How do I change the mp3 codec wmp uses?

[common-sense]

I'm using the original wmp that came with windows 2000...and I'd like to keep using the old one. I'd prefer to use the lame mp3 codec or something good. Or maybe whatever mpc uses.
Thanks.

[foxyshadis]

You probably want to try ffdshow, since lame doesn't make an mp3 decoder.

[communist]

I think he's talking about encoding to mp3, when ripping a CD.

[common-sense]

how do I change the mp3 decoder used by wmp?

how do I make wmp use a different one? is there a step by step process i need to do?

[mike_lee]

Change the merit I suppose, find what you want and make it preferred.

control panel, sounds and audio devices, hardware, select "Audio codecs" properties, then properties again, change the merit. I'm guessing in the control panel system (which isn't very robust) you have to make the new codec lower number, but it could be a higher number (control panel is not the best method) also control panel doesn't list all your codecs.

Better solution is:
Download RadLight Filter Manager BUT ONLY CHANGE ONE THING AT A TIME AND RECORD YOUR CHANGES. You start messing with your dll's and it can turn ugly, but if you go slow and remember what you did you will be ok. The idea is to make one codec preferred above another, not slash and hack the old codec to death, either lower the merit to 00400000 is least favored) - - (00600000 is normal) - - (00800000 is preferred)

I'm no expert ok, so if anyone tops me listen to them. However, this is an easy task. I don't know if I can post the link to them, but search here on doom9 and they are easy to find (in just about every thread)

[gameplaya15143]

how do I change the mp3 decoder used by wmp?

how do I make wmp use a different one? is there a step by step process i need to do?
1. install ffdshow and set it to decode mp3
2. if necessary, unregister l3codecx.ax in the system32 folder
"regsvr32 /u l3codecx.ax"

For changing the mp3 encoder version that wmp uses, replace the version of l3codecp.acm (in system32) with the version of l3codecp.acm that you wish to use.

For encoding with lame in wmp (i have never actually tried this, and it probably does not work, but it might be worth a try), get lameacm.acm, rename it to l3codecp.acm and put it in the system32 folder. (I'd try this myself, but I removed wmp from my system)

p.s.: its a good idea to backup the files you are messing with ;)