Odd Microsoft Policy??

[Ausatco]

Following a re-install of XP Home on my lappy, I decided to try and keep it trim. I didn't install a lot of the multi-media OEM stuff that came with it, like Cyberlink PowerCinema which includes a heap of stuff I don't use, like Power DVD, Video Live Mail, Power Director and Media Show.

I really only wanted a player, and I thought Windows Media PLayer, being part of the XP installation by default, would suffice.

I tested the new installation with a music CD and because it worked, assumed all was OK. What I didn't test immediately after installation was a DVD movie.

Yesterday I wanted to play one and MP wouldn't co-operate. The long and the short of it is that MP worked only after I reluctantly installed Power DVD.

I assume that Power DVD provided required codecs.

Why the heck does MS flog a supposedly multimedia OS and accompanying Media PLayer that doesn't do a basic multi-media function out of the box, particularly when the blurb more than suggests that it will????

Or have I missed something?

AA

[BLUE SKY THINKER]

Ausatco.....

I don't think so.

If you've missed something, then we both have! .....Just been through the same experience with a brand new laptop; tried to put minimal OEM stuff in. .....Played DVD in brand new, all singing all dancing, MediaPlayer 10. .....Result: "no DVD software installed" and reluctant installation of Power DVD 5, which I am not overly impressed with, hence post on the subject (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=144870)

[ORAC]

Plug-Ins (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9Series/GettingStarted//personalization/plugins.asp?page=4&lookup=Plugins)

Damned if you don't, sued if you do... :sad: