Playing WMV files?

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rjwolfe3

rjwolfe3

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Ok this is for those that are computer "geeks" or anyone else that has had this problem.:D You can pm me the answer if this forum is not the place for it. (I know it's not penturning but I can't view some penturning videos because of this problem.) A year or two ago my computer decided to stop playing wmv files.:( (Windows XP) No matter what program or internet browser I try it crashes.[xx(] I have tried every suggestion that has been given with the exception of completely reformatting the hard drive and starting over. I was hoping for some fresh ideas from new people. Anyone else have this problem? BTW it plays all other video types well just not Windows type. Thanks for all the help.:D
 
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Rob, what media player are you using? If you have installed Quicktime, Real Player or some other player, it can (and usually does unless you're paying attention) change your preference settings. This is usually only a problem if the media program is later removed.
 
I currently have several installed but use mainly Windows Media Player. That is the program that trys to run when I click on a wmv file. At least attempts to run, it immediately crashed. I did try Realplayer with the same results. And over the last year or two I downloaded other players and none of them would play either. I updated all my drivers and even put in a better graphics card (at someones suggestion) I have also tried to play a wmv direct on someone's website and it crashes there as well.
 
Also try DIVX which can be downloaded for free.

Usual cause is an new file format that is not yet supported by an older (not updated) player version. Can't recall the term but you have to update the list that the player supports.

I haven't encountered anything yet that I cannot play between DivX player, Real player, Quicktime player and Windows Media player.
 
Have you upgraded, or reinstalled Media Player? It actually sounds like a section of your registry may be hosed. And the only way I know to fix that is a complete Windows reinstall (reformatting required).:(
 
You need to change the file type association for .wmv.
Use the "Folder Options" control panel (in XP: "Start Menu", "Control
Panel", "Folder Options" -- if you have "classic menus": "Start",
"Settings", "Control Panel", "Folder Options").

From "Folder Options", pick the "File Types" tab. This will bring up a list of "registered file types". Scroll down until you find the extension you want to modify (e.g, .WMV). If the extension is not their, click "Add" and follow the instructions. If it is there and the Program associated is incorrect, click "Change". Scroll down to the media player of your chosing (like Windows Media Player) in the list. Click "OK".

By the way, this sort of problem often pops up for the really common file extensions (.mp3, .jpg, .gif, .html), because many different programs can open and edit them. Well-behaved programs ask first before changing the file extension mappings, but not all programs are well-behaved.
 
Thank you all for the replies.

Lou,
Just tried what you suggested. wmv is now set for Windows Media Player. Tried to play a wmv from library and it crashed.

Dario,
Tried DIVX and same thing. It seems to be the same no matter what program I'm using.

Alamocdc,
I'm leaning towards what you said, which sucks. I have an HP which uses a partition to redo your computer rather then original discs and I had problems with that on my wife's HP when I restored it. The biggest reason that I haven't tried the reformat thing is that I have so much saved on this computer as well as a ton of programs that it would take me forever to back it up and then reload all the programs.

Thanks again, I was just hoping for a "easy" button but it looks reformat might be the answer. However I am still open to try anything before this route. Any other suggestions would be welcome.
 
Have you tried upgrading to Window Media Player 11?

Is there a specific error that you get when the programs are crashing?

Any other details that you may be leaving out?
 
Lou,
Checking that site out right now, thank you.

Whayne,
Windows Media Player 11 is what I'm using right now.
The error code as far as I can tell is this:
"Exception Information
Code: 0xc0000005 Flags: 0x00000000
Record: 0x00000000000 Address: 0xffffffffff89e99140"

Hope this helps, thanks.
 
Lou,
Couldn't find anything specific on that website using that code or searching in general. Microsoft won't provide email support without paying $59.00 because they say its supported by HP (which they won't help without paying either since its been so long, lol) I did go ahead and reload WMP11 to make sure they wasn't anything wrong with the copy I have. Still crashes though. It doesn't make since because I can play all other video types with any of my programs just not wmv. I can convert the format to mpeg but I would hate to have to do that with every wmv I want to watch. Just been fighting this battle for over a year now and getting tired of it. Thanks.
 
If you play the file from you desktop, instead of streaming, does it do the same thing? I've had problems with the library files too, but if I save them to my computer they play fine.
 
Yep tried to save as well. Then I tried to play with other types of players and still no luck. Heading off to work, will check this again tonight if someone needs more info. Thanks again.
 
Ok. I did a little reasearch and have a couple of things for you to try.

1. "I had a file called "mmswitch.ax" installed which is a 3rd party switcher... Morgan Stream Switcher to be exact was what was causing my crashes. It was located under Program Files / Morgan. I just uninstaleld and I was back to normal."

2. "i just uninstaled xvid and other codec packs now wmp plays .wmv fine"

First try #1. If that doesn't work try #2.
 
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