Windows Media Player

[macca22au]

Special Problem outside FSX.

On my Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit OS, Windows Media Player crashes on opening.

It runs a diagnostic test, and fails to give a diagnosis!

I tried to run a repair from the original OS disk, but it won't accept the validation keycode that came on the case.  Oh joy.

So I downloaded Media 11 from the MS site, but each time it ends up in a web page with a hundred folders and files.  The obvious one, marked Vista does nothing when I attempted to merge it.

Has anyone repared Windows media by download, and if so, I would be grateful to learn what to do?

Phoning Microsoft about activation from Australia is not much of an option.

[jime59]

Try removing the program and when you restart your pc it will ask you if you want to update to Media Player 11. Then it should direct you to the proper d'l site.

If you have a problem removing it using the control panel's program removal, you will have to use SpyBot File Shredder, which is a freeware program.

[macca22au]

Thanks for the advice, but it seems MS sets out to make things difficult.  It won't let me do anything to the WMP folder or any of its contents.  I am told I don't have the necessary permissions.

I have long ago turned of User Administrative Control, but there must be a deeper layer of control again.

I can't even pick up an archived Acronis version of that file and over-write, not permitted I am told.

I am reluctant to wind back to my last Acronis save because of all the work involved in restoring FS add-ons, but I just might have to!

[ozzy72]

Try Media Player Classic, it is much lighter and works a LOT better

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Med ... lassic.htm

[Fozzer]

I have always preferred the ancient, simple, no frills ( which I don't need), version of Windows Media Player...

...trubble is.. ....

....many News, etc, programs insist on the latest hip version being installed, or they wont run!... ...!

Paul....older is nicer.... (just look at me!... ..)... ...!

[ShaneG_old]

May I suggest VLC media player.

Free, and plays everything, including formats the WMP won't handle.  8-)

[SubZer0]

[quote]May I suggest VLC media player.

Free, and plays everything, including formats the WMP won't handle.

[aussiewannabe]

[quote]May I suggest VLC media player.

Free, and plays everything, including formats the WMP won't handle.

[macca22au]

Many thanks.  The delete or uninstall option doesn't work, and searching the forums the view is that WMP is an integral part of Vista.

So I will try VLC, and next time I take the machine to the tech I will see if they can fix it.

[jime59]

That's why I suggested SpyBot File Shredder. I used it to remove the files and upon restarting was asked to upgrade to WMP 11. I had a problem with WMP popping-up and you couldn't close it and keep it closed no matter what. I finally got po'd and used shredder to get rid of the files. Since updating I haven't had one single problem with it.

[Mazza]

My WMP works and plays all sounds files

I blame Windows 7

[ShaneG_old]

My WMP works and plays all sounds files

Try a 24bit wav file. 

Now, granted that this is an unfair request by me, in that only musicians like myself, are ever going to be the ones who use that high of quality a format, but I use 24bit for my music, and WMP will not handle it without downloading different codecs. VLC comes with everything.

This is like the FF/IE debate. 

[Fozzer]

When it come to Windows Media Players, etc. I tend to go back to the older, simpler versions, care of lovely, old... http://www.oldversion.com/ ......!

The trouble is, in lots of cases, the Site I view often insists on me using their own fancy version of "Player", which has to be downloaded and installed before I can use the facility!... ...!

Various News Channels fall into this category, and will not allow me to use my Default Player program, for Video/Audio streaming etc...!

I love programs which just do the job, with no added, unnecessary frills, or complications!......!

Paul...a very Simple Soul... ... ...!

[macca22au]

Jime:  I couldn't find anything called fileshredder on the Spybot site.  I am sure I missed something, can you give me more exact directions .. thx

[Mazza]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=file+shredder+download