I have removed iTunes from my computer....
Because it is a nightmare.

If you attempt to buy a tune ...it will want to know about the insides of a Ducks Arse.

If you update it some of the tunes you have bothered to download to it...will not play.

I can rip from C.D. In Media player.

But Media player 10 plays up more than Media Player 9 did.

If I play a MIDI it falters and will not play at all.

Throw the Towel in ....not me ....I will survive.  

I don't like itunes either, I used to have it on my old computer for a year or two, but I ended up uninstalling it because it was like you said, a nightmare. I did eventually figure it all out but I didn't like the fact it wouldn't accept any video format in its library but mov, m4v, and mp4. I prefer high definition wmv in 1024x720p. Its also a big program and uses too much resources for its purpose. I prefer windows media player 11.

If you are using windows media player 10 there is an upgrade you can get at the windows update site for media player 11.

Windows media player 11 is the latest edition for windows XP.

Yes extracting from C.D. Sometimes Was W.M.V. Which it would not play, so I had to try and change the tune with another prog. (Like Wave Pad Sound Convertor) or Switch Sound Convertor.

I would end up with all 20 tunes downloaded when I only wanted one. Even then the last few tunes would not play properly or not at all.

I downloaded iTunes so I could put the tunes on my iPod
Which I clipped onto my jersey and played while I was at the sink. But even my iPod played up with gaps.

Your right it was a big Program about 185 Megs I think.

Not worth the hassle.

I am not sure now what Media Player I have.
Somehow I will have to find out.

I think you can click on one of those tabs at the top in your windows media player and click "check for updates" and you can download 11 right there. It might be the tab "help" or "about", but its one of those tabs.

Edit:

If you download and install this codec your windows media player with play anything you throw at it. Its free:

http://codecguide.com/download_k-lite_codec_pack_basic.htm