DVD Player Software

[atct86]

I went to go play a DVD today. I opened windows media player like usual, and i got a message saying "dvd decoder is not installed".


What do I do to fix this?

[Orbitz]

There is a known problem with media player "forgetting" about installed codecs...it usually happens after something new is installed. Since I don't use media play all that often (I use PowerDVD, WinDVD, Nero or Zoom Player for DVD's) I can't give you a shortcut to fix that short of 1) downloading one of the zillion free codecs available (search for Zoom Player and read the forums for directions to the codecs)...this is a less user friendly way of fixing the problem 2) download a trial version of either PowerDVD or WinDVD, install the trial and this usually will register a new codec that survives the trial being uninstalled (usually...not 100% of the time for some odd reason). The codecs that install with either PowerDVD or WinDVD are generally considered better then the free codecs out there with the exception of just a few that require advanced knowledge to get working correctly. I have had decent luck with the using the "trial version" strategy to fix codec problems with MP10.

NOTE: If you fix the problem by using a trial version of WinDVD or PowerDVD make SURE you uninstall the software before the trial clock ends (30 days for both I think) as this will, on occasion, cause additional problems with media player having codec issues. I have never had this occur bu unitstalling the trials first. BTtw...if you happen to be using a newer Nvidia card, nothing out there beats the new Nvida codecs..course they cost about $25 to buy

[Inky]

i got a message saying "dvd decoder is not installed".

atct86,
You may find my suggestions in this discussion thread helpful:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=10782

Scroll down to my second post in the thread.

-Inky

[MadeInJapan]

If you have a T40 and you haven't deleted certain folders on it then you should already have software that will play DVD's. Do you not have WinDVD already installed? If so and that program is also short on the codec to play DVD's, then go into the IBMTOOLS folder and do some snooping around. The Intervideo WinDVD insall software should be in there. Just re-install the software from that location and it should install over your current version (of if you don't have it on your thinkpad, it will install as new install). The installation will give you the codec you need and allow WMP to use it as well to play DVD's. Good luck.

[rocky01]

Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en

[MadeInJapan]

The original problem could be just an issu of file associtions. Before downloading anything or installing anything, make sure that WMP, in Options or Configuration, or preference (forgot exactly which one), your file associations indicate (check marks) that it is set to play MP2 files. If nothing there to indicate this or all are checked, then I would proceed.

[cytexone]

download the standard edition of k-lite codec pack from here:

http://www.free-codecs.com/K_Lite_Codec ... wnload.htm

when installing, off the check list of options, scroll down, select "cyberdvd codec" in addition to keeping everything else that is checked on.

I also recommend media player classic as a nice alternative to WMP.

HTH,
Andy
CYTEXONE

[sugo]

I also recommend media player classic as a nice alternative to WMP.

I second that recommendation. Compared with the latest versions of windvd and powerdvd, windows media classic is much more stable. Interface is simple and it's free.

[cytexone]

Also, it comes by default with the k-lite codec pack, so you don't have to fish around the internet for it. If you just want a copy of it, i'll save you the legwork -

http://sourceforge.net/projects/guliverkli/ - search on the page for "media player classic"

Plus, it's GPL'd open-source, so it's free and solid.

Andy
CYTEXONE