Why can't I get video?

[truth2power]

I have a newer computer with lots of bells and whistles. I'm running a newer version of Windows XP professional. My windows media player NEVER shows video. Sometimes I can get the video on RealPlayer, but I just tried to play the Bush Cleveland City Club speech on RealPlayer and no video.

Yes, I'm on dial-up, but I have a friend, also on dial up, and she can get video, so I don't think that's the problem. On my old computer I could get video almost always, although it was choppy.

No one I've asked knows what the problem is. I would appreciate any help. thanks.

[sofedup]

1. I have a similar problem...

...also windows XP, also dial-up, videos don't play but they did on the old computer (98). I haven't tried to fix it- I just skip the videos. Sorry I can't help you - but maybe this problem isn't so uncommon? I'll be paying attention to see if someone offers help.

[truth2power]

7. Exactly! On my old (Win 98) computer

I could get more video than I get now. Very frustrating.

Whenever someone posts, "OMG!!! Look at this video!" I just sigh and move on.

[Up2Late]

2. Here's a tip, you need to give more info about what hardware you...

...have and are trying to get working. Just list everything piece of hardware you can think of that might be part of the problem (hard drive type, video card, Motherboard manufacturer and model #, etc.) Be as specific as possible.

From the info you gave, first thing I would do is go on-line and download any software updates that you think could be involved (real player, media player, Windows XP, video card driver...).

Start with that, then see what happens. If it still doesn't work, post your next question.

[truth2power]

6. Info about hardware...yikes, I don't know...

My son and I built my previous computer, so I knew what was in there because I purchased the parts, but this a an off-the-shelf HP :argh: I guess I can dig around and find the manual with the specs.

The problem with HP, (and I feel soooo bad about this, because it was a gift from my son) is that they put so much extra "overlay" stuff on it that you can't get to the bare-bones to figure out what's going on. Guess I'm not explaining that too well.

[RoyGBiv]

3. Codecs?

Do you know if you have the proper codecs installed to view the videos you're trying to view? This is just a guess based on the information provided. I assume you're trying to view streaming video, but I'm not sure. If you're trying to view a .wmv file, you should have no problem at all on a fresh XP install, but if you're trying to view an .avi and some .mpg files you'll need to make sure you have the proper codecs.

I always put the K-Lite Video Pack on new computers.

http://www.codecguide.com/about_kl.htm

That's just one of many links for it. Make sure you read the instructions before installing this. It has basically everything you could want, but you don't need all of it, and some elements conflict with others. They're all there so you can make choices.

[truth2power]

5. Thanks, RBG..I've bookmarked tht link

to read for later. To be honest, every time I start reading about Codecs it makes my head hurt! :banghead: Please see my post below.

[Jazzgirl]

4. That is so confusing for people.

We have the same problem on some of the laptops at work. Here is how we fixed it:

Right click on a clear spot on your desktop. Select properties, settings, advanced. When the advanced window opens select the troubleshoot tab. There will be a slider bar there for hardware acceleration. Its probably all the way up. Turn it down to the middle or all the way off. We moved the slider all the way to the left without any adverse affects and it solved the video issue.

JG

[truth2power]

8. Thanks Jazzgirl. I've seen that slidebar....

I'll try that.

Between my original posting and now, I found an individual at my local Office Max who works on computers on the side. He said to disable all my anit-virus, firewall etc. Since I hadn't paid to renew my Norton, it was pretty much useless anyway, so I uninstalled it. Of course I hear that when you uninstall Norton, pieces of it still hang around to cause problems. <sigh> I'm beginning to think that getting a virus couldn't be worse than all this tweaking I have to do.

Now it seems like I get some videos I couldn't get before, but I'm not even sure. I've tried to download that video "Loose Change" but the link goes to Google video and this large black square pops up and nothing happens. I THINK I downloaded google video and I think I installed it, but one never knows. I finally just purchased it off of Ebay.

Couldn't there be some standardization with these things?