Delete windows media player library files

This is the thing that is never answered. I don't want to delete the files from their original location - just from the library. Maybe I am wrong in believing WMP copies the actual media files to a library folder like some media players that use this model do - but that is what I want to delete - the copied files.

The help link for WMP from the options menu just opens a regular windows support page with nothing about WMP, and I have not found a lot of information about it. Mainly very basic things about the interface, including repeating the phrase " Delete from library and my computer" which is never expanded on or explained. Nothing really technical. As an aside, I have to say I have never been a big fan of the fact WMP requires files to be in the library to play them instead of just letting you pick files you want or load playlists like most media players.

I've actually had trouble getting files to add to the library and it doesn't seem to support drag and drop or anything. The playlists don't seem to work well either because when I play a file from a list it doesn't go to the next file after - very strange.

Anyone know what can be done?? This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread.

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Restart Windows Media Player. Note Windows Media Player automatically rebuilds the database. If this does not resolve the problem, clear the Windows Media Player database cache files. Select the Media Player folder, and then click Delete on the File menu. The Windows Media Player library uses a new and more robust database to store information about media. This includes the name, the location, the associated images, the ID3 tags, and the WMA tags of each file. This database is stored in the following folder.

For Windows XP:. The Windows Media Player library database can usually recover automatically from database corruption. Now, you can either press the delete button or right-click to choose the delete option. Step 4. There are times when users only wish to remove content from Windows Media Player and not their computer.

Step 5. From here, go to the "Library" tab and make sure the option of "Delete files from the computer when deleted from library" is not selected. Save your choices and exit the window. Needless to say, to delete the Windows Media Player library permanently from your computer, you need to take some added measures.

To clear Windows Media Player library and content from your Windows system, follow these steps:. Later, you can also delete this content from the Recycle Bin as well. Though, anyone with a data recovery tool would be able to retrieve this content. Therefore, if you wish to permanently delete the Windows Media Player library with no scope of recovery, then you need to take the assistance of a third-party tool.

We have discussed it in the next section. We recommend taking the assistance of Stellar BitRaser to do the same.