Media players sucking my pc's soul!

[deepfried]

okay, i recently reinstalled windows and updated to all the newest software, including media player 11.

unfortunately, its using 70% processor power when idle and audio lags like hell.

VLC player/winamp dont have these problems.

now, I know that a pentium 4 ht isn't exactly a wrecking ball of raw power, but its hardly underpowered at the same time, considering i can play BF2142 and far cry at full settings without any problems.

so, what in the name of icky thump is going on?

any answers would help, as atm my pc is dying a slow, painful death at the hands of bill gate's amorphous music playing blob of a creation

[SuB]

have you added media to it's 'library' at all? it could be adding it in the background

the answer in my opinion here is since winamp doesn't have a problem and neither does vlc.. ditch wmp? since you've got more than adequate alternatives?