Setting up Windows Media Player 7.1 to synchronise music with Windows CE

Applies To

• Handheld PC Professional, SP1
• Handheld PC 2000

Overview

Windows Media Player 7.1 is the last formal Windows Media Player release that supports serial based Handheld PC devices for Media Library synchronisation.
Windows Media Player 7.1 is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98, 98SE, Millennium and 2000
This guide discusses the installation steps necessary to use Windows Media Player 7.1 in conjunction with a Handheld PC.

More Info

Windows Media Player has been replaced by version 9 for Windows 98SE, Millennium and 2000. While the version 9 player is improved over the 7.1 release, serial H/PC devices are not supported by it. Users should decide whether direct player integration is a necessary host service before upgrading to Media Player 9.
For Windows 98 First Edition users, the 7.1 release is the last formally supported Media Player release by Microsoft.

System Requirements

• Windows 98, 98SE, Millennium, 2000
• Pentium 166MHz or higher (266MHz Recommended)
• 32MB System RAM or higher (64MB Recommended)
• 50 MB available Hard Disk Space - 23.3MB after installation
• 16-bit Sound Card
• 256 Colour Video Card
• Microsoft ActiveSync 3.x
• Internet Access (Optional)

How-to Guide

HPC:Factor recommends that users perform the installation using the following steps:

1. Ensure that Microsoft ActiveSync 3.x is installed on your system (ActiveSync 3.8 is recommended)
2. Install Windows Media Player 1.2 for the Handheld PC onto your H/PC - See CESD-S-0079 for more information
3. Download the mp71.exe installation file to your PC
4. Double click mp71.exe to begin installation
5. Click next, accept the EULA and click next once more
6. In the components list you must ensure that you install the Windows Media Device Manager. Our recommended installation order for most users - assuming either no CD-burner or third party CD-Burining software is installed is to Deselect the following:
   • RCA Lyra Service Provider for WMDM
   • Adaptec CD-Burning Plug-in
   • Windows Media Default Playlist
7. Click Next when ready
8. Windows Media Player 7.1 will now be installed. Once complete click Finish to reboot your computer

Once the computer has rebooted connect your Handheld PC device to the Host PC and synchronise.

Finally launch Windows Media Player 7.1 and select the Portable Device Tab from the left hand navigation menu in the main mode.

The installation build of Windows Media Player 7.1 is 7.01.00.3055

Post Installation Updates List

After installing Windows Media Player 7.1 you should immediately install all available security and functionality updates from the list below, and in the order given. Ensure the safety of your Windows PC, Media library and H/PC.

1. KB817787 Security Update for Windows Media Player 7.1
2. KB828026 Windows Media Player Script Commands Update
3. Windows Media Player 9 Series Codec Installation Package

Once fully patched the current version number of Windows Media Player 7.1 will remain at 7.01.00.3055