How To Rebuild The Windows Media Player 12 Library

Method 1:

Step 1 – Disable The Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

First of all make sure that Windows Media player is closed. To start, by Click the Windows Start Menu Orb and Type services.msc in the search box. Then Press Enter to open theServices window.

From the Services window find the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service.To disable it,Right-Click it and Select Stop. A small dialog box may temporarily appear while the process is being stopped.

Step 2 – Delete The Library Database File

Keep the Services window open, we’ll need it again later on to re-enable this service after we first delete a few files.

Open up Explorer and Browse your way to:

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Media Player.

From here delete all of the files named CurrentDatabase_***.wmdb andLocalMLS_*.wmdb. (Warning – there are several LocalMLS_*.wmdb files, make sure to delete them all!) (Note – The “*” stands for a random number, the numbers differ on each machine, so we can’t really tell exactly what the file is called. There are only a few files, though, you should find them easily).

Step 3 – Re-enable The Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

You can now close the Explorer window and get back to the Services window. From theServices window, find the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service again, but this time when Right-Clicking select Start. Yet again a small dialog box will temporarily appear while the process is being enabled.

Step 4 – Refresh Your Library

Now all you have to do is open up WMP 12 and watch your library rebuild itself. Depending on the amount of songs you have and how fast your computer is this process can take from 30 seconds to 15 minutes. For my tiny 429 track library it took less than 2 minutes, which is quick keeping in mind that ALL my tracks (yes, all of them) are tagged with album art and all other information.

Method 2: 

To resolve this problem, clear the Windows Media Player database. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Exit Windows Media Player.
2. For Windows XP:
   
   Click Start, click Run, type %userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Media Player, and then click OK.
   
   For Windows Vista:
   
   Click Start, All Programs->Accessories->Run, type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player, and then click OK.
3. Select all the files in the folder, and then click Delete on the File menu.
   
   Note You do not have to delete the folders that are in this folder.
4. Restart Windows Media Player.
   
   Note Windows Media Player automatically rebuilds the database.

If this does not resolve the problem, clear the Windows Media Player database cache files. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Exit Windows Media Player.
2. If you are running Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type %userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft, and then click OK.
   
   If you are running Windows Vista, click Start, All Programs->Accessories->Run, type%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft, and then click OK.
3. Select the Media Player folder, and then click Delete on the File menu.
4. Restart Windows Media Player.
   
   Note Windows Media Player automatically rebuilds the database. 

References: 
http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/windows-7/how-to-rebuild-your-windows-media-player-12-library/  

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925718

How to Use Google Search More Effectively [INFOGRAPHIC]

Among certain circles (my family, some of my coworkers, etc.) I’m known for my Googling skills. I can find anything, anywhere, in no time flat. My Google-fu is a helpful skill, but not one that’s shrouded in too much mystery — I’ve just mastered some very helpful search tricks and shortcuts and learned to quickly identify the best info in a list of results.

Sadly, though web searches have become and integral part of the academic research landscape, the art of the Google search is an increasingly lost one. A recent studyat Illinois Wesleyan University found that fewer than 25% of students could perform a “reasonably well-executed search.” Wrote researchers, “The majority of students — of all levels — exhibited significant difficulties that ranged across nearly every aspect of the search process.”

That search process also included determining when to rely on Google and when to utilize scholarly databases, but on a fundamental level, it appears that many people just don’t understand how to best find the information they seek using Google.

Thanks to the folks at HackCollege, a number of my “secrets” are out. The infographic below offers a helpful primer for how to best structure searches using advanced operators to more quickly and accurately drill down to the information you want. This is by no means an exhaustive list of search operators and advanced techniques, but it’s a good start that will help set you on the path to becoming a Google master.

References: http://mashable.com/2011/11/24/google-search-infographic/ 

10 Google Search Tricks You Might Not Know

1. Boolean Search Parameters

To really master the art of Google search, you can follow certain terms and tricks. For instance, rather than simply asking Google a question in the search box, include specific items such as type of file or title name.

2. Public Data

Google has an entire directory of public data, which you can also access to look up trends. Type keywords such as "population" or "unemployment," followed by a state or county.

3. Easter Eggs

Google's developers have a sense of humor -- just type in "do a barrel roll" or "let it snow" to see for yourself. There are a number of other hidden easter eggs as well.

4. Tracking a Package

If you have the tracking number for a FedEx, UPS or USPS package, type it into the search box and Google will provide you with quick updates on your package's status.

Image courtesy of Flickr, miskan 

5. Calculator

Need a quick answer to a math problem? Enter the calculation into the search box.

Image courtesy of learningdslrvideo.com 

6. Unit Conversions

Wondering how many milliliters are in one cup? Google has a built-in converter for different units of measurement, like height, weight and volume.

You can also do the same for currency conversions.

Image courtesy of Eduardo Mueses 

7. Sports Tracking

If you're on the go, but need a quick check on your favorite sports team, enter the team or league name into the search box.

Image courtesy of Flickr, macwagen 

8. Medication

Find brief summaries and descriptions for most generic and brand name prescription drugs in the U.S. by typing their names into the search box. 

9. Flight Schedule

Whether you need to check the status on a U.S. flight or book a trip, there are a couple terms that can help you plan accordingly.

Enter the name of the airline and the flight number to check its status. To see schedules to or from specific locations, type in "flights from" or "flights to" along with the city or airport.

Image courtesy of Flickr, caribb 

10. Sunrise and Sunset

Wondering when to catch a sunrise or sunset? If you type "sunrise" or "sunset" followed by the name of the city, Google's built-in feature counts down to the next occurrence.

Image courtesy of Flickr, Vince Alongi 

Google is used by millions of people every single day to resolve any query you could possibly imagine. That being said, it seems there’s a hidden trick or two that even the most skilled in “Google Fu” might not know exists.

Certain tools are built in to Google’s search mechanics to provide quick, reliable answers. For example, if you need to convert a measurement unit, you’ll receive a quick answer at the top of Google search.

To improve your search experience, utilize this list of features to help refine what you’re looking for. 

References: http://mashable.com/2012/03/05/10-google-search-tricks-you-might-not-know/