I need detailed info on XP's shell media handler

[FireWire]

Hi guys. I'm using nLite to build a custom XP installation based on my original XP Pro CD (I'm slipstreaming SP3 on it and removing unneeded components), and the one possible removal component I'm wondering about is the 'shell media handler'.

Now, I work with music files a lot, including some of the most popular formats: mp3, mp4, wav, ogg, flac, wma, etc.

If I were to remove the shell media handler - would I lose the ability to view all media file information in each of the files' Properties dialogs and all related Explorer info? Also, will it affect the info columns that Windows can show inside Explorer using the "Detailed" view setting for files? I attached a screenshot of what I'm talking about here and highlighted the parts in question with red squares.

I tried searching the internet but I could barely find any info on what shell media handler actually 'handles', which components and services are associated with it, and what will happen if it's removed.

Edited June 2, 2009 by FireWire

[FireWire]

*bump*

[FireWire]

OK, does anyone know where I could ask a Microsoft certified professional about this? Do they have a Q&A service for customers?

Edited May 30, 2009 by FireWire

[Donkey88]

From what I remember taking out the Shell Media Handler essentially removes explorer's ability to read these files tag information. Instead, you'll only have the normal file information such as modified, created etc. Other applications can still do it, but Explorer won't, so essentially don't do it.

Microsoft won't help you with nLite I'm afraid.