How to Use the New Version of Windows Media Player That Comes With Vista

Microsoft’s new Vista operating system includes an updated version of Windows Media Player that functions in much the same way as previous versions. You can use the new version of Windows Media Player that comes with Vista to play audio or video from audio files, video files, CDs, DVDs and Web-based sources. Follow these steps to find out how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows Vista
• Media player
• Internet access
• Digital audio and video files

1. Open the new version of Windows Media Player that comes with Vista.

2. Click the "Library" tab at the top of the screen. Browse through your media files and then double-click a file to play it. Your Windows Media Player with Vista will monitor the files.

3. Get the library to monitor additional folders for media files. Click the "Library" tab, click "Add to Library," and then select a folder to get Windows Media Player to monitor additional folders.

4. Play a media file that isn't already in your library. Open the "File" menu at the top of the screen and click "Open." After selecting a media file, click "OK." Windows Media Player will add the file to your library.

5. Create playlists by adding files to the "List" pane. You can drag files from your library or right-click a file and select "Add to Untitled Playlist." After you create a playlist, you can then burn the files onto a CD.

6. Insert an audio CD and Windows Media Player will usually begin playing it automatically. If it doesn’t, click the "Now Playing" tab and select the drive your CD is in from the list. You can also rip music files from the CD by clicking the "Rip" tab while the CD is in.

7. Watch a DVD using media player. With Windows Media Player open, insert your DVD into the proper drive. If it doesn't automatically play, click the "Now Playing" tab and select the DVD drive.

8. Sync your Windows Media Player with a portable media device. With Windows Media Player open, plug your device into the USB port on your computer. If your device has enough space to fit your entire library, it will automatically be synced.

9. Shop for digital media by using the "Online Store" tab. From the "Online Store" menu, click "Browse all Online Stores" to open a list of different digital media websites. Click on a store name and Windows Media Player will display the page.

10. Listen to online radio stations in Windows Media Player using the "Online Store" tab. Select the Media Guide from the "Online Store" menu, and then click "Internet Radio." You can click on the list of links to have Windows Media Player stream the radio station.

Tips & Warnings

• Display the classic menus if they're more familiar. Click "View" and then "Show Classic Menus." Or, press the "Control" key and the "M" key.
• You can burn copies of CDs and DVDs using the "Burn" tab in Windows Media Player.
• Burning media files requires making a playlist.
• Windows Media Player will not automatically add media files from removable sources to your library.

[triciagoss]

on 2/7/2008 Good tips!