Installing Winamp

The Winamp Installer Guide



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Hotkeys | JTFE | Tray Icons | Audio_Support | WMA | MIDI | MOD | OGG | Lame
AAC+ | MP4 | FLAC | CD | Sonic | CDDB | WAV | Video | WMV | NSV | AVI+MPG
Visualizations | TinyVis | AVS | Milkdrop | DSP_SPS | DiskWriter | DirectSound
Line-In | Start_Options |  Bundled_Apps  | Install | Choose_Skin |  Associations



 

Dialog 1: Installer Language

Select a language (default is English).

Click "OK"


Screen 1:  Welcome Screen

Welcome to the Winamp Installer.

Click "Next"


Screen 2:  License

Accept the licence agreement.

Click "Next"


Screen 3:  Choose Install Location

Destination Folder.

The default folder is: "C:\Program Files\Winamp"
To change it, either type in the path yourself, or manually create an appropriate folder via Windows Explorer first, and then use the "Browse" button to locate said folder.

Note that on clean installs, all settings are saved to the user's Application Data folder @ %AppData%\Winamp regardless of what destination folder is selected for the program installation.

Click "Next"


Screen 4:  Choose Components

Installation Type: Full | Standard | Lite * | Previous | Custom

Select the components/plugins/features you wish to install:


Winamp Agent *

Filename: winampa.exe
Adds a system tray icon for quick access to winamp's menu/features.
Can also optionally maintain filetype associations, preventing other players from stealing them.

Multimedia Engine



1. MP3 (required) *
Filenames: in_mp3.dll | aacPlusDecoder.w5s
Adds support for MPEG-1 & MPEG-2 Audio playback (MP3, MP2, MP1, AAC)

2. Windows Media Audio (WMA) *
Filename: in_wm.dll
Adds support for WMA playback, including DRM support

3. MIDI *
Filenames: in_midi.dll | read_file.dll
Adds support for playback of many MIDI formats.

4. MOD/XM/SM/IT *
Filenames: in_mod.dll | read_file.dll
Adds support for playback of tracker module file formats.

5. OGG Vorbis Playback *
Filename: in_vorbis.dll
Adds support for playback of .ogg audio

6. MP4 Audio Support *
Filenames: libmp4v2.dll | in_mp4.dll (Winamp\Plugins) | aacPlusDecoder.w5s (Winamp\System)
Adds support for playback of MPEG-4 Audio (M4A/MP4).

7. FLAC Support *
Filenames: libflac.dll | in_flac.dll
Adds support for FLAC playback.

8. CD Playback and Extraction *
Filename: in_cdda.dll
Adds support for Audio CD playback with Digital Audio Extraction
(Note: Also required for Ripping & Burning support).

9. WAV/VOC/AU/AIFF *
Filenames: in_wave.dll | libsndfile.dll
Adds support for playback of waveform formats.





1. Windows Media Video (WMV, ASF)
Filename: in_wm.dll
Adds support for WMV/ASF playback

2. Nullsoft Video (NSV)
Filenames: in_nsv.dll | nsvdec_vp5.dll | nsvdec_vp6.dll
Adds support for playback of Nullsoft Streaming Video (.nsv) & Audio (.nsa) eg. via: Media Library > Online Services > SHOUTcast TV.

3. AVI/MPG
Filename: in_dshow.dll
Adds playback support for any audio/video formats which use system DirectShow filters (extra file extensions such as OGM AC3 MKV DAT MOV RMVB MP4 WAV etc can be added manually, but require the corresponding DS Splitter/Filter to be already installed on your system).

4. Flash Video (FLV)
Filename: in_flv.dll
Adds playback support for VP6 Flash Video.
Note that the FLV format used by sites like youtube is the older H.263 and not the newer VP6 codec. We are not currently licensed to decode H.263 content, and therefore the Nullsoft FLV Decoder does not support youtube FLV's. This may change in the future, but for now you can use this known workaround.

5. Flash Media Protocol (SWF, RTMP)
Filenames: in_swf.dll | winampFLV.swf
Adds playback support for Adobe Shockwave Flash (SWF) and Adobe Streaming Media Protocol (RTMP). Note: Requires Adobe Flash Player to be pre-installed on system.





1. WMA Encoding
Filename: enc_wma.dll
Adds support for encoding to WMA with the CD Ripper and Transcoder

2. WAV Encoding
Filename: enc_wav.dll
Adds support for encoding to WAV with the CD Ripper and Transcoder

3. MP3 Encoding
Filenames: enc_lame.dll | lame_enc.dll (LAME Encoder)
Adds support for encoding to MP3 with the CD Ripper and Transcoder
(Note: Only available in Winamp Pro, otherwise locked).

4. AAC/aacPlus Encoding
Filenames: enc_aacplus.dll | libmp4v2.dll
Adds support for encoding to AAC/AAC+ & M4A with Winamp's CD Ripper and Transcoder.
(Note: High-bitrate aacPlus encoding only available in Winamp Pro, otherwise locked).

5. FLAC Encoding
Filename: enc_flac.dll
Adds support for encoding to FLAC with the CD Ripper and Transcoder



1. DirectSound Output (required)
Filename: out_ds.dll
Default Output plugin (recommended)

  1. Configuration & Troubleshooting


 Also provides support for:

  1. Multi-speaker output
  2. Gapless playback
  3. Crossfading


2. Old-school WAV/MME Writer
Filename: out_disk.dll
Old DiskWriter plugin for converting files from one format to another (default is PCM WAV, but supports all system ACM codecs). Deprecated, but some users still prefer to use it instead of the Encoder plugins. Can be useful for doing things the Transcoder can't, eg. MIDI to WAV.

3. WaveOut Output
Filename: out_wave.dll
Old WaveOut Output. No longer required or recommended, but kept in for old time's sake.


Filenames: Plugins\Gracenote dir: CDDBControlWinamp.dll | CDDBUIWinamp.dll | CddbMusicIDWinamp.dll | CddbWOManagerWinamp.dll | Cddb*.dll (misc libraries).
Adds support for looking up Artist/Album/Title/etc info for Audio CD's.

Filenames: primosdk.dll (post-5.22) | pxsdkpls.dll (pre-5.22) | burnlib.dll (Winamp dir) | px.dll | pxdrv.dll | pxmas.dll | pxwave.dll | pxwma.dll | pxcpya64.exe | pxcpyi64.exe | pxhpinst.exe | pxinsa64.exe | pxinsi64.exe | vxblock.dll (%system% dir) | pxhelp20.sys | cdralw2k.sys | cdr4_2k.sys (Win2k) | cdr4_xp.sys (WinXP) | pxhelper.vxd (Win98SE/ME, pre 5.5 only) | pxhelper.sys (WinNT4) (%system%\drivers dir).


 Adds support for Burning Audio CD's
(at 4x speed with Winamp Full, at unlimited speed with Winamp Pro).
Requires a reboot on first install for the Sonic Engine to be properly registered.
Not recommended to install under Win9x (pre-5.5 only).


 Note: You can still use the CD Ripper if you uncheck this feature and ASPI is installed (Win9x-only, pre 5.5 only) | Info | ASPI is not required under Win2k/XP, and if Sonic is not installed, Winamp will attempt to use the native SPTI engine instead (though if ASPI is erroneously present, eg. if it's been installed by some other app such as Nero or Adaptec, then ASPI will take precedence over SPTI).

Filename: dsp_sps.dll
Adds options to use various sound effects (eg. mono, chorus, reverb, pitch, etc).


Winamp Library

1. Winamp Media Library
Filenames: Plugins\gen_ml.dll | 'plugins\ml' subfolder (library database)

The Media Library window, for:

  1. Building your music/video file database
  2. Creating customizable views/smartlists
  3. Mass editing file tags (eg. id3v1/v2 tags, vorbis comments, etc)
  4. Viewing cover art for all your albums
  5. Creating & storing all your Playlists
  6. Storing/editing bookmarks
  7. Rating files (1 to 5 stars)
  8. Accessing the cd rip/burn gui
  9. Album info/cover lookups
  10. Streaming Media listings (SHOUTcast TV/Radio, winamp.com music/videos)
  11. Accessing the Podcast Directory and subscribing to & download podcasts
  12. Managing your Portable Media Players (iPod, Zen, etc)
  13. And much much more (see additional ml plugins listed below)



 Note that none of the core/extra ml_*.dll plugins listed below will load unless gen_ml.dll (the actual Media Library window) is present. If no ml_*.dll plugins are present then the Media Library will be completely empty (ie. there'll be no nodes/views at all in the left pane).

2. Core Media Library Components
Local Media, Playlists, CD Rip & Burn, Bookmarks, History, Now Playing.
Filenames: nde.dll (nullsoft database engine) | Plugins dir: ml_local.dll | ml_playlists.dll | ml_disc.dll | ml_bookmarks.dll | ml_history.dll | ml_nowplaying.dll

3. Transcoding Tool (aka: Format Converter)
Filename: ml_transcode.dll
Used for converting from one file format to another. Accessed via Playlist item's or Media Library entry's right-click menu > Send To > Format Converter.

4. Replay Gain Analysis Tool
Filenames: ml_rg.dll | ReplayGainAnalysis.dll (Plugins dir)
Used for volume levelling, to try make all audio files play at approximately the same volume | More Info.

5. Winamp Dashboard
Filename: ml_dash.dll (Plugins dir)
An optional homepage/portal for the Media Library.

6. iTunes Import Tool
Filename: ml_impex.dll (Plugins dir)
For exporting the local media library database to an iTunes compatible .xml file (useful for backing up the database so it can be reimported later). Can also be used to import existing iTunes library database & playlists .xml files directly into Winamp's Media Library.

7. Auto-Tagger
Filename: ml_autotag.dll
Used for auto-tagging your files and filling in any missing track info (accessed via the "Send To" menu when right-clicking selected songs). Powered by the online Gracenote/MusicID fingerprint database.

8. Podcast Directory (pka: Shoutcast Wire)
Filename: ml_wire.dll
Allows you to subscribe to and download podcasts from the Digital Podcast Directory.

9. Remote Media
Filename: ml_orb.dll
Provides the Media Library interface to access Winamp Remote.

10. Online Media (aka: Media Library > Online Services)
Filename: ml_online.dll
Replacement in 5.2+ for old Online Media section.
(SHOUTcast Radio/TV, Winamp/AOL music & videos, XM Radio, In2TV, Games)

11. Winamp Playlist Generator
Filename: ml_plg.dll
Scans your local media database and automatically generates acoustically dynamic playlists (can be configured to create lists of between 20 and 200 results). Accessed by right-clicking songs in the Playlist or Media Library and selecting "Play tracks similar to".

12. Portable Media Player Support (ml_pmp.dll)

  1. iPod support (pmp_ipod.dll)
  2. Creative Labs support (Zen Micro, Nomad Jukebox, etc) (pmp_njb.dll)
  3. MS Plays for Sure support (pmp_p4s.dll) (requires WinXP sp1 or higher)
  4. USB Device Support, for usb devices which mount as a drive (pmp_usb.dll)
  5. Microsoft ActiveSync Support, for Windows Mobile powered Pocket PCs and Smartphones (pmp_activesync.dll) (Requires latest MS ActiveSync to be installed).



 User Interface Extensions

1. Global Hotkey Support *
Filename: gen_hotkeys.dll
Adds support for using keyboard hotkeys to control Winamp's basic functions even when Winamp isn't the active app.
Configurable via: Prefs > Global Hotkeys

2. Extended Jump to File Support *
Filename: gen_jumpex.dll
Enhances Winamp's built-in Jump to File dialog (Playlist > J / F3).
Adds Winamp3-style support for queuing files to be played next, amongst many other awesome features...

3. Nullsoft Tray Control *
Filename: gen_tray.dll
Adds an option for showing Play/Stop/Next/Prev icons in systray.

4. Modern Skin Support
Filenames: gen_ff.dll | tataki.dll | 'plugins\freeform' dir
Adds support for Modern Skins (wal files)
Without it, you will only be able to use classic 2.x skins (wsz files).

5. Winamp Dropbox (alpha)
Filename: gen_dropbox.dll
Advanced Playlist Editor which provides a few extra features than the standard built-in Playlist Editor. Currently in alpha stage. Use Ctrl+Shift+D to activate.



Visualization

Self-explanatory vis plugins...

1. Nullsoft Tiny Screen *
Filename: vis_nsfs.dll

2. Advanced Visualization Studio
Filename: vis_avs.dll | 'plugins\avs' dir (presets)

3. Milkdrop 2
Filename: vis_milk2.dll | 'plugins\milkdrop2' dir (presets)

4. Line-in Support *
Filename: in_linein.dll
Adds support for linein:// input (via: Add/Open URL Dialog)
mainly for use with Winamp Visualization plugins.


Languages

Optional language packs (only appears in the multi-national installers).


   KEY

   * Included with Winamp Lite



Screen 5:  Choose Start Options

  1. Create Start menu entry: Places Winamp shortcuts in Start > Programs.
  2. Create Quick Launch icon: Places a Winamp shortcut in the Quick Launch toolbar.
  3. Create Desktop icon: Places a Winamp shortcut on the Desktop.

Uncheck what you don't want and click "Next"


Screen 6:  Get the Most out of Winamp

  1. Winamp Remote
  2. Winamp Toolbar
  3. Set Winamp Search as default search engine
  4. eMusic.com icon and offer for 50 free mp3's

Uncheck what you don't want and click "Install"


Screen 7:  Installing Winamp

Winamp installs....


Screen 8:  Installation Complete

It is recommended to keep the following option checkmarked:

  1. Launch Winamp after the installer closes



 Click "Finish"


Note: The following Winamp Setup 1-3 Screens only appear if you didn't uncheck the above "Launch Winamp after the installer closes" option.


Screen 9:  Winamp Setup 1:  Choose Skin

Select one of the two Bento skin options (standard or large).
Choose 'Current' to select whatever skin was active prior to installation (useful on upgrades).
Or select the Winamp Modern skin, or built-in Winamp Classic 2.x base skin, or any other 3rd-party skin (if installed).

Click "Next"


Screen 10:  Winamp Setup 2:  File Associations

  1. Audio Files: Select which Audio filetypes you want Winamp to be the default player for.
  2. Other Files: Lists any file extensions added by 3rd-party Input plugins.
  3. Playlist Files: Select which Playlist filetypes you want Winamp to be the default player for.
  4. Video Files: Select which Video filetypes you want Winamp to be the default player for.
  5. Winamp Specific Files: Makes sure Winamp-specific filetypes such as WLZ (Winamp Language Pack), WSZ (Winamp Classic Skin), WAL (Winamp Modern Skin) are associated with Winamp. We strongly recommended to keep all of these checkmarked.
  6. Launch Winamp for Audio CDs: Makes Winamp the default CD Player
  7. Show Winamp in Folder context menus in Windows Explorer: Adds 'Play/Enqueue in Winamp' etc to the menu when you right-click Folders in Windows Explorer.
  8. Enable Winamp Agent: Places Winamp Agent icon in systray.

Click "Next"


Screen 11:  Winamp Setup 3:  Choose Online Services

Select which web services will be displayed in the Online Services section of the Media Library.

On clean installs, all available services (SHOUTcast Radio, SHOUTcast TV, Winamp Music, AOL Radio, AOL Videos, etc) will be listed under the "Featured" section. On upgrades, only new services will be listed under "Featured" and the ones you're "Already Subscribed" to will be listed below.

Note that you can always subscribe/unsubscribe from services and edit your selection later via the Online Services section in the Media Library. Also note that this page will not appear if you unchecked Online Services (or the entire Media library) in the "Choose Components" section of the Installer Options (see "Screen 4" above).

Click "Next"


Screen 12:  Winamp Setup 4:  User Feedback

Email address, ZIP Code (or Country) & Gender are optional (not required).

Uncheck any other options, if you wish
('Send me info about Winamp', 'Allow anonymous usage statistics').

If "Cancel" is clicked, then setup just exits. No settings are saved, and Winamp does not open.



Otherwise, click "Finish" (recommended).


A small "Starting Winamp" dialog appears.

Winamp Opens

Congratulations!