Problem with Windows Media Player

opportunity_cost

thespacecowboy wrote:

I think a re-install is a bit overkill. I would use one of the other proggies above, or media player classic (free, stable, unofficial cut down version of WMP)

http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_players/media_player_classic.cfm

I have managed to fix some of the strangest problems (Windows Explorer and computer freezing up on right-click, disappearing CD drives, etc) by doing a Windows reinstall after a lot of head scratching and finding no answers to the problems either on Goggle or the newsgroups. The OP issues point towards a bit more than just a WMP problem. I wouldn't rule out a corrupted Windows. That's why I suggest a reinstall. It's easy to do and doesn't need lenghty backups (just an install over existing install). It certainly won't harm the PC and it could help a lot with the OP problems.

Media Player Classic/BSplayer + the K-Lite Codec Pack is a great combination and it gets my vote too (streaming content handled by WMP would be off limits though), but even if that managed to play the video files, I very much doubt the OP problems would go away.

thespacecowboy

Don't disagree with you at all. It just depends on the technical ability of the user. No offence to the original poster, but it's really easy to press the wrong key in installing windows repair, and install a fresh copy instead, then into panic mode!!! (from personal experience!) ;-)

sw_jay

opportunity_cost wrote:

Given that you're experiencing problems with games too, it could be down to a corrupted operating system (missing files, conflicts, etc) and/or video card issues.

I'd reinstall Windows. Just install over the current Windows install (no need for uninstalling first).

QUOTE
I like the idea of reinstalling WIndows but from memory, my PC was pre-loaded with XP and therefore I don't have a disc to do so. Is there any way I can reinstall XP without a disc?

thespacecowboy

Hmm if you've not got an install disc it's not simple

You can use someone else's XP disc and your licence code. I 'believe' this is legal and fully above board i.e. you own the licence for it, so everything is still legit.
Some companies have the XP installed on a seperate (sometimes hidden) partition. May be worth checking your documentation or retailer to check.