Well, here goes nothing.  I had to reinstall all of the software that came with my 3000.  I mean everything.  I formatted the disk before the reinstall.  Before formatting, I tried the restore, ctrl & F11, reinstalling XP without formatting, etc.

 

I did this with the cd's that i ordered from dell. This includes "Reinstallation DVD",and the "Application" cd.

 

I have the os up and running, but the dvd player does not work.  It is a combo unit, Hitachi, HL-DT-ST CDRW/DVD.  When I recieved the computer there was a sonic icon on the desk top. Now I can't find it or get any program to play a dvd. 

 

When I try Media Center or Media Player, I get the error message about not finding a decoder. 

 

Any suggestions to point me in the right direction on solving this issue.

 

I have other software issues, Norton, but one thing at a time.