Your daily fix of iTunes Plugins, Tips and Scripts for Windows XP and Vista
mmKeys.dll – Use a multimedia keyboard with iTunes
Tags: Keyboard
Added On: 4th Jan 08
Links: [site] [download]
EDIT: As a keen reader has pointed out, this software no longer works, due to changes made in the latest release of iTunes. Instead, use HKTunes, found on google code.
Makes your multimedia keyboard buttons work with iTunes when the program isn’t currently in focus, or is minimised.
It is common to find that, when it’s not maximised, iTunes will not recognise your media or gaming keyboard shortcuts as commands to play, pause, skip song, etc. This simple plugin fixes the problem in most cases. It saves you having to bring iTunes up on screen each time you want to use the keys.
To use this plugin, simply copy the mmKeys.dll file into your plugins folder.
- For XP Users, this is found in “C:\Program Files\iTunes\Plug-ins”
- For Vista Users, it’s “C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-ins” and you may have to show hidden files (or use the search) in order to see the AppData folder. One commenter also reported that it works when put in “C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-ins”.
- For Windows 7 Users: follow Vista instructions above.
- For linux+wine Users: This reportedly doesn’t work. Most likely a Wine bug though… what are you using iTunes for anyway?!
- In each case, you have to create this folder if it doesn’t already exist.
You also need to restart iTunes to load the dll. Some commenters have also reported a short delay after the button-press. I’m not sure why this could be..
Other Notes:
+ You still need to install the correct drivers for most keyboards in order to use the MultiMedia keys in the first place. This dll does NOT replace those drivers.
+ There’s also a reported glitch where the windows maximises, on both Windows 7 and Vista… anyone care to confirm this, or list what other apps they have running at the time? Also reportedly doesn’t work again until iTunes is restarted.. OR only pops up with PLAY and PAUSE, but not NEXT_TRACK… Please give more info in your comments!
+ This may be achievable using a registry hack. See this comment.
+ Some users have issues while playing full-screen games, where the keys no longer work. Please elaborate on this problem in the comments too.
+ If it’s not working, try killing “ituneshelper.exe” from within Task Manager. (press Ctrl+Alt+Delete)
+ If when you press a multimedia key, Windows Media Player (WMP) pops up, you need to make sure that iTunes is your default media player [how?].
+ Apparently the issue was fixed in an early version of iTunes 7, but with the later releases the problem has re-surfaced.
+ This plugin is great if you want your multi-media keyboard to be able to control iTunes when it’s behind another window or hidden in the system tray.
+ Apparently, this works in all flavours of Windows XP, Vista and 7, and both 32- and 64-bit varieties!
* Updated to reflect comments * – Please keep the comments rolling in!
Thank you so much! I actually was looking for this since november!
I put mmKeys in the iTunes Plug-ins for Vista and it still doesn’t work while minimized. Any help?
and yes I did restart iTunes and my computer
hi, thanks for that nice plugin
worked awesome!
Did it. Not working. Done on windows vista, HP keyboard, running iTunes 8.0.2.20. Help.
Cake, thanks for the fix
Works Great!!! Thank you so much!!! I’m running Vista and it worked fine even w/o a restart. for those not seeing the AppData folder…just run a search for that folder.
Amazing! Thanks!
This works for me while iTunes is the top application open, but once I minimize it or iTunes is in the background it stops working. Running iTunes 8.02.20 with Vista Home Premium. HP KB-0630 keyboard.
Same problem as Dmitry. Any have a solution?
Did as the instructions told to and works awsome! Thanks a lot, was frustrated that it didn’t work out of the box and that vista didn’t have someway to set it up. Oh well. Problem fixed. Thanks again.
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thx a lot..
does work with vaio fz series & itunes 8.0.2.20
:)
Brilliant, works for me (vista 64bit) no probs at all. Cheers.
Legend. You are a champ.
i have vista 64bit. how do i create C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-in
Great!!! I have vista ultimate and works perfectly thank U
IT WORKS! Dynex DX-WKBD and Itunes 8.0.2.20. This is an unbelievably elegant solution to a notoriously thorny problem. I am in love with the creator!
I LOVE YOU!!! MUCH EASIER THAN INSTALLING STUPID APPS!!!
Thanks! I’am french and I’ve all understood of your comment. That works great!
Awesome, been trying to figure out how to do this.
Thank you so much! This issue has been annoying me so much! The solution was so simple!
Awesome!
Hi
Is there any way to stop media player from popping open as well? its really rashing me!!
Toshiba a300-14b
Thanks
hi
i have windows vista home premium 64bit and i did the exact instructions but this didnt work.
I have a hp keyboard maybe its that?
Works perfectly :)
thanks a lot ^-^
Works fine for the most part, but I really just needed this ability for when I play maximized/full-screen games and the keys do not work while gaming. As I type this message, the keys do work with iTunes being on in the background.
Hi, I’m having trouble. I have a Lenovo IdeaPad Y430. This file worked great for me but whenever I press the play/pause button, it opens Windows Media Player. I’ve been searching for a while and cannot find out how to disable this action. Please let me know if it is because of Windows Media Player, the laptop, or this file and if there is a solution. If anyone has the answer, please let me know.
Thank you.
THANK YOU SO MUCH….I WAS SEARCHING SO LONG FOR THIS…
Thanx, works well!
Thanks a ton, I’ve been looking for this ever since I bought my hp laptop a year ago :)
It works, and my version is 8.0, but there seems to be a problem with the mute button! doesnt work at all now…
Works brilliantly!
For those that it’s not working for, check you didn’t do as I did and put it in the wrong location.
use:
C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-ins
and NOT:
C:\Users\your_username\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-ins
Thanks again!
This is a great easy fix, thanks a lot.
Dell XPS m1330, Vista Home Premium
Worked perfect.. just follow the directions.. if you get stuck read the comments.. i was getting frustrated cuz i use my media keys all the time and hate windows media player.. thanks for the solution
works fine for vista ultimate x64
sweet man. to think i was actually going to start using windows media player :\ BLAH!
cheers, works great on vista ultimate 64 bit with Logitech G15 keyboard
might i also add, i am using itunes 8, and still, works fine
Thanks a TON man!! Worked fine!!
Vista Home w/ iTunes 8.1.0.52
PS for vista users.. remember.. its not in Program Files/iTunes.. its username/AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer/iTunes-Plugins
hi im on vista and did exactly what you sed and it did not work. any help. i have an advent wireless ade wd1
sorry working now had to restart :P lol
Works great!!! Windows XP Home, iTunes 8.1.0.52, just needed to restart iTunes.
this works! thanks!
THANKYOU!!
Thanks, this worked perfectly!
I’m running Vista 32-bit on a Dell Inspiron E1705, and this works beautifully. mmKeys.dll is a truly elegant and welcome alternative to the much-publicized and memory-hogging iTunesKeys. Many, many thanks to the developer!
And the installation really is as simple as it sounds. Close iTunes, download the mmKeys.dll file, move it into your C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plugins folder, re-open iTunes, and presto!
Oh my god,
THIS is GREAT!
thanks a lot, u saved me from hating windows-wmp integration even more :-p
iTunes rules!
WOW…. thank u alot… really… i bought an ipod… an just for that SMALL function, i was about to quit itunes for good…. thank u alot!…. u made itunes a bit better now…>.> now to look for the other solutions hahahaha… but truely thanks!…
Excelente, esto sí que funciona al menos con mi HP Pavilion dv1000. Muchas gracias.