How to Set a Default MP3 Player

Your Windows XP default MP3 player is the program which automatically opens when you open an MP3 file. However, it's not always easy keeping a default MP3 player. When you install a new MP3 player, most MP3 players attempt to make themselves the default player. Some players will even make themselves the default player when you open them. Learning how to set your default player puts you in control.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Navigate to any MP3 file stored on your computer's hard drive. Any file will do.

2. Right-click on the MP3 file. From the right-click menu, select "Open With" and then select "Choose Program." A dialog box will appear.

3. Look over the programs in the programs list. These are the programs Windows has targeted as the most likely to play the MP3 file. If you see the program you want to use as your default MP3 player, click on it.

4. Click the "Browse" button if you do not see the program you want to use in the list. Navigate to the place on your hard drive where the program's installation files are located. This is most likely in the "Program Files" directory. Select the program and click the "Open" button.

5. Note the check box labeled "Always Use the Selected Program to Open This Kind of File." If you put a check in this check box, Windows will open the MP3 player you have chosen by default when you open an MP3.

6. Hit the "OK" button. The MP3 player you choose is now your default MP3 player.

7. Repeat the steps anytime your default MP3 player is changed against your will.

Tips & Warnings

• Always watch carefully when installing a new MP3 player. Sometimes all you have to do to prevent the MP3 player from making itself your default player is to uncheck a check box.