Bad Codec Problems Help

Question

I recently downloaded and installed the lastest version of Ace Mega Codec Pack, of course after I uninstalled my old version of it.  Turned out it fixed the problem I was having with DVD playback in Windows Media Player, but here came the new problems.  EVERY AVI, MPEG, MPG, RM, WMV file as far as I know probably every video file type cannot be played now.  I try to run a file and all I get is the audio and a black screen.  I tried to fix this in multiple ways from uninstalling and reinstalling codec packs, old and new, uninstalling all codecs (as far as I can with control panel, that I know of), running Zoom Player and using its unregister codec feature, and some other programs called Sherlock 2.0 to find broken codecs, and Filter Manager.  I am seriously considering re-formatting, but the rest of my computer is fine and it would be a real hassle to have to re-install everything.  Does anyone know how I can go back to default codecs (basically wipe all but microsoft).  I even tried running system restore back to prior points, but all came back and said 'Restore Incomplete' after rebooting.  Someone please HELP, I am desperate. :(  Video editing is my hobby and this totally messes everything up.

lilyakka · Answer

I should probably also add, I am running a XPS Gen 1 with XP Pro : SP2 installed.

chuket · Answer

See the post above this regarding file types: http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=sw_winxp&message.id=130650

lilyakka · Answer

Yeah I've already tried that stuff, didnt help me.  My problem is quite indepth with broken codecs, stuff in registry that I dont know where etc etc.

Arnold Day · Answer

Don't reformat!.....at least until you have tried other possible fixes.

1.Starting with Windows XP there is nor easy way to ininstall WMP. But tyou can do a "repair/update" on it by downloading athee latest version from MS and then install it on top of your current version.

2. If that doesn't help, uninstall your video drivers from Control Panel> Add/Remove Programs. Reboot. Now reinstall the drivers from the CD that came with your computer and reboot again.

lilyakka · Answer

Read my post a little closer ... I already have it and used it ....:smileyindifferent:

chuket · Answer

This little program will scan your comp for all the codecs installed. The broken ones will be in red: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Sherlock_The_Codec_Detective.htm

lilyakka · Answer

Fixed.  Finally.  I managed to get a program called MMview.exe which let me unregister all the codecs from my machine.  Then I uninstalled my video card driver, and reinstalled.  Then re-registered the microsoft codecs along with reinstalling WMP 10, followed by DIVX and XIVD.  Thanks to those who helped.

Windows General

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