I, (as some know), would advocate being able to play MIDIS amd 'most' other audio formats without depending on Microsoft products, which often have bloated interfaces and hidden agendas. I probably have 6-7 ways I 'could' play the same file.

I currently have it set up so that JetAudio is the default MIDI player, but easier to find and use...and MUCH more well known is WinAmp it will play an amazing amount of stuff, is free, and has as many add-ons as you can desire as you get more knowlege and need more......It is a good place to learn to download, install and use high-class freeware.

*if* you try it, you will need to do what is called 'associate' it with the file type...that is, tell both WinAmp and Windows that you want to use THIS when playing MIDIS...it may be possible to just tell WinAmp, and IT will take care of telling Windows....(purty durn clever program!)

Open WinAmp, hit 'ctrl P' for 'preferences' or click in the tiny box in the upper left corner and follow the 'options'->preferences menu...there are boxes to check to tell it what you want it to manage for you. Then you just mess with it as you learn to use all its bells & whistles...gets to be a lot of fun!