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    DVD Decoder

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by ConfusedCollegeGuy, Apr 29, 2006.

  1. ConfusedCollegeGuy

    ConfusedCollegeGuy Notebook Guru

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    Whenever I try to play DVD's with my laptop, Media Player says, "Windows Media Player cannot play the DVD because a compatible DVD decoder is not installed on your computer." I think this probably happened whenever I did a fresh install of XP Pro. Anyone know how to fix this/get a decoder?

    Thanks guys,

    Mike
     
    ConfusedCollegeGuy, Apr 29, 2006
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    You can try VideoLan.
     
    ZaZ, Apr 29, 2006
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  3. RogueMonk

    RogueMonk Notebook Deity

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    If you don't have a DVD software player installed (or at least a DVD decoder codec) WMP will not be able to play DVDs. Did your machine not come with DVD Player software (WinDVD/PowerDVD/etc)?
     
    RogueMonk, Apr 29, 2006
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  4. ConfusedCollegeGuy

    ConfusedCollegeGuy Notebook Guru

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    It came with some Dell program when I first got it, but after I reformatted XP, that was gone--any idea where i can find something?
    what about VideoLan? I'm not familiar with it
     
    ConfusedCollegeGuy, Apr 29, 2006
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  5. kidA

    kidA Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    just get powerdvd, you need it for your dell to play dvd movies and its the easiest way to go. you can just get it off of the dell support website www.support.dell.com
     
    kidA, Apr 29, 2006
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  6. warlord

    warlord Notebook Consultant

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    I like Media Player Classic for video playback and movies. I get my codecs from here, an all in one codec pack.

    http://www.theorica.net/codecs.htm

    I've heard good things about thier safexp software as well.
     
    warlord, Apr 29, 2006
    #6
  7. olyteddy

    olyteddy Notebook Deity

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    Don't get a codec pack. They'll cause you more headaches than they solve. Install codecs as you need them. To get a MPEG2 decoder, simply install the Power DVD demo. After it expires, the codec still works fine.
     
    olyteddy, Apr 29, 2006
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  8. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    VideoLan is free and plays most anything. Google it.
     
    ZaZ, Apr 30, 2006
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  9. warlord

    warlord Notebook Consultant

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    LOL. :p

    I didn't recommend a generic spyware filled codec pack. I especially don't suggest installing a program just for the codecs -doesn't that seems just a little ridiculous?

    Anyway, I feel it's less of a headache to just be able to play a media file when you want to.
     
    warlord, Apr 30, 2006
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  10. Lil Mayz

    Lil Mayz Notebook Deity

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    Lil Mayz, Apr 30, 2006
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  11. Notebook Solutions

    Notebook Solutions Company Representative NBR Reviewer

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    I also recommend Video Lan...Plays everythung!

    Charlie-Peru :)
     
    Notebook Solutions, Apr 30, 2006
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  12. ConfusedCollegeGuy

    ConfusedCollegeGuy Notebook Guru

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    I've download VideoLan (works great) and have a copy of PowerDVD from Dell on the way, thanks guys!
     
    ConfusedCollegeGuy, Apr 30, 2006
    #12