How to use Windows Party Mode in Windows Media Player
Posted on November 28, 2008 at 5:45 am
I am a big fan of the Windows Media Player since it’s early days. Microsoft Windows Party Mode for Windows Media Player turns your computer into a full-screen player with a “jukebox” functionality, while preventing guests from accessing your files and other personal programs or folders.
The basic Media Player functionality is there like choosing tracks, volume adjustment, play, forward, rewind, stop and pause. If you turn the privacy option on, your guests will not be able to access your personal files. Quitting Party Mode will also bring you back to the Windows login screen so unless they know your login name and password, your personal stuff is not accessible to them.
If you turn-on the Party mode with privacy options you will get a full screen interface like the one below:
During this mode the Windows task bar and explorer is not accessible. You will not be able to access your documents or any other programs during this mode.
To start using the Windows Party Mode, go to Start menu of Windows, click Windows Digital Media Enhancements then choose Windows Party Mode:
This will open the Windows Party Mode settings window. Enable the privacy mode by checking the Privacy Option which will block access to desktop and other programs:
The Now Playing options will let you set the cross fading, visualization, track information and default music content settings. Check “guests can access my library” if you want them to be able to choose the songs to add in your play list:
The Marquee options will let you turn on/off the marquee during the Party Mode. With Marquee turned on, your guests will be able to see and/or add comments that will display on the moving marquee:
The Skin option will let you choose the skin you prefer. A preview is displayed so you can instantly see what it will look like on full screen mode:
Click the Start Party button to enter the Party Mode:
Here is the map of the Party Mode screen using the Nature skin:
The Marquee controls will let you edit the text being displayed on the scrolling Marquee. The Media Player controls work like the standard play, stop and directional buttons. Some of the themes have built in capability to change the background or visualization. In the Nature skin for example, clicking the top-left button will change the scenery of the entire screen’s skin:
Exiting the Party Mode will prompt with a confirmation window:
If you enabled the Privacy options on the first step, it will exit the Party mode and bring you to your Windows login screen. This way quests will not be able to access your PC’s data after quitting Party Mode. A great way to prevent nosy guests from seeing your personal files and folders.
I hope you have as much fun as I did with Windows Party Mode for Media Player. Give it a try to liven up media listening with your guests!
Ben Carigtan shows you how it’s done.
» Filed Under Computer Tips
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Is this available on Windows XP Professional, or only in Media Center XP?
Have not been very good at computers, but I’m having problems downloading this software. I have my daughters birthday party coming up next weekend its so much easier than using cds and the children can pick there own songs at one touch of a button..Can anyone help me how i can download this software. I am running on version 10 of windows media player, if thats any help !
Thank you
Julie H
How do I get download windows party mode for xp?
If you want to get party mode your gonna have to buy these:
if your running windows xp home or professional edition buy the microsoft windows xp plus pack and the microsoft plus digital media edition for windows xp to get the most out of your operating system. the digita media version contains the party mode so its not free unless theres a torrent version but i dont do torrents.
unless if you have money and can afford the windows xp media center edition 2005 operating system then buy this as it includes some of the features including dancers and party mode. but you will have to back up all the files stored on your computer with a cd or usb storage device, plus the knowledge for reinstalling windows on a computer and formatting the hard drive which i really do not recommend unless you know what your doing. to get these products the only way i see is amazon or either ebay as microsoft discontinued these from the stores. but i’d rather buy the plus packs as its cheaper and easy to install than buying the media center version. media center is ok but you cant even remove it even if you dont use it. unless you prefer watching tv on a pc and can afford the tv tuners. good luck finding these products