How do I stop programs such as WinAmp overriding my preferences for file type associations?

Question

Everytime I use programs such as WinAmp or RealPlayer they override the preferences or defaults I have set for my file associations.
I know how to reset them, but it doesn't stop it happening again the next time I use one of those programs.
I prefer to use WindowsMediaPlayer for movie & video files but WinAmp for music files. It seems each program wants to be the default for all file types and doesn't like sharing! In the past I have overcome the problem by uninstalling RealPlayer and Quicktime but this stops me from opening some files on sites such as the BBC.
How can I stop this happening, simply? I only have Windows98SE and have never tinkered with the registry before.

Answer 1

After launching WinAmp, click on "Options" in the menu bar and select Preferences in the pulldown menu. Click on "File Types" in the list on the left. On the right side of the dialog box uncheck the checkbox labeled "Restore file associations at WinAmp startup." You may also want to unselect the file types shown on the left that you don't want associated with WinAmp.

Answer 2

During install, it may ask you to associate file types with the winamp player.

If you want to change them back, reinstall the program you want the file associated with, or go to the settings of that program and search for the file associations.