Question to the computer specialists!

Hi Gang,

I have a problem since a few days and can't figure out why.
Every time I want to listen to a MP3 file on the net, I get a message whether I want to save or download this file. File type: Winamp.
I have to wait til the file is downloaded before the winamp player will play it.
Before my real player would just open and start playing right away.

Any suggestion how to change it back?

Thanks for your help

Eric

BTW I have Windows 98 2nd edition

Eric

You need to modify what program opens when you download a certain file type.

In windows explorer -
tools, folder options, file types.

Also, pay attention when you install a new program as to whether you want to associate certain file types with the program. Usually you have the option to decline the association and then you won't have this problem.

Hi blink_ers,

thanks for your reply.
If I go under tools I only get internet options not folder options.
Tried that already. Nothing working so far.

Eric

Not Internet Explorer, you need to use Windows Explorer. That is a separate program on your computer.

Of course you are right

I just found the problem: I downloaded a new version of the Real player. Under Tools and Preferences I found a box that needed to be checked for instant play/download.

Thanks again for your help.

Eric

What has happend is this:

You've installed WinAmp at some point (which is an MP3 PLAYER and expects to find complete files - hence "save file" requirement for an internet file"). WinAmp will associate itself with known filetypes so that it becomes the default application (which is why the MP3 file as identified as a WinAmp file"

RealPlayer on the other hand is designed to process streamimg audio/video (as provided on the internet). Therefore it does not expect the entire file to arrive, it just expects a stream of data of the correct format. Therefore RealPlayer has no need to download or save the entire file. It also will associate itself with known filetypes so that it becomes the default application (so now MP3 files may be called RealPlayer files).

Hope this makes some sense!!