After I download a program, how do I

[truedelphi]

Get that program to be included in the drop down list so I can actually use that program? It isn't enough for the program to be on the machine, apparently i have to include it in the list.

Thanks in advance.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

1. Most programs need to be installed.

Generally, the file that's been downloaded is installable. The installation is usually accomplished by running the file after downloading.

[truedelphi]

4. Yep, i downloaded the program, but I

Forgot to install. however, there is still a problem. I installed it, but apparently the file I want to have use this program is a very old version of the program. And now I cannot get the file to run on the newer version. Is that typical?

[RILib]

6. old version

If I understand things correctly, you have found a program, downloaded it and installed it, but when you try to have it work with one of your files, there is a problem.

What exactly is the symptom of the problem? Does the installed program say the file you want to use with it is incompatible or something? What is the error message? What program is this?

Detail is necessary to help, for me anyway.

There are places on the web that keep old versions of some programs.

[truedelphi]

7. The file I want to play is a ram extension file,

Which is, if I am guessing correctly, real player.

But the current day real player program I just downloaded and installed gives me the "incompatible" with this program message.

And I really would love to play the file. It's music a friend of mine, now deceased, wrote.

[RILib]

9. players

Here's a link to old versions of realplayer, you might try them.

http://www.oldapps.com/real.php

There are also other players for ram files, if google is to be believed.

It's also possible the problem is that the file is corrupted, I hope that's not the case.

Do you perhaps have sheet music for it?

[ChromeFoundry]

2. Did you download a program installer?

Did you install the application?
Which drop down list are you talking about? The Start menu? Desktop icon?
Are you running Windows (what version), Mac OS, Linux?

[Mnpaul]

3. You have to find the file you downloaded

and then click(or double click) on it to start the installation program. It might ask where you want to install it(you can use the default location given). Also watch for extra addons like toolbars if the program was free. Read everything presented to you as you install the program.

[truedelphi]

5. Yeah, you really have to pay attention as to what you are agreeing to.

It's getting to the point where a lot of programs come with those "agreements" that get you to forward your paycheck, and give them your first born child! but worst of all, is having some program become your home page, or Chroming up your google!

[Babel_17]

8. The VLC Player is pretty good

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows/play-real-media-audio-using-vlc/

One thing, like a lot of players, when you install it it asks to become your default player and enable Explorer context options. You can say no/uncheck everything and The VLC Player will still work fine.

If you want you don't even have to install it. You can download the zip file for it and you can extract it to a folder. It will have everything it needs in that folder. You can then run the player from that folder and from the player navigate to the file you want to play.

Edit: That guide shows how to stream real media audio. In your case, you have the file on your hard drive, use "Open file" instead of "Streaming".

[RoccoR5955]

10. Pretty good?!?!

VLC is the BEST!
If VLC doesn't play something, I don't want to play it!