Best free mpeg2 decoder?

What is the best free mpeg2 decode/codec that allows mpeg2 files to be
played in windows media player?
I have some dell computer that comes with mpeg2 decoder and they work fine.

However, I have a home built-pc without mpeg2 decoder and is running XP. I
tried one or two free mpeg2 decoder and they crashed.

I prefer something small that just decodes mpeg2, not a decoder suite.

BUY either the decoder from gocyberlink the one from
then you can ensure you have a reliable codec that you
can get support for. They are not expensive and may possibly save you hours
of crashing/rebuilding/frustration.

Have you tried VLC?

Why does it have to be free?

Are you bankrupt?

Not really.

"Rude" is what you are when you EXPECT everything
you can download to be FREE.

Do you really expect any quality software to be written
if the person investing his/her time into it can't make any
$ after doing so?

Wrong. He made no mention of any expectations as far cost is concerned. He
was certainly not "rude," as you were in unnecessarily ridiculing him. He
simply was looking for a decent program, and yes there are many offered by
folks interested in being of service and not being capitalists to the nth
degree. You are the type of "contributor" that makes some forums so
unattractive.
You may want to consider finding a road a bit more enlightened.

[jackvaughn]

Not really.

"Rude" is what you are when you EXPECT everything
you can download to be FREE.

Do you really expect any quality software to be written
if the person investing his/her time into it can't make any
$ after doing so?

Odd, because you'd think that when you buy a copy of Windows, it will come with all the appropriate decoders with it.
But since some morons are quite happy to keep handing over excessive amounts of money, it's become to norm to have to shell out for add ons.

I use this rather nice open source operating system called Linux which is completely free, is supported by a huge community of developers and users, and, seems to play my DVDs without any problems at all.

Still, I guess that's just not really the capitalist way is it. Unless someone is making money out of it, you don't think it's any good.