Will I lose my music and video files if I install Windows Media Player 11?

Windows Media Player 11 Setup only updates the features in the current version of the Player. It should not make any changes to the content in your library or to the digital media files on your computer.

Keep in mind, however, that some unexpected problems can occur. We recommend that you safeguard your files by copying any user ratings and customized media information to the files and then backing up your data.

To back up your files

1. In Windows Media Player 10, on the Tools menu, click Options.

2. On the Library tab, select the Maintain my star ratings as global ratings in the media files check box.
When this check box is selected, the user ratings for your songs are saved in your media files rather than in your library database file. This process occurs in the background, so it may take some time before your ratings are saved to all of your media files.
The next step in this procedure ensures that your ratings (and any changes that you have made to other media information) are saved to your files immediately.

3. On the Tools menu, click Process media information now.

4. Run the Backup Utility in Windows XP. (To do this, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup.)