codec installation problems

[mooksmilez]

Hi, i'm running a windows 2000 computer with windows media player v6.4 and divx codec 4.11 installed.

i recently tried to play an avi file. when i double clicked on it, i got a microsoft popup window asking if i wanted to install the windows mpeg4 codec....

when i install the codec...there's an error and i cant play the avi file...i dont always have this problem though..usually the avi files just play....

do i need to upgrade to windows media player 7? any help would be appreciated~! thanks..

[Enchanter]

It's not a bad idea to install WMP7, as the installation will add a few more codecs that may help you to playback certain files. You can still continue to use WMP6.4, as it remains unaltered. Just make sure you do not let WMP7 take over any file playback.

Additionally, you may want to open the video file in Virtualdub and open File Information. There you will find details on the video, which you may in turn post here for us to look at.

[mooksmilez]

I'm kind of hesitant to install wmp7 only because it looks so bulky compared to v6.4. My friend told me there's a way to get wmp7 to look like v6.4 by skinning it in the classic mode or something. Is this true??

thanks for all the input~!!

[Enchanter]

there's a way to get wmp7 to look like v6.4 by skinning it in the classic mode or something

Sure do. But WMP6.4 is still better IMHO, because it loads faster, not as resource-hungry and you can easily access the filters in use.

Both WMP versions will be stored under the same folder, namely x:\program files\windows media player\, where x is your windows partition.