Fix corrupt DVD codec in Media Center/Player?

[Cameron]

Windows Media Center and Media Player have suddenly stopped playing DVDs
properly on this new Dell Vista computer. No error message, only a screen of
little boxes of many colors and partial sound.
DVDs still play fine on any 3rd party DVD player, so I think the Codec may
be corrupted.
Can anyone tell me how to find/intall a fresh codec for Media Center or
Media Player.

Thanks for any help.
Cameron

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Welcome to Dell Support!
http://support.dell.com/

[Engel]

Hello Cameron,

Did a google search for “how to find/install a fresh codec” message and came
up with these potentials.

<http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=how+to+find/install+a+fresh+codec&spell=1>


I hope this post is helpful.

Let us know how it works ºut.

[C.B.]

If indeed a missing and/or corrupted codec is the problem you should
install only the codec you need. Stay away from Codec "Packs" as they will
install many unnecessary components on your system, which in turn have the
capability of causing conflicts or crashes.

C.B.

[jayC]

Where can I find the codec I need for Windows media player? Most movie
files I attempt to play with WMP result in an "unable to open" message.

[C.B.]

JayC,

I don't use WMP. I use GOMPlayer, which will play most video files. If
it will not play a particular video file it will tell you which codec you
need and will provide a link to it (in most cases).
In any event, stay away from Codec Packs, which for the most part are
codecs and players developed by other people and thrown together in a
"Pack".

[Cameron]

Thanks for your replies, but can anyone tell me the name of the actual codec
responsible for DVD playback in WMP or Media Center?
Is it possible to re-install that one Microsfoft codec from the installation
CD or from Microsoft.com?