Resolved Questions about playing a DVD (decoder? player? upgrade?)

Hello,
Windows XP (Home) SP2
Intel CPU 6400 @ 2.13 GHz,
2.00 GB RAM;
HD - SATA 500 GB ample free space
DVD CD-ROM drive: TSST corp DVD+RW TS-H653A
I want to play a DVD and
1. I only have windows media player (Version:? 8.00.00.4487) on this PC.

2. Error message: "Windows Media Player cannot play the DVD because a compatible DVD decoder is not installed on your computer." This goes to a Microsoft page prompting me to purchase a DVD decoder.

I do not want to purcha$e anything from Microsoft.

Questions:
1. Who makes realPlayer? I want to download it (assuming it is free)

From its manufacturer's Web site or a SAFE / reliable Web site.
2. Would upgrading my windows media player (?8.x?) to 11 be a possible solution?
3. Is upgrading to windows media player 11.x free?

Thanks!

 

Hello and thank you for the reply
I have not downloaded anything yet because I had erroneously written SP2 while this system has SP3.
Aside from the media player, everything else is up to date.

I will follow Steps 2 and 3 and post back.

Thanks again!
Tanya

 

Hi,
Before downloading "K-Lite Codec Pack Standard" I'm having "issues" with Windows Media player" freezing, "program not responding" etc.
I want to try realPlayer first. Do you think it would play various DVD’s, or are there any known problems with it?

Thanks again!
Tanya

 

IMHO realplayer is a piece of trash. It slows down the system horribly & on top of that its adware and has privacy issues.

You should try K-Lite Codec Mega Pack. It contains codecs, media player & real player alternative. Highly recommended.

 

Hi,
Thank you both for the replies: One issue so far:

I have installed WMP 11 and downloaded codec but have not installed it (codec) yet because...
I have Avast! AV and always scan downloads. This time, "Some files could not be scanned" - "Show Results" shows about 60 files all relating to "K-Lite_Codec_Pack_640_Standard.exe ".- and having the same error message "error: archive is password protected (5-digit number) "

Do you think it is okay? - I cannot find anything in Avast!'s info....
Thanks

 

Alternate download location.

If you AV software says it can't scan the files, I won't touch them. Something fishy going on.

 

Hi,
Thanks for the link. The same thing happens from that link too:
The file is zipped I think.
I’ll keep you both posted
Thanks!
Tanya

 

That start to ring alarm bell in my head.

Better check your computer for malware.

Please read this & post in Malware & Virus Removal forum.

 

Hi and thank you for the warning!
I have been in contact with Avast! and this is normal since the files are archived (zipped). It just cannot scan the files. (It is not a malware warning).

I have and do check my computers a lot and they are clean. I run scans and update all the time.


According to Avast!

Avast! will activate:
1. When accessing the Web site (might)
2. When downloading the file - Will
3. When running the file - Will

And I was told by Avast! that this program has a very good reputation.
So I feel okay with this situation.

I would like to keep this thread open. But I sincerely thank you for the heads up!


I have another problem:
There are all sorts of options while installing the K-Lite_Codec_Pack_640_Standard.exe ".

Whether to check all extensions for audio, video, media player classic, windows media player, thumbnails. Etc.
Can someone please advise on what to do?

Thanks very much again!
Tanya

 

Which version of Avast are you using ? Free or paid ?

I am using Avast 5 free version & never had such a problem.

 

If you asking me, I have version 5.0.545.

 

Finally! and the DVD plays perfectly!
(It did not take me until now...BTW)

I want to Thank everyone for the help, expertise, and information! I truly appreciate it!

Sincerely
Tanya