Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Denholm on August 19, 2008, 09:39:33 AM
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Hello guys,
Recently I've been debugging a situation I have with my video playback. For some strange reason any type of video file will not play on my computer system. Yes, I have downloaded all types of codecs and codec packages, none fix the issue. So on Sunday one of my friends suggested I try getting the latest version of DirectX for my O.S. I have no problem trying that. The issue starts here though. Currently I have the highest version of DirectX compatible with Windows 2000. (DirectX 9.0a) From what I'm hearing Windows Update is the only way to receive the Win 2000 compatible version of DirectX 9.0a, so it would seem that I have to downgrade to a lower version of DirectX before running the Windows Update to receive the upgrade.
However this is where I'm proceeding with caution. Last time when I had my system reformatted the problem was due to a DirectX fallout within my system. I don't want that to happen again! So I'm asking if its possible - without any side-effects - to use the DirectX 8.1 installer to downgrade from 9.0a to 8.1?
Thanks in advance for the replies.
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DirectX levels are usually irreversible - trying to do that will mess up your system.
Run http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=822640ab-0983-4c41-9c70-632f6f42c557&DisplayLang=en installer W2k is on supported platforms list.
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Okay, that's what I figured. Just wanted to check here first.
Now, what will this redistributable version do for me?
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Did these video files play before or has this always been a problem?
I ask because there was a problem with video corruption with many of the Nvidia 700 series motherboards (from all manufacturers) that was only resolved with a BIOS update.
Your problem is likey not Direct X related.
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Before I had my system reformatted these same videos played without a hitch. And the time before that when I had my system reformatted they played fine as well.
No new hardware updates either. The one thing I thought might have caused it was uninstalling Windows Media Player 6.4 and 9.0 when I got my system back. I later re-installed Windows Media Player 9 (There don't seem to be any 6.4 installers any more) in an attempt to solve the problem. Of course it didn't work.
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Just out of curiosity did you download and run both Mediaplayer 6.4 and 9 codec packs from Microsoft?
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I can't answer that.
The friend who reformatted my computer (Don't have a Windows disc) installed everything for me. I simply went into add/remove programs and found Windows Media Player 6.4 and 9. I un-installed both then later re-installed Windows Media Player 9 in an attempt to solve the video playback issue.
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If you really want to debug, try downloading VLC Media Player, open it, and go to Settings>Preferences>Check the Advanced options box lower right>Video-Output Modules. Switch it to OpenGL. Try them with DirectX too.
Could be your video player's fritzing (and VLC's a great player).
(If you do, try the color ASCII Art output module. It's awesome.)
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Never mind, wrong thread.
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Well, I set it to OpenGL mode and it played. Extremely bad playback in the way of frame rates and audio playback. DirectX mode caused the same error all video files have been creating for me. It froze the application until I eventually found a way to end the process.
Currently downloading the package MrRiplEy[H] sent to me via the link he supplied.
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Hello guys,
Recently I've been debugging a situation I have with my video playback. For some strange reason any type of video file will not play on my computer system. Yes, I have downloaded all types of codecs and codec packages, none fix the issue. So on Sunday one of my friends suggested I try getting the latest version of DirectX for my O.S. I have no problem trying that. The issue starts here though. Currently I have the highest version of DirectX compatible with Windows 2000. (DirectX 9.0a) From what I'm hearing Windows Update is the only way to receive the Win 2000 compatible version of DirectX 9.0a, so it would seem that I have to downgrade to a lower version of DirectX before running the Windows Update to receive the upgrade.
However this is where I'm proceeding with caution. Last time when I had my system reformatted the problem was due to a DirectX fallout within my system. I don't want that to happen again! So I'm asking if its possible - without any side-effects - to use the DirectX 8.1 installer to downgrade from 9.0a to 8.1?
Thanks in advance for the replies.
Go to Major Geeks (http://majorgeeks.com/google_search.html?domains=MajorGeeks.com&q=directx+uninstaller&sitesearch=MajorGeeks.com&client=pub-6960825562757852&forid=1&channel=6517887233&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23003300%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23665522%3BVLC%3A78B749%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3Acccc99%3BLBGC%3A336699%3BALC%3A11593C%3BLC%3A11593C%3BT%3A000000%3BGFNT%3A940F04%3BGIMP%3A940F04%3BLH%3A0%3BLW%3A0%3BL%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fmajorgeeks.com%2FEric%2F404.gif%3BS%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fmajorgeeks.com%3BLP%3A1%3BFORID%3A11&hl=en) and download a DirectX uninstaller. After you've uninstalled DirectX and rebooted your machine, try downloading DirectX from Microsoft and see if it will download the DirectX 9a runtime. If not, you may have to install if from an older game you have that came with Directx 9a.
Hope this helps.
ack-ack
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Thanks for the response Ack-Ack. However it appears DirectX is no longer the problem. I downloaded the DirectX redistributable package from the link MrRiplEy[H] sent to me. It updated my DirectX from version 9.0a to 9.0c. Yet when I attempt to play a film (.wmv) it will not display the video, I can only hear the audio as in times past. It seems now that uninstalling both those media players caused some system codec to, "vanish."
EDIT: Here's the link to my DxDiag in hopes it might shed some light on this pecuilar situation.
http://603sqdrn.collectivelyspaced.com/DxDiag.txt
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Thanks for the response Ack-Ack. However it appears DirectX is no longer the problem. I downloaded the DirectX redistributable package from the link MrRiplEy[H] sent to me. It updated my DirectX from version 9.0a to 9.0c. Yet when I attempt to play a film (.wmv) it will not display the video, I can only hear the audio as in times past. It seems now that uninstalling both those media players caused some system codec to, "vanish."
EDIT: Here's the link to my DxDiag in hopes it might shed some light on this pecuilar situation.
http://603sqdrn.collectivelyspaced.com/DxDiag.txt
I suggest to try and download a mediaplayer 9 codec pack from the microsoft download site. That may or may not fix your problem.
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I downloaded the only one I could find for WMP 9. The, "Codecs Installation Package for Windows Media Video 9 VCM."
After installing it videos still did not provide visual feedback, only audio. This is truly odd. :rolleyes:
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I downloaded the only one I could find for WMP 9. The, "Codecs Installation Package for Windows Media Video 9 VCM."
After installing it videos still did not provide visual feedback, only audio. This is truly odd. :rolleyes:
Try installing the XP Codec (http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/codecs_and_filters/xp_codec_pack.cfm). It should also be compatible with Win2k.
You can also try the K-Lite Codecs (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_lite_codec_pack.htm).
I would go with the K-Lite codecs as it has a wider range of codecs that it installs but for most media playback, the XP codecs are good enough.
Hope this helps.
ack-ack
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Oh just a crazy thought: Have you tried only MS mediaplayer? Try Videolan VLC it's one of the best players around. Free.
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I'll try the XP Codec pack you mentioned Ack-Ack. As for the K-Lite Codec packages, I have tried them before but they never solved the issue. As for your question MrRiplEy[H], I have tried other players, including the one you mentioned. Obviously I would have tried others if I uninstalled Windows Media Player out of disgust for the program.
EDIT: Installed the XP Codec package, still not working. :(
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What video card are you using? What driver version is installed for it?
Can you give an example of something you are trying to play but won't (a link from AH films forum perhaps?)? I have a W2K box still as my secondary computer at home, I could make sure it runs for me.
Finally, what service pack are you running?
If I had to guess, my first guess would be a bad video card driver, second guess would be that your Direct X accelleration slider is set down a notch or three, third guess is there's something really wrong with your video card. But there's not really enough to go on yet to do more than guess, unfortunately.
Edit: From your DXDIAG file I see that you're running SP4 and that you've got a GeForce 7600 GS. That driver version for your video card, 6.14.0010.9371, doesn't mean a whole lot to me, but its a relatively recent date (5/18/2007) at least. The only question based on your DXDIAG file I have is, why does it appear that you have both a Soundblaster Audio PCI and a Sound Blaster Audigy installed? If you really have both installed, can you remove one (the AudioPCI preferably) and see if that helps?
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I'm using the SoundBlaster AudioPCI for my microphone because my SoundBlaster Audigy is simply too quiet when it comes to sending microphone input over the web.
Before I had my system reformatted a few months ago it worked just fine with this setup. If you think this might help resolve the situation I'll be glad to do it.
EDIT: I just looked into Video Codecs listed in the Device Manager. There is one codec on the list that says, "driver is enabled but not functioning properly." It also gave me an error stating that it cannot locate the codec / driver file and I should try re-installing the codec. The codec name is:
ffdshow.ax
Any ideas if finding and installing this codec / driver might solve the issue?
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I can't help you with this problem but I did notice in your DXDiag that you are very close to filling your hard drive and, when too close (2 Gb remaining is where I've started to run into problems in the past), it will start to cause system instability. I'd consider either getting a newer larger one and mirroring the current one over or adding another and transferring some stuff off your C drive.
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I've been contemplating that. Which type would you recommend that has around 250GB and spins at 7200 RPM? I can already guess a Seagate. ;)
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I've been contemplating that. Which type would you recommend that has around 250GB and spins at 7200 RPM? I can already guess a Seagate. ;)
You are correct.
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I'm using only Western Digital for years now and they've been trouble free. Good price/performance ratio too.
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I'm using only Western Digital for years now and they've been trouble free. Good price/performance ratio too.
Five year warranty on Seagate vs. one year on WD. Prices are comperable.
I've got 3 Seagates and 3 WD's at home. The only one I've ever had a problem with is one of the WD's.
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You still have 2 GB free, that's more than enough, so that isn't the problem. Obviously in these days of downloading music and video, you might use it up soon and you'd want to upgrade for that reason, but it isn't the source of your problems.
ffdshow is a Divx / Xvid / MP4 codec, and if its not installed right, it could be the source of the problem. I'd uninstall / re-install it.
About Direct X acceleration, I'd still like to make sure you have the slider maxed. I'm at work and all the computers here are XP, but I think the way to get to it is the same on W2k.
Right-Click an empty spot on your desktop and pick Properties to get to the Display Properties control panel. Go to the Settings tab. Click Advanced. Click the Troubleshoot tab. I'm hoping at this point you see a Hardware Acceleration slider. If its set to less than Full, it could be the source of the troubles, since every notch less than Full disables more and more parts of Direct X.
If it is set to Full, experiment with setting it down a notch at a time, and see if that helps. It could narrow down the possible cause of the problems.
Finally, try playing your files using Media Player Classic. For info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_Player_Classic . To download: http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_players/media_player_classic.cfm .
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Five year warranty on Seagate vs. one year on WD. Prices are comperable.
I've got 3 Seagates and 3 WD's at home. The only one I've ever had a problem with is one of the WD's.
WD's have 5 years warranty down here at least. 1 year sounds kinda weird..
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Boiler, the hardware acceleration tab is at full. Earlier today when talking to a homeschooling tech support guy he had me move the notches down to possibly resolve the issue. It did not help in any way. I have used Windows Media Player 6.4 in the past to try to play some of these videos but it didn't work, same problem. And just to confirm... Yes, I downloaded and tried the same media player you asked me to use.
I tried reinstalling DivX before to resolve the issue, and will try again. If that doesn't fix it is there a way to specifically install the ffdshow codec?
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WD's have 5 years warranty down here at least. 1 year sounds kinda weird..
I was partially mistaken. I just went to newegg to check. Some of the WD's are 1 year, some are 3 years, some are 5 years. Seagates are all 5 years.
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How's this one?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148143
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Seagates are good performers too. I'm running WD 320 RE2:s in Raid10 configuration (4 hd's two mirrored mirrors striped).
Gives very nice performance and fault tolerance for 200€.
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How's this one?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148143
If you have a SATA port I'd get a SATA drive but if you only have ATA then that's one's good.
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If SATA was released within the last 2 years I most definitely don't have it. VERY old motherboard here.
Edit: How would I be able to determine if I have a SATA port or if I only have an ATA?
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Click on My Computer, then View System Information, Hardware, Device Manager and see if there are any SATA controllers listed.
If not you've only got (and probably only do have) ATA.
To reiterate, going with a new hard drive won't be the fix for your current problem but it will help stave off problems for you in the future.
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Boiler, the hardware acceleration tab is at full. Earlier today when talking to a homeschooling tech support guy he had me move the notches down to possibly resolve the issue. It did not help in any way. I have used Windows Media Player 6.4 in the past to try to play some of these videos but it didn't work, same problem. And just to confirm... Yes, I downloaded and tried the same media player you asked me to use.
I tried reinstalling DivX before to resolve the issue, and will try again. If that doesn't fix it is there a way to specifically install the ffdshow codec?
Well crap, I'm running out of ideas.
You can get ffdshow here: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDshow.htm
Hopefully installing it will overwrite any old/bad files. I've stopped using ffdshow because I found it better to just run everything in Media Player Classic instead. So I don't have the latest advice to give to you on this one.
The only other thing, is if you could link to an example file that won't run. I can try it out on my W2k box.
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BaldEagl. I looked in the Device Manager, no SATA drivers are listed. The only ones there were ATA.
BoilerDown, thanks for the download link! I installed ffdshow and it eliminated the error message I was receiving for it in the Video Codecs page of the Device Manager. I figured this might have resolved the issue, it didn't. I also downloaded another film to see if maybe the film I was testing was corrupt. The film I downloaded also didn't play.
Here's the link to the film I downloaded: http://www.mediafire.com/?va3dzjj4xo9
Both the film I was testing (which has been on my desktop for quite some time) and the film I just downloaded are .WMV.
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wmv9vcm is what you need and go get the free Divx player . im using 6.8 currently .it works fine with my early version of wm9 <-- the one without the always checking in garbage .
If you want Denholm I can set you up with my w2k program disc , dx9.0c ,wm9,divx ,most of the working codec's .(i only have problems when i convert in some avi to dvd formats. but thats a different program .
I also have the 4.12 omega's and cats on it for the 9000 series ati cards.and it has a few other good programs .
all freeware stuff. i also have service pack 3 and 4 for w2k.
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I already have the free DivX codec, player, converter, and web player. Just to be certain, are you suggesting I get the wmv9vcm.dll file or a codec named, "wmv9vcm?"
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WMV9_VCM thats what it is on mine.
http://www.videohelp.com/tools/WMV9_VCM (http://www.videohelp.com/tools/WMV9_VCM)
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Installing it did not resolve my video problem. It did however mess up all my BIOS settings and my date/time. Haven't found everything it messed up yet, but my system isn't running normally at the moment.
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Now I'm stumped!
Apparently its the Windows Installer disc that was used to install my system. I just had one of my friends install my new HD and install Windows 2000 on it. I still have the same problem. :(
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Have you checked to see if there's a new BIOS release and drivers for your motherboard and new drivers for your graphics card?
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Any software installation should not mess anything up on Bios. If your bios went bad you have a hardware related problem.
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Any software installation should not mess anything up on Bios. If your bios went bad you have a hardware related problem.
I suggest it because his problem sounds almost exactly the same as the Nvidia 700 series chipset problem which was fixed with a BIOS release. Some of those boards ran along fine for months then just started acting up. Some experienced problems right away (like mine), and others never did.
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I was actually looking for a new BIOS recently, haven't downloaded it yet though. This is because my motherboard is rather old and only sees 117 GB of my 250GB drive. I don't think its the video card though. I'm using the same drivers and same card that I used when this wasn't a problem on my system.
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I was actually looking for a new BIOS recently, haven't downloaded it yet though. This is because my motherboard is rather old and only sees 117 GB of my 250GB drive. I don't think its the video card though. I'm using the same drivers and same card that I used when this wasn't a problem on my system.
That's your version of Windows that's limiting what you see available on the HD, not your motherboard. I have a Win98 machine that's the same. It won't see more than ~120 Gb. I had forgotten about that when we started discussing HD's. XP and later aren't a problem.
There's also another issue I forgot but the old version of Defrag also has a HD partition limitation but it's also in that 120 Gb range IIRC.
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Alright. I'm still going to try to update the BIOS though, its a bit old.
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Bios updates are higly unadvised unless your motherboard absolutely needs one to support a new CPU for example. If it worked before a BIOS fix will most likely not fix anything but risk porking your hardware permanently.
If it ain't broken don't fix it - was invented when the first BIOS was coded on prom.
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Alright. Then I shall leave the BIOS alone and start considering the next computer to build. *Sigh* :(
By the way, even though Windows 2000 only sees 117 GB of my HD, can I still load up to 250 GB onto it?
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Alright. Then I shall leave the BIOS alone and start considering the next computer to build. *Sigh* :(
By the way, even though Windows 2000 only sees 117 GB of my HD, can I still load up to 250 GB onto it?
You can if you use something else to format the drive - or build a slipstreamed installation disk with SP4 built in. W2k older versions do not support large disks. My recommendation would be to switch to XP by now it's well matured and now is about last times to get a license legally before Zissda is forced down on our throats.
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Can't afford it at the time being.
I'll probably ask my friend who installed Windows 2000 to install XP Pro on it at a later time. He's a busy person, and asking him to reformat my system for the third time in 3 months just isn't polite. ;)
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Issue resolved.
Updated to the latest drivers from the NVIDIA website. Working VERY nicely now. Thanks again for all your help.