How can I make Windows Media Player ignore global hotkeys in Windows 7?

Solution 1:

OK, I finally figured this one out - since I have a Logitech G15 keyboard, Windows 7 installed Windows SideShow and attached to it.

So the SideShow feature was keeping Windows Media Player alive for me. By going to Control Panel -> Hardware -> Windows SideShow, you can disable or enable what happens with SideShow.

Solution 2:

Not the easiest solution but you could use AutoHotkey to catch the media keys, and then pass the commands on to the program of your choice.

A link to get your started http://www.techjunkeez.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=887

Solution 3:

If you are only going to use your keyboard keys to control Winamp, you could remap your keys to Winamp's global shortcuts. That would not trigger WMP, and only allow Winamp to catch them. Use a program such as http://www.randyrants.com/2008/12/sharpkeys_30.html instead of Autohotkey to ease the process