Turn off the 'tracking' beacon in Windows Media Player!

How to disable the Windows Media Player 'data collector'

This question was answered on July 19, 2002. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Your Windows Media Player may be spying on you!

Why? Because the default settings of the Windows Media Player allows Internet sites to uniquely identify your system by assigning a unique number to your system and its connection This allows them to track you selections much like a cookie This 'watching' of your choices is bothersome to some users, so here is how you can turn it off:

1 Open the Windows Media Player (Usually located in Programs/Accessories/Entertainment or by clicking on Start/Run and typing in 'wmplayer' and clicking the OK button.)

2 Click the 'Tools' menu and then on 'Options'

3 Remove the checkmark from the 'Allow Internet sites to uniquely identify your Player' checkbox

4 Click 'Apply' and then click 'OK'

5 Close the Media Player and re-open for this new setting to take effect.

About the author

Posted by Ken Colburn of Data Doctors on July 19, 2002

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