Since my recent re install I am having a mildly annoying problem with music files.
When I click on the folder for an album, then click "play selection" nothing happens.
The files are mp3 and I have checked that Windows Media Player is the first choice for playing mp3 files. The folder containing the albums is customised as "Music (best for music files and playlists)" and the individual album folders are customised as "Music Artist," so I thinkI have done everything right, so why won't they play?
I am still able to right click and select play with WMP but I shouldn't have to.

Oh, and another oddity.
When I open the C drive in My Computer it thinks it is a file of videos - the tasks that appear on the left column are video tasks.
BTW, what is that section along the left side of the folder view called and how can it be turned on/off?
See attachment

It would seem that your File Associations are messed up, perhaps during the reinstall. I would probably start over.

Why did you re-install in the first place. Note that is considered a last ditch effort, primarily because we don't learn what was wrong, in order to prevent it from recurring.

What version of Windows? WMP?

Hi Digerati,
Okay firstly I have XP SP3, and WMP is 11
The reason for the re install was indeed a last ditch reposnse. Reinstalling Windows is not that hard, but reinstalling apps, and restoring data afterwards is a pain in the
(The reason fro the problems I was suffering was I downloaded something I should have stayed away from, some keygens to be specific. Naughty I know, but I was trying to help someone else) These created problems as such things do. I did a reset with ERUNT which I thought had fixed the errors, but not so.
A good example of the continuing effects (after the ERUNT reset) was that a Spybot scan, which usually takes around 15 minutes took 50 minutes, and a number of other things were seriously slowed down.
So in this case I did know the reason for the problems I had, and after ERUNT could not fix the problems I felt I had no other option. Believe me it was not a decision taken lightly.
As far as File associations is concerned my earlier post said that the files were mp3 and that WMP was set as the default app for mp3, so I believe I have the file associations set right, they just aren't working.
And what exactly do you mean by starting over? Not another reinstall?
Any ideas on the folder issue in the pdf I uploaded and asked about, what the bit on the left is called?

The reason for the re install was indeed a last ditch reposnse. Reinstalling Windows is not that hard, but reinstalling apps, and restoring data afterwards is a pain

Yes, but the REAL concern is security. A re-install can put you months or even years behind in security updates.

I understand you feel the associations are right, but as you said, they are no working. So you might try resetting them to see if they start working.

The left panel can be removed by selecting Windows Classic under Tools > Folder Options.

Wel you are right about security, that is why reinstall is followed by Windows Update.
Not sure how to reset the file associations.

Just to be sure, I recommend purging the hard drives of clutter with Windows (XP or Vista) Disk Cleanup, ATF Cleaner or CCleaner. If using CCleaner, uncheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar during installation. Before first use, go to Options > Settings > Advanced and ensure Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours is unchecked. Know your site credentials (user names and passwords) for sites you frequent before cleaning; you may have to login again at next visit.

Download and install Malwarebytes's Anti-Malware (MBAM) and scan as follows:

Check for updates before scanning,
Select Perform quick scan > Scan,
When complete, click OK, then Show Results,
Ensure all is selected, and click Remove Selected,
When complete, save the log in Notepad to a convenient place for future reference.

See Easy File Associations from Doug Knox. When run, these files will reset the selected file associations back to the original defaults. Then you can go in manually and change them to the desired applications from My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > File Types - be careful to change only those necessary. If still no good, you might consider reinstalling WMP.

Hi Digerati,
Considered renaming yourself Diligenti?
I am half way through the processes, well some of the processes, you have suggested.
Already run CCleaner, great app originally recommended on these pages, excepting the Yahoo toolbar. They require small well placed explosives to get rid of!
I have defragged the drive, and run Disc Cleanup as you suggested.
I have MBAM, and that will have to wait as I am running a full AV scan atm.
And I have bookmarked the Easy File Associations page, thanks for the link.
It may be the morning before I get all this stuff done, the witching hour approaches and I grow weary.
Will post again when I have been through all the steps you suggested.
Thanks heaps for the info, that post must have taken some research to put together, so I want you to know I am very appreciative!

One of my bosses named me Digerati a long time ago - I guess that stuck. Besides, it's a real word!

It may be the morning before I get all this stuff done

No big deal. If not me, someone else may stop by and carry on where we left off.