Windows XP Open File Hangs on Video Files

[aufeuer]

Hi. I've been working with some Divx encoders lately and I noticed suddenly that I can no longer open video files in any media player (WMP, Winamp, Real...) or any video app (Dr. Divx) via the File\Open dialog. Once I select a file and click on Open, the app hangs. Strangely though, this problem does not occur when I double click on the file from Windows Explorer. Does anyone have a clue on this? Thanks!</PRE>

[blutach]

Moved to general computing where you might get some traction on this problem.

Regards

[rmclean]

Hello aufeuer, did you ever resolve this, I am seeing the same symptoms.

Thanks!

[Chewy]

directx, vid drivers conflicts with players/encoders?
or
something has hosed the file associations

tools/folder options/file types/open with?

[futurex]

when you select a video file in windoze certain decoders jump the gun and try to read data before you click on it. like nvidia purevideo

[wistful]

I got to this thread via a Google search on "file open dialog program hangs".
In my case, I get the problem from just about *every* program where the file I'm trying to open may be related to pictures (e.g., JPEGs). Just as bad with video, which I tried for the first time only yesterday. The codec pre-empting idea was interesting ... but is there anything that I could do to test this? I have a Pentium D which reports 2.8 GHz/3.08 GHz. There's no escape from a program shutdown, even after selecting Cancel. On *one* occasion, think I managed to get back by starting a USB drive and waiting some more. This was on the assumption it was searching for an unfindable network drive. However, that may also have been a coincidence.

[btcg]

I got to this thread via a Google search on "file open dialog program hangs".
In my case, I get the problem from just about *every* program where the file I'm trying to open may be related to pictures (e.g., JPEGs). Just as bad with video, which I tried for the first time only yesterday. The codec pre-empting idea was interesting ... but is there anything that I could do to test this? I have a Pentium D which reports 2.8 GHz/3.08 GHz. There's no escape from a program shutdown, even after selecting Cancel. On *one* occasion, think I managed to get back by starting a USB drive and waiting some more. This was on the assumption it was searching for an unfindable network drive. However, that may also have been a coincidence.

Right click on the file...chose "open with"....select the program you wish to open that type file and check the checkbox that says "always use the selected program to open this type of file"

This will tell Windows what program to use.

If you're not using XP, you may need to hold down the SHIFT key before right clicking to get the "open with" dialogue box.

Also, some programs can be set up to allow only the user who installs them "permissions" to use them. Check preferences for permissions settings of the programs that are not working.