[SOLVED] .dat files associated w wmp

[hmazuji]

my .dat files are being associated w wmp, even though wmp is not installed. when i go to the file types associations page, .dat isn't on the list. how do i extirpate all vestiges of wmp from my system ? because, if i'm not mistaken, wmp is inclined to open whatever it can

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

"even though wmp is not installed"

Windows Media Player is built in to Windows XP so why are you convinced that it is not installed?
Even if you choose to remove it through Windows settings, it doesn't actually get uninstalled, Windows just removes it's shortcuts from the desktop & programs menu but the application itself remains installed.

Some .DAT files are/can be multimedia files from (for example) a Video CD - - Windows Media Player can play these, hence the association.

However, there are several different types of .DAT files, some of which have nothing to do with multimedia or WMP at all.

That should not cause any problems for you though - - it won't make WMP launch when it shouldn't, as you seem to think it will.

Frankly, I don't see where you have a problem to speak of.

 

[hmazuji]

"Windows Media Player is built in to Windows XP so why are you convinced that it is not installed?"
yes. this is my complaint. even though 'control panel' -> 'add or remove programs' -> 'add/remove windows components' -> windows components wizard 'windows media player' checkbox is not checked, xp is still forcing the association
"Even if you choose to remove it through Windows settings, it doesn't actually get uninstalled, Windows just removes it's shortcuts from the desktop & programs menu but the application itself remains installed."
yes. i will hire you to be my it coordinator

 

[hmazuji]

"even though wmp is not installed"
That should not cause any problems for you though - - it won't make WMP launch when it shouldn't, as you seem to think it will.

Frankly, I don't see where you have a problem to speak of.

i apologize for not being more specific. this is the problem; that the wmp wizard opens whenever i accidentally click on a file that is associated with it, instead of my default player (jet audio, and/or mpc / media player classic)
( the wmp wizard launching itself as a result of file type associations is annoying, not a problem. (because i have to wait for the wizard to load, then close it, instead of trudging along my path to endless victory))

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Complete the wizard in WMP instead of exiting from it.

Then change associations of all popular multimedia formats.

Then restart Windows.

No idea if that will work, but, hey, what do you expect with free advice from a life-long Mac user? (joking) - :lol:

Another obvious fix is:

a) use WMP for multimedia instead of those other apps

OR

b) Upgrade to Win 7 or later, XP is a dinosaur.

 

[hmazuji]

Complete the wizard in WMP instead of exiting from it.

Then change associations of all popular multimedia formats.

Then restart Windows.

No idea if that will work, but, hey, what do you expect with free advice from a life-long Mac user? (joking) - :lol:

Another obvious fix is:

a) use WMP for multimedia instead of those other apps

OR

b) Upgrade to Win 7 or later, XP is a dinosaur.

your answer is correct in the first part, but then ends with a mistake, so how can i select it as the best answer ?
i've seen the forums for win 7 and 10, and i'm not going there. then, i have experience with 7 and 10, and do not prefer them. finally, manufacturers of my peripherals do not update their drivers, and i am not replacing all of my office equipment based on a whim.
if you would like to remove your biased irrelevant comment, then i would be more inclined to select it as the best answer, even though installing wmp wasn't my objective