.PLS files downloading as .XPL files?!

[Politik]

A few days ago, for no apparent reason, clicking on Shoutcast "Tune In" links in IE stopped working. Real Audio popped up and started playing! The problem appears to be that instead of getting .pls files, IE is somehow auto-converting them to .xpl files!

OK, I thought, !*#( Real Audio, I'll just uninstall it. Nope, problem continues. OK, maybe it didn't uninstall properly... I'll go see if the .XPL file type is still registered in Windows. Yep, it is.. delete it, try again. No dice. Alright, maybe there is a way to fix this by deleting random registry keys? Tried that, I think I have expunged all references to the .xpl file type and Real Networks/Audio from my registry. Is it fixed? No. Ok, I'll install the newest Real Audio player, and then uninstall it. NOPE, didnt work.

The .pls files work, if I click on "Tune In", then click Save As, and then change the file extension from .xpl to .pls, and run them with winamp. The only way I can think of for this auto-conversion from .pls to .xpl to be happening is that Real Audio has screwed my PC.

I have uninstalled all IE plugins to be sure they're not responsible..

Any ideas?

[DJ AmPs]

do a search. old topic. i'd find it for you but you need practice =)

there is a thread with detailed information on fixing this realplayer dirty bomb in your registry. i believe dj egg figured it out.