Codecs disappeared

[drag2f2f]

I have a problem where all of the codecs seem to have disappeared and will not show in programs such as VirtualDub and others. I have used sherlock 2.0 which shows that they are all there. I can reinstall codecs and they are shown. I also cannot play DVD's now, the drive just says that there is no disk present. Anyone got an idea, it won't be a virus because I don't use it for internet access, I use computers at uni for that.
Cheers, Anthony

[drag2f2f]

Should I just install a codec pack and hope for the best? If so which codec pack would be best? K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 1.5?

[drag2f2f]

Any opinion/ideas?

[whitejremiah]

NO CODEC PACKS.........im not exactly sure what is causing it, but codec packs only make things worse......

[drag2f2f]

OK, anyone got any ideas on the problem.

[redwudz]

Try using DXMan and see what it says. It sounds like you have a registry problem or a program that did some damage to the 'pointers' to your codecs.

The best advice for codec installation is to find which ones you need with a program like Gspot, then download only those. Codec packs have a known history of causing problems. There are many posts related to that on this site.

[drag2f2f]

I know that they cause problems but I had a lot of codecs preinstalled and don't know which ones are necessary and which aeren't. What about the DVD problem, what if I reinstall PowerDVD (if I can find the disk which is missing somewhere) will this reinstall the cyberling mpeg-2 decoder and sort this problem? The drive fails to recognise that there is a disk in the drive but worked fine before this codec problem.
Cheers, Anthony

[redwudz]

Yes, PowerDVD will install a MPEG-2 codec or you can just install Stinkys MPEG2 Codec and that will work.

Codec Sniper is a good tool also and it should be able to sort out your codec problem, whatever it is. It will show you non-functioning codecs and get rid of them. But read the warnings at the bottom of the program.

[celtic_druid]

Missing VfW codecs is generally caused by corrupt vidc entries in the registry so you might want to check that out.

[drag2f2f]

Try using DXMan and see what it says. It sounds like you have a registry problem or a program that did some damage to the 'pointers' to your codecs.

The best advice for codec installation is to find which ones you need with a program like Gspot, then download only those. Codec packs have a known history of causing problems. There are many posts related to that on this site.

I tried DXMan and it showed all the codecs as present.

Missing VfW codecs is generally caused by corrupt vidc entries in the registry so you might want to check that out.

Detailed instructions? please.

Yes, PowerDVD will install a MPEG-2 codec or you can just install Stinkys MPEG2 Codec and that will work.

Codec Sniper is a good tool also and it should be able to sort out your codec problem, whatever it is. It will show you non-functioning codecs and get rid of them. But read the warnings at the bottom of the program.

Haven't been able to find the instalation disc as of yet but will try Stinky codec tonight. I will consider sending my laptop in under warrenty anyway as I haven't done anything irregular to cause such a problem.

[drag2f2f]

I've had a thought about this and could the problem be fixed if I did a system restore as I have lots of restore points and probably have one from a few days before the problem. Does a system restore re-enter any deleted regestry entries.