Windows Vista Windows Media Player 11 behaving in a Funny way

Hi
I have a windows vista home Basic installed in my compaq laptop.It was factory fitted with windows vista.
I understand it has windows media player 11 installed.Recently it has started behaving in a funny way.Whenever I try to play a mp3 file downloaded from the net, it starts to play in a funny manner.
It starts normally but after a few seconds, the song starts to drag and just won't play.Also the player fails to play DVDs of movies.
I am peplexed and any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance

 

It sounds like possible malware activity to me. If you are using one sort of antimalware, run others, there are online malware scanners.

 

Well thanks. But I aint using any antimalware !!!
Further suggestions ?

 

You are not willing to act on suggestions or use an antimalware? Got me confused.

 

Ok matt !! I ll give it a try. Which would you recommend by the way ?
Please let me know .
Thanks

 

There are some free antiviruses, Avast is widely recommended, I use AVG (note, only install one). For a second scan/opinion, there are on-line scanners at TrendMicro and Symantec.

I wondered about uninstalling and reinstalling WMP, but it cannot be uninstalled. The only way to "renew" it appears to be by reinstalling Vista (a "repair" of Vista might do it) or use System Restore.

Look in Control Panel -> Programs and Features and see if you have any WMP plug-ins installed, try uninstalling them.

Matt

 

Thanks Matt !!!
Well I already use AVAST as my antivirus. It did not throw up anything in the scan. I will try the other advise as to the add-ins. Will come back to you.

 

Matt, NET. framework is suggested in some Google problems and also Codecs updates required in Vista. Another suggestion was to lower the Audio playback quality to a lower standard from 192000hz to 48000hz.
Start > Control Panel > Sound > select the output you are using (speakers) > Properties > Advanced > drop down box to select lower quality. May be worth investigation? Neil.

 

Hey I found Out the problem!!!
guess the player had its CODECS corrupted. I downloaded a codec pack and installed it. Everythings fine now !!!
Thanks for the suggestions !!!

 

Coool. CODECs and WMP is a little grey.

I can only find that WMP downloads CODECs automatically. A "pack" might add those that are not already installed, but why aren't they there already, corrupt maybe?

Good suggestion and research.

Matt

 

Glad to be of help. Neil.