I am getting around to a few little tasks that I have missed out on through the week, launched Windows Media Player so I could listen to some tunes while doing so, and then I am reminded of that little flaw that has been bugging me. For some reason, WMP adds any file a play in there to the library. Usually I just delete the invalid ones and move on – but today I thought I would look for a fix.

Funny enough, I actually found the answer to this problem on Microsoft’s web site:

When you move digital media files on your computer, the file name and file path information remain unchanged in your library. Then when you select a file to play from its new location, a new entry is created in your library if the option to automatically add it to your library when it is played is selected. As a result of this, your library may quickly contain a large number of duplicate or invalid entries.

To prevent music files from being added automatically to your library

1. In Windows Media Player, on the Tools menu, click Options.

2. On the Player tab, clear the Add music files to library when played check box.

Now, when you play any music files on your computer or from the Internet, the file will not be added automatically to your library.

Now on with troubleshooting the rest of my day.