Keyboard Media Controls for Windows with AutoHotKey

This is my entry for the Art of Sound contest.

This instructable will detail how to create a set of keyboard shortcuts for Windows XP/Vista that allow you to pause, play, stop and skip tracks in your media player without having to navigate to the media player first. This is useful when using a keyboard that doesn't have media buttons.

Often when I want to pause my music, it's to talk to one of my housemates or to answer the phone. I want to do it quickly without fumbling for my music player icon in the task bar/icon tray. This instructable will show you how to do just that and make it autostart when you turn your computer on.

I'm sorry the pictures aren't very exciting.

Step 1 Getting started

You will need AutoHotKey, a free program that allows you to create powerful macros for Windows and compile them into an executable file that can be run on any PC even if it doesn't have AutoHotKey installed.

Required:
AutoHotKey - can be downloaded from here
A text editor - I use Crimson Editor but any will do

Once you have installed AutoHotKey, right click anywhere on your desktop and select 'New' then 'AutoHotKey Script' (picture 1). Name the .ahk file something informative so you won't forget what it is.

Comments

[firesketch]

Thanks a lot, found a list here (http://www.autohotkey.com/docs/misc/Winamp.htm) for Winamp controls. :)