problem with video files

[JACK BAUER owns]

for some reason, none of my media players will open video files, except VLC media player. I tried to open my files with Nero, WMP, realplayer, and a few others, but they all give me some type of error. If I try to burn one of the movies I have to a dvd, the software will tell me that the file can't open because I don't have the right codec or something. Also, WMP won't open MP3 files either

[azzey]

Please don't start a new thread with the same problem. Any new information can go into the original thread.
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=49043

[Sylvander]

Zip up some typical files you want tested, upload them to HERE (http://www.verzend.be/), give your own email address to have the file link sent to, copy the link in a PM to me.
[Pick some small files if possible]
I will download the files and see if they will run on my PC.
If they do, there's nothing wrong with the files. :)

I will naturally "Erase" the files after testing is complete. :D

[JACK BAUER owns]

I know the files work, because I tested them on my other computer, and they open with VLC media player, thanks anyway though

[Sylvander]

Might THESE (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/MPEG_Layer_3_Codec.htm) help I wonder? :)

[JACK BAUER owns]

"windows Meida Player cannot play the file. This can occur when another program or operating system component encounteres a problem but does not communicate the nature of this problem to the player"

that's what I got when I tried to open an MP3 file with WMP

[Sylvander]

FIX: Error in Windows Media Player 9 Series When You Play Specific MP3 Files (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/814129/en-us)

Just search errors for the product = "Windows Media Player"
here http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1
I used "The exact phrase" = [B]Media Player cannot play the file.