How to Use Windows Vista Media Player

Windows Vista Media Player is a stock program that you can use for music and videos. In addition, you can create playlists and burn CDs or DVDs. You can use the Windows Vista Media Player for Internet radio stations. The player has an option to rip music from CDs. You can even use the application to send and receive files from your portable devices. The Windows Vista Media player is free with the Windows operating system and you can receive updates as well.

Step 1 Download the updates and plug-ins for your Windows Vista Media Player. At the Microsoft website, you can obtain new versions of Media Player and locate important plug-ins to use the application efficiently.

Step 2 Click on the "Library" tab. Play any music or video files from this tab. Select the "Category" button in the smaller toolbar. The icon is a monitor. Scroll down to choose music, videos or pictures. Click on the category. You can create playlists by clicking on "Create a Playlist." Next, drag your music to the box on the right side. You can sort through videos, music and pictures with several options. Under the "Library" on the left side, click on the category of your choice.

Step 3 Insert a music CD into your CD/DVD drive. Click on the "Rip" tab. Windows Vista Media Player will automatically begin ripping the current CD. This takes approximately 10 minutes to rip the whole CD. You can navigate through other tabs and the CD will continue to rip.

Step 4 Insert a blank CD or DVD into your drive. You can burn videos or music to a CD/DVD through Windows Vista Media Player. Select "Audio CD" or "Data CD or DVD." Open your "Category" of music or videos from the monitor icon. Drag the file or files you wish to burn into the box on the right side of the window. Click the "Start Burn" button when you finish.

Step 5 Select the "Now Playing" tab. Click on "File" and then "Open" on the top toolbar. Choose music, videos or pictures to play. The application will begin playing in this window. Use the commands at the bottom to "Play," "Pause," "Rewind" or "Fast Forward." Click the box on the bottom right for "Full Screen." You can change the volume with the sliding bar.