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Winamp 5 - Misc

Keep Winamp From Stealing File Associations

SUMMARY: Configure Winamp 5 so it does not repeatedly try to take control over various Explorer file associations.

Depending on your Winamp 5 configuration, you may have installed the Winamp Agent. Among other things, this feature continuously restores file associations you have set for Winamp. Thus, if you try out other multimedia software that tries to change audio and video file associations, the Agent switches them back. Also, when you start Winamp, it may attempt to restore chosen file associations even if the Agent is not running.

First, if you want to disable the Agent, there are two ways to do this depending on whether you are installing Winamp or already have it installed:

A. During the install procedure, step 4 in the "Winamp Setup" dialog box is "Associations". Near the bottom of the dialog box, uncheck "Enable Winamp Agent".

Preventing the Winamp Agent from running via the Winamp installer

You will still need to uncheck "Restore file associations at Winamp startup" as noted below.

B. When running Winamp, to disable the Agent and prevent Winamp from restoring file associations:

1. Access the "Winamp Preferences" dialog box. You can click on the "Main Menu" button, choosing "Options" - "Preferences". Or, right-click on the title bar and choose "Options" - "Preferences". Or, press Ctrl + P.

Accessing Winamp 5 Preferences

2. When the "Winamp Preferences" dialog box appears, click "File Types" in the left side of the window.

3. In the right side of the window, uncheck "Enable Winamp agent".

4. Uncheck "Restore file associations at Winamp start-up".

Disabling the Winamp agent, and preventing Winamp from restoring file associations whenever it starts

5. Press "Close" to exit the "Winamp Preferences" dialog box.

NOTE that if you desire, you can keep the agent running and yet not have it restore file associations. To do so from the above section in the Winamp Preferences, check "Enable Winamp agent". Then uncheck "Maintain file associations".

This tip was written regarding Winamp 5.57 on a Windows XP machine using the default skin (Bento). Features, information, and screenshots may differ between versions and operating systems, as well as with your chosen Winamp skin.