Clear Windows Media Player history?

Infopackets Reader Jerry D. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I hope you can help me! I [would like to know how to] delete the 'Play List' from my Windows Media Player. I think I have version 9. Do you know how can I delete it? "

My Response:

I wasn't sure how to go about doing this, so I did some research using Google and found 2 viable solutions. Both suggestions I found came from reputable sources.

Solution #1: Modify values the Windows Registry

• Close Windows Media Player (if it's running).
   
• Click Start -> Run, and type in: regedit.exe
   
• Open up the branch HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Player\RecentFileList
   
• Delete each File# key listed.
   
• When you open up Media Player again, the Recent Files section will be empty.

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Developer/Research_Center/Q_20551668.html

Solution #2: Windows Media Player Bonus Pack

Media Player's Most Recently Used [MRU] file history can be cleared using Microsoft's Windows Media Player Bonus Pack. Be sure to download the correct version for your player and version of Windows. Once installed, follow these steps to clear your Most Recently Used list:

For Windows 98/Me: Click Start -> Programs -> Windows Media Player Bonus Pack, and then Windows Media Player MRU Cleaner. It will ask you if you want to clear the list. Click Yes, and you're done.

For Windows XP: The MRU List is cleared through an add-on application called the MPXP Tray Control. Click Start -> Programs -> Windows Media Player Bonus Pack, and then WMP Bonus Pack Tray Control. The Tray Control icon will appear in your system tray in the lower right corner of your screen. Right-click the icon and it will give you the option to clear the MRU list. You'll also be able to turn it off so Media Player will stop keeping track of the files you play.

http://www.techtv.com/callforhelp/stepone/story/0,24330,3394505,00.html

Is there a freeware Media Player cleaning utility?

I would be interested to hear from Infopackets Readers who might know of a freeware Windows Media Player cleaning utility that can clear the list of Most Recently Used Files. If you know of such a program, email me!

Update 2003/07/09: This article has been updated. Click here to read!