Dumb Windows Media Player

[impmon2]

I have the MPEG2 installed and I can view MPEG2 based file just fine (SVCD, XSVCD, or any other tyype). here's the problem I have:

When I start the video, WMP tries to contact the Codec server and download, and then reports an error downloading codec. yet the MPEG2 file plays just fine. I've already disabled the download codec automatically and this POS still tries to download MPEG2 codec. How do I tell WMP the STFU and start playing right away?

*pulling hairs here*

I know I should dump WMP for something else but PowerDVD doesn't always display MPG or MPG2 files correctly when playing off of the HD, only off the CD-ROM or DVD.

Someone tell me what to do about SMP before I go bald.

I use 1.4GHz P4, 1024MB RAM, 3 HDs with combined space of 120GB, internal DVD-ROM, and external USB 16x10x24 CD burner. Have ATI Radeon SE 32MB, PCI version, a NIC card, an USB 2.0 card, and cheap Soundblaster Pro clone.

[offline]

You don't mention what mpeg-2 codec you installed and under what
OS or even what version of media player 6.x,7.x,8.x or b9 you have
the irits with??

It sounds like the codec you installed was not a registered directshow
compatable codec.

Go to the link below and select download media player codecs. Make
sure you select the correct option to suit your version of
media player.


http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp

hope this helps

[Meggie]

I went to that page and all I see are all the versions of 9 Beta wMP there. I am also having a problem playing avis in WMP Beta version.

Honestly, this is the worst that MS has put out yet. It has messed up a lot of programs that need codes to work for me. I am using Home version of XP with a 1.7 processor and 256 RAM so I don't think that is the problem.

[offline]

I went to that page and all I see are all the versions of 9 Beta wMP there.

It has all the major release versions. d/load 7.x for XP

I am also having a problem playing avis in WMP Beta versio

Yeah well it's a beta and avi's come in 000's of flavours.
...why not just formatamus maximus i.e. format & reload XP as new.

[Meggie]

Once you install the Beta WMP it is near impossible to uninstall. Format??? That isn't an option. Why would I want to format just to use WMP? I am using two other programs that are much better with no errors.

MS really did a number on us this time.

[offline]

MS really did a number on us this time.

not us.. "you"
I would never download a beta of anything let alone from microsoft.
That is asking for it. I bet you have 000's of codec's loaded as well and
perhaps half a dozen players? ...hoist on your own petard I'd say.

[Prospero424]

Try using WMP 6.4, it should still be on your drive somewhere. Look for the mplayer2.exe.

If it does the same thing, depending on which OS you have, you might be able to remove media player through the add/remove programs dialogue, but most likely not. If all else fails, just try reinstalling the latest version and see what happens.

If nothing works and you don't want to reinstall Windows, here is a list of free players I like: Twins video player, zoom player (excellent), Winamp 3 (kinda buggy, but works), real player free.

Let me know how it goes, good luck

Prospero