Fatal DIV3 AVI Replay WMP for XP, Vaio

[mbf001]

I am a little more than a newbie, but not much. I've searched the forum - can't find a ref to this problem, so here goes.

I run Windows Media Player for XP. O/S is Win XP (Home) without SP1. Hardware is a Sony Vaio PCG-FX502

In trying to play a Divx AVI (internet download), WMP seems to go OK for a while (5mins) with video and sound, but then aborts, causing a spontaneous reboot of my system, and drawing forth a rich variety of of curses from me.

I've checked the file out with GSPOT - 4CC is DIV3, Name: DivX 3 Low-Motion. GSpot says I don't have the right codec installed for the video.

I have installed the NIMO Codec pack. (This didn't change the Gspot verdict)

I suppose its DIVX 3.11 Alpha I need but when I do start to install this I am warned that it has not passed Windows Logo Testing for XP (i.e. when I execute the 'Run Me First' application), and I am not sure of whether it is advisable to continue the 3.11 install. Is it safe?

I am starting to wonder whether I might have some kind of hardware incompatibility - after all, if it was strictly a SW problem, it shouldn't be fatal should it? (He says naively).

Getting a bit stuck really. Any ideas?

[setarip]

"I am not sure of whether it is advisable to continue the 3.11 install. Is it safe?"

Yes...

[mbf001]

Sure enough. Alpha 3.11 did the trick. Thanks

[setarip]

My pleasure ;>}