Netscape 7.1 Display WMV Files as Text

I conducted a search, but didn't see any answers posted that addressed this issue quite specifically enough to really be of help.

My brother posted up a .wmv of his family recently, but when I try to play it with Windows Media Viewer directly from my Netscape 7.1 browser, instead of invoking the Windows Media Player as a Helper Application/Plugin, the browser just display text on the browser page. I think I have my Helper Application setup correctly (video/x-ms-wmv) to launch Windows Media Player, but that's not happening.

I'm running WMP 11.0 and although I can't launch this .wmv from my brother's location, this is not a problem specific to his server, since this happens for any .wmv that attempts to launch. Absent viable fix solutions from the board members, is an alternative just to associate another viewer/player to these types of files, going in through the Helper Applications under Preferences?

Suggestions?

 

I saw an identical post at ufaq.org. I stayed out of it for two reasons.
1.NS7.1 is very old, and I don't have it, and probably not many people have it. However, I have 7.2. From what you are saying, you seem to want to play the .wmv file directly from 7.1, and not attempt to download it.
In doubt, I would try to download (open) the attachment (file), and open it outside NS, using right click/open with.
Obviously, something is lost "in the translation" by trying to open directly from NS7.1. Does it work from IE? That would eliminate server problems.
2.A description is not enough, especially working with an obsolete program. Why not give at least one link, which does not work?
Do you have the WMP plugins .dll files in the Program files|Netscape|Plugins folder. npdsplay.dll is one of them. If you can't find the file(s), reinstall WMP.

 

Welcome to the Forum, CDobyns!

CDobyns,

Would you mind giving us the link for the WMV file, so that we could take a look at the code for the page? It would be most helpful in helping you with this problem.

Also, the PluginDoc site has some information on WMPlayer 11's plugin:
http://plugindoc.mozdev.org/windows.html#WMP

It could be that you haven't copied the mentioned file to your Netscape plugins folder. There are other suggestion on the site, that you might try.

As a rule, when a WMV file shows as text, it is the Server which is incorrectly configured.

Are you using WMPlayer 11 for Windows XP?

 

I'll give the Plugin Doc website a look and see if I'm missing anything.

On the score of providing the link to the .wmv file, I'll just reiterate that I'd bet my life that there isn't anything relative to my brother's server that is the source of this problem. I think that is evidenced by this open source link, http://www.econ.cam.ac.uk/marshlib/vacationborrowing/vac04_0002.wmv, which I was just trying to access, and yes - my browser displayed it as text on the screen. I suppose this server could also be faulty, but since my life is riding on the outcome now, I hope it's not faulty . . . And for Westside, the npdsplay.dll file is right where it should be.

In the mean time, I'll check the Plugin page for possible answers.

 

CDobyns,

I tried the site you listed with Netscape 7.2, WMPlayer 11 for XP, and had no problem accessing the WMV file.

Check your Netscape 7.1 plugins folder for these files, in addition to the npdsplay.dll file which Westside mentioned:

npdrmv2.dll
npdrmv2.zip
npds.zip
npdsplay.dll
npmozax.dll
npwmsdrm.dll

See these MozillaZine KB Articles:
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Windows_Media_Player
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Issues_related_to_plugins

 

Whew, I'm glad you didn't have any problem with accessing the video, especialy since my "life" was riding on the outcome.

Okay enough of that frivolity. I took a look at the file listing you suggested, and all of those files are listed in the directory. I even tried another re-install of WMP 11.0, without any apparent change (text still displays).

Would I benefit from upgrading to Netscape 7.2? I noted you referenced that. I'm not sure that I know what inherent benefits I would realize from that version. I've tried the newer Netscape 8.1, and wasn't enamoured by it, so I've stuck with Netscape 7.1. I'll take a look at the other links you suggest also.

 

Personally, I don't think you would benefit by updating to Netscape 7.2, as it is almost as obsolete as Netscape 7.1. I do believe you would benefit immensely by upgrading to SeaMonkey 1.1.4. This browser is identical to Netscape 7.x in appearance, and settings. It is incredibly more secure, and was updated this month. I mention SeaMonkey, as it is a suite, i.e., browser, mail client, and composer, which is exactly like Netscape. I keep 7.2 for the sole purpose of being able to help users with the many bugs in this obsolete program.

My preference is the Firefox browser, and Thunderbird mail client, two separate applications, but both excellent and secure.

If you wish to try SeaMonkey before migrating your Netscape 7.1 Profile, then you must first create a new profile before installing the application: Start | Program Files | Netscape 7.1 | Profile Manager. Give the Profile a unique name, i.e., don't use "default ". Sharing the Netscape Profile with SeaMonkey will corrupt the Profile, and it would be useless to both programs. You might also lose valuable Mail, preferences, etc.

If you decide on Firefox and Thunderbird, your profile will be automatically migrated, and it isn't necessary to create a profile before installation. These Profiles are not kept in the "Mozilla" subfolder of Applications Data.

 

I downloaded the file 20 plus MB file with Firefox2.0.0.6 and Netscape7.2, having selected to open with the default player. Actually, it did not open with the default player, which is VLC, but rather with WMP11. I, generally, download files, and open them outside the browser, but, I downloaded the entire thing, and let it do its thing. And, it worked equally well in both browsers.
I don't have anything relating to .wmv files in my Helper Apps.
I have no idea what could cause to open the file as Text. Of course, the introduction is text on blue background, from Cambridge U.

 

Some more oddball feedback on this inexplicable and persistent problem.

Over the weekend, for laughs and giggles I attempted to try to view another .wmv file - and by accident I happened to right-click and invoke the Open Link in New Tab option for the hyperlink I wanted to launch. To my surprise, Netscape launched Windows Media Player, and after some brief "buffering" activity, correctly played the .wmv file content.

I'm not sure what to make of that, and yes, it does seem to be working consistently using this option. However, if you select Open Link in New Window, you still get text display on the browser panel. I can't explain it, nor am I inclined to try. I just thought I would kickback some additional feedback on this issue that may benefit others in the future.

 

Since I am using Tabs everywhere, I would have missed what you found out.
I may have to change my setting to see if I can reproduce your findings.