In Windows Vista x64(Windows Vista 64-bit version), the 32-bit edition of Windows Media Player 11 (WMP 11) is set as the default Windows Media Player. This is done by Microsoft to avoid and reduce any compatibility issues or problems that may arise with Windows Media Player codecs or other DirectShow related plug-ins or add-ons that a majority of are still built for Windows Vista 32-bit operating system.When and if the 64-bit version of WMP 11(Windows Media Player 11) in Windows Vista 64-bit version tries to take control from the 32-bit WMP 11 it will cause the program to stop responding resulting in cryptic error messages. However, if you decide to use the 64-bit version of WMP11 with your 64bit Windows Vista, you can use a few easy methods to launch 64 bit WMP11 or simply switch, change or swap the system default media player to x64 Windows Media Player, and revert back to x86 version when you need to.With either one of two tweaks given below, you will have complete full x64 Windows Media Player experience.
Method 1
In Windows Vista 64-bit operating system,“%Programfiles(x86)%Windows Media Player” and “%Programfiles%Windows Media Player” are the two standard locations for the 32-bit WMP 11 x86 and the x64 WMP 11 respectively. In this context, launching the application from the right location, or creating a shortcut will enable you to use either of the Windows Media Player 11 versions on x64 Windows Vista. “%Programfiles%Windows Media Playerwmplayer.exe” is the actual path that will execute x64 WMP 11.
Method 2
To switch and change to x64 or 64-bit of WMP11 in Windows Vista do the following:
- Open an elevated command prompt as administrator(Start -> Accessories -> Command Prompt (right click) -> Run as Administrator) and type the following command:
%windir%\system32\unregmp2.exe /SwapTo:64
- Then, open Windows Vista Registry Editor (regedit), then navigate to the the registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\wmplayer.exe.
- Then set the registry subkey “Path” to be “%Programfiles(x86)%\Windows Media Player” (without quotes), and “(Default)” subkey (normally the first entry) to “%ProgramFiles%\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe” (include quotes).
To undo the x64 change, switch, swap, revert and change back the default media player to Windows Media Player 11 x86 32-bit edition, also open an elevated command prompt with administrator privileges in Windows Vista and issue the following command instead:
%windir%\system32\unregmp2.exe /SwapTo:32
Then, run Windows Vista Registry Editor again, and reset the value for registry subkey of “Path” and “(Default)“.
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