After changing from Windows 8 to 8.1 videos won't play

sitesafe

Jim431 wrote: »

Media Player comes built-in to some Win8.1 OS downloads (32 or 64bit as required) and is listed as a "Window Feature" where you can unload it and re-load it.

This is useful if you want to restore it to default after problems (you could try this if all else fails). I think you already have it loaded judging from your first post but you can check using this tutorial.
8.1 is half way down. Look in the "Media Features" folder.

http://www.7tutorials.com/how-add-or-remove-unwanted-windows-features-programs-or-apps


If you haven't updated your video and audio drivers then that is probably where your problem lies.

SlimDrivers might be useful to identify what is required but I have had trouble with some of their driver updates so it might not work.
http://download.cnet.com/SlimDrivers-Free/3000-18513_4-75279940.html

If it doesn't work then you'll need to get info on your motherboard and any video/audio hardware plugged in to it and get the updates directly from the manufacturers websites.

Otherwise you could try "Fixing A Corrupted Windows Media Player Library" here:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/20754.how-to-fix-a-corrupted-windows-media-player-library-in-windows-8-1.aspx

Thanks...sadly no luck with the first bit. I have just done the 'unload and reload'. It hasn't made any difference. When I play a video it plays slowly to begin for a few seconds and then the picture goes all funny and freezes but I can still hear the sound which continues....some videos I can select and get that result but some I only have to put the cursor over the file and everything shuts down!


I will persevere with video and audio drivers but i'm sure that I covered those today...although not 100% sure what some of the options were for so didn't select them all...

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Ken68 wrote: »

Same problem here ,OP. Finished up using in house Toshiba.
Also have Nero on here, which is a paid for service.


http://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.en_GB.html

Hi, thanks, just looking at the site but I cannot see Windows 8.1 mentioned only Windows 8, so might I be wasting my time downloading from videolan?

RumRat

Hi......Sorry you couldn't find out the version number of your WMP..
Give up and don't bother with it. (Less stress is good).....Most people ditch it anyway for something like VLC player.....Go to the page linked....Don't worry about Windows 8 or 8.1.......Just click on the large orange rectangle 'Download VLC'......It will work on your Windows machine....

Jim431

OK - You HAVE Media Player - it SHOULD work.

I am fairly sure the old drivers are wrong for 8.1.
If you don't update them then ALL video players and other graphic apps may also have problems.

Download SlimDrivers to your download folder then run the file by clicking it. This will install it on your system.

Make sure you unclick "MyPCBackup" during the install process. You don't need it.

Run the program and let it scan your system. Let us know what appears in the list of drivers that are out of date.

Another check you can do for problem system files is here:
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833/en-gb

November2

DVD playback is not included as standard in media player for windows 8.1, you have to download an add on pack. Use VLC instead.

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November2 wrote: »

DVD playback is not included as standard in media player for windows 8.1, you have to download an add on pack. Use VLC instead.

Hi, thanks, when I say playing videos I should mention the ones I download from my IPhone, not DVD or films (I don't actually watch those online)....yes, VLC looks like the way to go....

[Deleted User]

sitesafe wrote: »

Thanks BB, Where is Windows update exactly on your screen?

It's not.

It's in Control Panel.

[Deleted User]

sitesafe wrote: »

Hi, thanks, just looking at the site but I cannot see Windows 8.1 mentioned only Windows 8, so might I be wasting my time downloading from videolan?

VLC Media Player works fine with Win 8.1