Cleaning up codecs in WinXP :?:

[amirh1]

Hi, I have been installing codecs and codec packs for 3 years now on my laptop running WinXP. Now things are in a bit of a mess, so I have a few questions:
1. Why is it that when I click (not double/click or open) on a video file in Windows Explorer, my computer seems to be doing a lot of work?
2. Using a tool like GSpot to view all my codecs, it appears many have files missing. However I cannot unregister them (at least using GSpot or RadLight) because the file is missing. What can I do?
3. I've uninstalled all codecs and codec packs I could think of - still GSpot shows about 300 codecs. Is there a tool to simply uninstall everything that doesn't come with Windows, so that I can "start from scratch"?

Thanks in advance for any info!

[guns1inger]

Codec Sniper - it shows you what you have, what's broken, and removes things you don't want with some cool sound effects to go with it.

However if you haven't formatted your laptop in three years, and have been installing and uninstalling stuff in that time, chances are it has become bogged down with all the detritus that simply doesn't go when you click the Remove button. It may be time to bite the bullet and start afresh.

[bendixG15]

Thanks to......Answers.com

The noun detritus has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up
Synonyms: debris, dust, junk, rubble


Meaning #2: loose material (stone fragments and silt etc) that is worn away from rocks

[amirh1]

Thanks guns1inger - that utility too failed to unload some of the codecs, but I guess it is inevitable to start from scratch sometime in the near future...

Do you know what is happening when the selection is placed on a video file in Windows Explorer - before even double clicking, why are the cpu and harddrive showing greater-than-usual activity?

[SCDVD]

Codec Sniper - it shows you what you have, what's broken, and removes things you don't want with some cool sound effects to go with it.

However if you haven't formatted your laptop in three years, and have been installing and uninstalling stuff in that time, chances are it has become bogged down with all the detritus that simply doesn't go when you click the Remove button. It may be time to bite the bullet and start afresh.

I just downloaded Codec Sniper but when I run it, all I get is a German error message and then it opens with no codec's showing. I guess I can do without this little dingle berry. I use Windows XP, any ideas?

[Scorpion King]

Is there a tool to simply uninstall everything that doesn't come with Windows, so that I can "start from scratch"?

Thanks in advance for any info!

format.com

Only install the codec you actually need when you need them. No extra.

Good luck.

[impmon2]

Reformat is probably the best solution. You probably have lots of outdated apps you never use anymore.

Backup important files, format the drive, reinstall XP and apps. Then restore the important files.

I'm surprised Win XP was still mostly stable after 3 years. My best is one year