Windows Media Player won't play wmv file
 

When I try to play it, it constantly flashes at the bottom "Requesting codec" and "Searching for codec" but eventually nothing happens. Any solutions or advice?

title of thread is lol.

Maybe it's not actually a wmv file, but some goon has simply named it with a .wmv extension.

A link to the WMV in question would be helpful ~

upload your file & will know if working or not

Have you tried any and all of these codec packs already?

http://www.free-codecs.com/Codec_Packs.htm

Yeah, that's a smart idea, tell him to install every codec pack on that page.

Then whenever he tries to play anything, his computer crashes in a state of confusion because it's trying to hand off video decoding to a million-and-one things.

If you are having trouble playing any sort of file in Windows Media Player may I suggest you try VLC as it plays most things and I'd think you'd like it.

In terms of codec packs if you do a quick search in this forum there have been a few threads regarding this issue already which will help you decide which is the best package for you.

I'd say switch to VLC or MPC. Probably a useful codec pack you'll find is ffdshow.

Do you have the latest version of media player?

Guh, thanks for all the suggestions but I just realised the file wasn't downloaded completely; the download cut off due to incredibly slow speeds - I managed to download it again and it works now, thanks for all the suggestions anyway, I'll consider downloading some of the codec packs mentioned in another thread (and I may download the two programs mentioned [VLC & MPC])

If there's a video file I can't play in WMP I always play it in my DivX player. Most videos requiring a DivX codec will play the audio part in WMP, but not the video part. Anyway, just another suggestion.

If it's a WMV, it would be impossible for the video to be encoded with DivX.

Don't just download random codec packs. Usually one is just fine.

Unless that one doesn't sound like "CCCP" or "DefilerPak," then don't get it.