Share via

"Windows Media cannot play DVD because a compatible DVD decoder is not installed on your computer"

Anonymous
2010-07-28T16:00:10+00:00

When I insert a any DVD into my Dvd player I receive a message that states

"Windows Media cannot play DVD because a compatible DVD decoder is not installed on your computer"

I have Windows XP professional, I have not played a DVD on the computor in many months. How can I fix this.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. Anonymous
    2010-07-30T04:32:59+00:00

    When I insert a any DVD into my Dvd player I receive a message that states

    "Windows Media cannot play DVD because a compatible DVD decoder is not installed on your computer"

    I have Windows XP professional, I have not played a DVD on the computor in many months. How can I fix this.

    =========================================

    If you have a DVD Decoder (Power DVD for Example) try reinstalling it.

    If not...have a look at the following site:

    Info on DVD Decoders:

    Plug-ins for Windows Media Player

    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/plugins.aspx

    Also you could try one of the following freeware players that will play DVDs:

    (FWIW...it's always a good idea to create a System

    Restore point before installing software or updates)

    VLC Media Player

    http://www.videolan.org/

    Media Player Classic

    http://www.filehippo.com/download_media_player_classic/

    (just unzip it and run it...no installation required)

    Media Player Classic Home Cinema

    http://majorgeeks.com/Media_Player_Classic_Home_Cinema_d6213.html

    (runs on XP/Vista/7)

    Also it may be worth a try to install one of the following Codec Packs:

    *Proceed At Your Own Risk*

    1. Info about CCCP (Combined Community Codec Pack)

    http://www.cccp-project.net/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

    1. K-Lite Codec Pack (Full)

    http://www.filehippo.com/download_klite_codec_pack/

    Good luck.....

    Volunteer J - MS-MVP - Digital Media Experience - Notice_This is not tech support_I am a volunteer - Solutions that work for me may not work for you - ***Proceed at your own risk***

    50+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

19 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-02-19T19:20:39+00:00

    I need a windows mediaplayer compatable dvd decoder installed on my computer

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-03-06T16:46:46+00:00

    what do i need to do to play dvd.  It has worked in the past

    Thanks

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2011-03-12T15:13:35+00:00

    Why should we need to purchase custom dvd files that should always work with genuine windows operating systems in the first place?

    Second : why is the only support FAQ for windows media players only providing support for SP 2? What happened to XP SP3 media player support?

    I already got suckered in on that once an had to clean my hard drive out, in the process I lost the software I purchased for playing dvd's (thanks to the experienced technician who's services I paid for) an now I find myself back to square one wondering why I need to re-purchase the same thing I already had. But, back to my original question why shouldn't all media players play dvd's " WITHOUT " Custom files?

    At one time I rolled the media player back to version 10 and it played dvd's, then MP 11 came along.

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2011-03-06T19:06:35+00:00

    If you have something like "CyberLink DVD" in your computer, update that....with it's latest update/patch from it's web-site. Match the update...to the version you are using, though.

    Considering that you're using XP Pro, you would have obtained such software along with the DVD player/burner.

    0 comments