XP Video (Codec??) Problem

azaniah · 24 Aug 2006 at 14:55

Not sure if anyone has come across this before but I am having problems playing video files (either in IE or winamp / wmp etc)...

Basically the system grinds to a halt and 100% cpu usage occurs (although from task manager you can't tell what is hogging the resource).

Done a bundle of AV scans / Trojans but nothing appears. I have also forced WMP uninstall and tried a later version. (Also tried this with winamp / Quicktime) but nothing..

Is this a known virus or problem??

Thanks Steve

Atari · 24 Aug 2006 at 17:00

Have you got the right codecs installed for the files you're trying to play?

azaniah · 24 Aug 2006 at 17:16

I should do ... as I reinstalled all the core programs. I did also try one of the those "all codec" things but it made no difference.

I don't get an error telling me of an unkown codec ( e.g. mp4) but it just grinds to a halt and kills the pc.

celliott · 24 Aug 2006 at 17:41

a lot of the all in one codec packs have hidden spyware and other junk.

Try this one: www.xpcodecpack.com

Having been using it for ages and its worked great loads of PC's.

spirit · 24 Aug 2006 at 18:05

or just use vlc.

celliott · 24 Aug 2006 at 20:49

VLC is ok but its a bit basic. Get it from www.videolan.org

azaniah · 24 Aug 2006 at 21:48

Tried both of those - no difference..

Changed gpx drivers ( just in case ) nothing...

wierd thing is that no process ( other than task manager ) is showing as holding the CPU - so can't really tell whats going on...

azaniah · 25 Aug 2006 at 14:08

Anyone know of a free process trace prog for XP Pro?

Might be able to track the culprit down that way

Vicar · 25 Aug 2006 at 20:41

azaniah said:
Anyone know of a free process trace prog for XP Pro?

Might be able to track the culprit down that way

It is a Codec problem to me, from what you are describing. Uninstall all prevoius codec installs, try a codec pack Mega-Codecs (best imo) or even K-Lite, they should work, if not sounds like a corruption somewhere within the Setup....