1. Control Panel --> Add/Remove Programs - Get rid of all that crap. (-_-)
(Outdated players, codecs, filters, splitters, everything. :p)
2.
Codeode - we kill spam for pleasure
Download Privacy Mantra and Registry Distiller, and use 'em. Will help a lot.
Edit: Also recommended would be
CCleaner, which does the work of both of these programs in one small package, and is very simple and effective to use.
(Thanks for the suggestion BB! :D)
3. Download and install the following progs, and you can play everything. :D
a.
CCCP - Superior Codec Pack, kicks everything else's ass.
b.
Inmatrix.com - Zoomplayer, best player out there.
c.
Real Alternative Lite - Allows you to play RealMedia files in any player.
P.S. For even more functionality, Privacy Mantra and Registry Distiller should be used on occasion alongside CCleaner, as although CCleaner does the job of both and finds things that the others miss, so do Privacy Mantra and Registry Distiller find issues that CCleaner misses. Just letting you know, I've tested it out and that seems to be the case, especially if you use a variety of programs, but they're all definitely useful to the average user as well. :D
P.P.S. When installing K-Lite, CCCP or any other Codec Pack, remove the player (MPC, Zoomplayer) from the installation.