Windows 7 - How do I change the default Windows Media Player codec?

Hello,

I use Windows Media Player 12 as my default player under Windows 7.

However, whilst cleaning up my audio library I have found an awful lot of MP3 files that stutter and crackle/pop whilst being played, almost like they're skipping.

If I open the folder location for these files and choose to play them with VLC, they play perfectly.

I am using the latest audio drivers (R2.40) for my onboard Realtek soundcard.
As well as the near-latest version of the Shark007 codec pack.

I have tried changing the default codec for MP3 under the Settings Application, both x86 and x64 versions, and using Run as administrator, to no avail.

So, how do I get Windows Media Player to use a different codec for MP3 playback, ideally the one that VLC uses as default, which is 'libavcodec' I think?

All other audio playback is perfectly fine, i.e. the internet, DVD, WMC, Windows etc.
It is JUST certain MP3 files.

I use Shark007 codec pack for media player, you also need the 64 bit addon if you decide to try that.Shark007.net - Windows 7 Codecs - WMP12 Codecs