If you really want the worst OS ever, install microsoft Millenium Edition. Which should of been named "Microsoft's Crap in a box". I love XP and have no reason to change.
And sadly, with media player, I was never able to fix the issue. Tried uninstalling the update, reinstalling the old version. Once its ingrained in the registry, its pretty much over unless you can get MS to help you fix it.
For the techie types, look up 3 dead trolls in a baggie (think their site is
Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie Internet Comedy HQ) and look up some of their songs like "Every OS sucks" and "Welcome to the internet helpdesk".