How to tell what codec are already in Windows 7 ?

[pchan]

Hi Everyone,

I am quite new to Windows 7. Wasted almost an hour and I still couldn't figure where codec are already in my Windows 7 system ? Please let me know how to locate the codec in Windows 7.

Thanks in advance.

PS. I would like to install lame ACM codec. I wouldn't want to mess up my system without knowing what is already in the system and how get rid of it.

[redwudz]

Windows has a MP3 codec, but installing Lame won't affect it. Or if you really want to know what's onboard, try a program like CodecInstaller and it will list all your codecs. I wouldn't install the 'crawler' toolbar with it, uncheck that option when installing. CodecInstaller seems to 'uninstall' easily enough also.

[pchan]

hi redwudz,
Thanks.
I also found this utility from NirSoft.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/installed_codec.html

It does not require installation. Any good ?

[redwudz]

No experience with the program, but should work OK.

[jagabo]

Radlight filter manager, DirectShow filter manager, Filmerit.

[pchan]

Thanks redwudz & jagabo.

I wonder why Microsoft removes all these features in Wins 7.

I installed K-Lite but WMP complaint wrong VSFilter version. Uninstalled it.. the complain went away.

Why install K-Lite ? I was think of messing with video in my new Wins 7 system.

[jagabo]

If you are using the 64 bit version of Windows 7 be aware that 32 bit programs and codecs run in a completely different system than 64 bit programs and codecs. The two systems can't "see" each other. Ie, 32 bit programs need 32 bit codecs and filters. 64 bit programs need 64 bit codecs and filters.