Installing the BBC's No-Nag RealPlayer Version

Yesterday I told you about the special ad-free version of RealPlayer that's distributed by BBC Radio. Now I'll take you through the installation process.

1. An amazingly polite "Select program location and desktop settings" dialog asks where you’d like to see RealPlayer icons. Uncheck both of the options; there's no need to have RealPlayer in your Quick launch toolbar and certainly not on the desktop. You'll still see RealPlayer when you click the Start menu and open All Programs. (I've removed it from there, too. That's because the only time RealPlayer is needed is when you click on a file that uses the player -- which forces it to open.)


Uncheck everything to keep your system uncluttered.

2. In the Universal Media Player dialog, choose "Select media types for RealPlayer from a list," then deselect everything on the next page. Now scroll to "RealAudio and RealVideo" and select everything in that category. Click Finish. Now RealPlayer will recognize only its files and leave your other media player settings alone.



3. A dialog appears offering the Weather Channel toolbar. Close it unless you want more junk in your system tray.
4. RealPlayer loads and a window appears on screen, as does the annoying Real Message Center, plus a RealPlayer icon in the System tray. In the RealPlayer window, choose Tools, Preferences, and scroll to "Internet / Privacy" in the Connection category. Under Privacy Settings, deselect all selected items. Click "Clear List" in the Scripts Command area. Select the CD category and deselect "Start Playback" and "Prompt to Save CD."
5. You're almost done. Go to the Automatic Services category and click Configure Message Center. Deselect every checked box and click OK (this will handle the icon in the System tray).
6. Go to the Automatic Services category and select AutoUpdate, then deselect "Automatically download and install important upgrades." Click OK to close Preferences and close RealPlayer. If you're prompted with an upgrade dialog, take them up on the offer.
7. Right-click the RealPlayer icon in the System tray and close the Message Center.

That's it -- RealPlayer's loaded and you're good to go.

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