Applying DirectShow to a program?

[terrypin]

Sometimes when I open a program (even some that don't seem directly related to video applications) I get a window about DirectShow popping up. It asks me if I want to use DS once, never, always, etc. But after a time, while I'm pondering the implications (very obscure to me!), it closes anyway, with whatever default was set - probably 'Don't use'.

How do I activate DirectShow myself please, so that I can check its status for all my applications? For all I know, I may have inadvertently set it to Never, for an application that should use it. All very confusing, so any insights would be appreciated please.

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Terry, East Grinstead, UK

[terrypin]

I think I may have discovered the answer: use the two programs I do have installed called ffDShow > Audio decoder configuration and Video decoder configuration. Although they look rather daunting...

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Terry, East Grinstead, UK