Choosing codec in Windows Media Player 10

Hi,

When I try playing a dvd with WMP10 it seems to be using a 3rd party codec which is now prompting me to register. How do I revert back to the original codec that comes with Microsoft? Anyway I am assuming there are several different codecs for each filetype on my system now. Surely there has to be a way to choose which codec to use to play the various types of files right? So how do I choose say... which codec to use to play .avi files and likewise for dvd?

Thanks.
happyguy82Asked:
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shuboarderConnect With a Mentor Commented:
I'm assuming you have Windows XP...

To display the codecs you have installed do the following:

Start >> Right Click My Computer >> Properties >> Hardware Tab >> Device Manager >> Expand the Sound Video and Audio controllers >> Audio Codecs (Double click) >> Properties Tab

The list of audio codecs you have installed will be displayed.

You can remove codecs by highlighting and clicking the remove button.

Hope this helps!
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happyguy82Author Commented:
Ahhh ok this looks like i'm getting somewhere. I'll give this a try tonight Thanks.

1 other thing, if I remove it from there it only deletes the .dll file. How do I complete uninstall the whole codec installation?

Thanks.
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shuboarderCommented:
Did the codec pack have a proper installation?

Can you look under Start >> Control Panel >> Add/Remove Programs

See if the codec pack in question is listed here. Highlight it and click "remove"
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happyguy82Author Commented:
Hi shuboarder,

Thanks, but what IF it is not listed in the Add/Remove Programs list?

Thanks.
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shuboarderCommented:
Can you find anything under program files in Windows Explorer?
System registry?

Start >> Run >> Regedit
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happyguy82Author Commented:
shuboarder,

Thanks. But my concern is... even IF I manage to find something under explorer or regedit, how would I know what other files and tied to that codec?

Thanks.
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shuboarderCommented:
I would think once the message stops appearing and prompting you to register the codec you'll know you've got it!
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happyguy82Author Commented:
I tried your method. Once the dll file is removed from that list it keeps coming back  don't know why.

Is there a utility which shows all the installed codec in the system and allows you to choose which to use to play what?

Thanks.
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crissandConnect With a Mentor Commented:
First I have to say that Microsoft doesn't provide a mpeg2 codec for viewing DVD's, but recommends third party codecs. Now, all you have to do is to install a free mpeg2 codec, or buy a dvd decoder package.

I use to recommend the first solution, try:

AVS DVD Player from here: http://www.avsmedia.com/DVDPlayer/index.aspx as an alternative dvd player

or

download and install ffdshow package, it's a software decoder for a lot of video and audio fromats from here:

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDShow.htm
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