Inspiron 8000 DVD Player

Question

Hello!  I am new to the forum, and am hoping someone can straighten me out.  I purchased my Inspiron 8000 new several years ago, and due to a virus, had to re-install Windows ME (using the factory disc) to get everyting to work again.  Unfortunately, the DVD player capability had disappeared.  It will try to play (shows the shift to widescreen), then reverts back to the program-initiation screen.  I have downloaded and installed every Dell-provided update to the drive (firmware and drivers), plus the ME updates recommended by MicroSoft.  I have also tried several different (from the factory-installed WinDVD) player trial-programs, and the only ones so far that will work are EasyDVD and RioDVD (neither of which are very flexible programs).  Itr seems that any DVD player program that is more sophisticated (e.g., WindDVD 2000 and PowerDVD 7, both re-installed) just will not load up.  I have a feeling that it is nothing more that a setting that needs to be changed, but in searching several forums, I cannot seem to find the answer.  There was even one user on this Dell Forum that had the same problem, but seemingly did not get it resolved.  Can anyone help?  Please?!?

AussieChris · Answer

Hi,

I remember a funy issue like this, not exactly the same but similar and there was a patch. It may be worth a look.

Regards Chris

danalv · Answer

Thanks, Chris.  I have downloaded and installed all the relevant patches I was able to locate, both from Dell and MicroSoft.  Nothing seems to make any difference.  I am close to reformatting and starting over.  Very frustrating, to say the least!

AussieChris · Answer

Hi,

If you reload it again, follow the instructions from the notebook tab above. Are you using the CD's that came with it ? I have seen an old version of WinDVD not work, it loads but wont work. Remove, a new version and it works. Some people mix up all their CD's, it is good to mark them and keep them together for each computer. Good luck with it.

Regards Chris

danalv · Answer

Chris, I finally gave up trying to fix the problem, wiped the drive, and started over. I re-installed Windows ME and WinDVD (PowerDVD would not work with the earlier version of DirectX), and lo and behold, DVDs now play just fine. I guess (as suggested on another forum) the Trojan virus had done damage to files or registry entries that I was not able to correct with upgrades and simple re-installs. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions!

Storage, Drives & Media

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