've have that program and use it to play DVD's on.
With the MP3 player he got a coupon for 35% off at jlabaudio.com, I going to go look there to see what they have to offer. Mikiem2, I'll keep all of your suggestions in mind while I'm looking, though, thanks. All you guys have been extremely helpful thru my "problems with Windows MP", now I'm off to solve his problems with headphones. Wish me luck...I'll keep you posted...as if anyone would be interested! LOL Thanks, once again.
Posted 11 years ago #
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