Streaming and Player Problem

[raj_head]

When trying to stream video on pop-up players using windows media player (such as on the bbc), the video does not work. Media gives the messages of "connecting to media" and "ready" but there is no video. This has not always been the case and im not sure what event has started this problem off.

 

When trying to stream video using real player instead, i only get audio.

 

I am using IE7, OS XP and Media Player 11.

 

Any help would be great!

[Dalo Harkin]

I think you need the AC3 Codec to play those - type it in Google - its FREE ;)

[BeeCeeBee]

This is just a quick post script to Dalo's reply.

 

Once you find a site to download a codec. Be sure to google the site itself and make sure that there are no obvious complaints or issued being posted.

 

There are a few sites out there that will download malware or spyware with the codec.

 

It's unfortunate because you do need those codecs.

[raj_head]

Thanks for the replies guys!

 

I have k-lite mega codec pack and thought that it would have an AC3 codec as pop up players have never had a problem before. Anyways, i downloaded an AC3 filter (1.51a) and it hasnt fixed the problem. Still the messages of 'connecting to media' and 'ready' but no video or audio. Any other ideas? (im a bit of a novice in these matters)

 

Many Thanks

Edited November 11, 2008 by raj_head

[BeeCeeBee]

Hi Raj

 

If you have the right codecs and there is no other obvious problem, the most likely reason for the media player not funtioning properly is probably due to a malware infection. It is important that we at very least rule that out. Please follow the instructions below and once you are done let us know if that has solved the problem. If it does not we will expore other possibilities.

 

Your computer could be infected with Malware.

 

• Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent.
  It is a combination of the words malicious and software.
  The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.
  

• Required Cleanup Steps
  1. Disable the Spybot Search & Destroy TEA TIMER if you use it and if it is enabled
     
  2. Run a Temporary file and cache cleaner (ATF)
     
  3. Run 2 Anti-Malware scanners (Listed Below)
     
  4. Run an Online Anti-Virus / Anti-Malware Scanner (Listed Below)
     
  5. Clear out old System Restore points
     
  6. If continued Malware type activity is present you may be asked to post a TrendMicro™ HijackThis™ Log file, do not do so unless requested.
     

The reason to run multiple scanners is to ensure that no single scanner is missing something.

The time it takes will vary depending on your system and your internet connection speed.

Typically the SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes scanners will take between 10 to 90 minutes.

The ESET online scan should take between 1 to 3 hours.

In most cases, these scans will suffice to clean and disinfect your computer.

Heavily infected systems or slower PCs can take much longer to scan and clean.

 

For best results print the following instructions and bookmark this Web page

To keep this guide printer-friendly, use your cursor to highlight the contents below.

From your browser select File - Print and in the printer dialog box under "Print range"

click the

Selection

choice to print out these instructions for removal of malware.

 

 

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/printer-selection.gif

 

____________________________________________

STEP 1

• Disable Spybot Search & Destroys' TEA TIMER: (if installed, if not go to Step 2)
  1. Run Spybot-S&D in Advanced Mode.
     
     
  2. If it is not already set to do this Go to the Mode menu select "Advanced Mode"
     
     
  3. On the left hand side, Click on Tools
     
     
  4. Then click on the Resident Icon in the List
     
     
  5. Uncheck "Resident TeaTimer" and OK any prompts.
     
     
  6. Restart your computer.
     
     

__________________________________________________

STEP 2

• Follow these instructions carefully.
  
  
• Download ATF-Cleaner from
  Snapfiles.com
  to remove un-needed temporary files from your computer that may contain malware.
  
  
• You can also download it from
  Majorgeeks.com
  
  
• When you run ATF-Cleaner, check the items as shown below for Main.
  
  
• For FireFox, be sure to click on the FireFox tab on top and check the items as shown below for FireFox
  
  
• NOTE:
  If you don't have FireFox or Opera installed then they will be grayed out and can be ignored
  
  
• Then click on "Empty Selected".
  
  

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/atf-cleaner01.gif

.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/atf-cleaner02.gif

__________________________________________________

STEP 3

• Install and run the free version (not the Professional version) of SUPERAntiSpyware from
  SUPERAntiSpyware.com
  
  
  • Accept any prompts to allow SUPERAntiSpyware to install the latest rules and infection definition files.
    
    
  • You do not have to send them your e-mail address, just click next.
    
    
  • You can leave the automated check for updates on.
    
    
  • You can uncheck "Send a diagnostic report to research center" if you don't want to send the information.
    
    
  • DO NOT
    allow SUPERAntiSpyware to protect your Home Page settings.
    
    
  • On the
    Top Left
    select the
    Scan your computer
    button.
    
    
  • Make sure there is a CHECK MARK on all
    Fixed Drives
    .
    
    
  • Click "Perform a Complete Scan". Click "Next" to Repair issues found and reboot the computer when prompted to do so.
    
    

__________________________________________________

STEP 4

• Install and run
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  from
  Malwarebytes - (direct download)
  
  
  • Accept all defaults for the installer
    
    
  • Allow the program to update the definitions
    
    
  • Click on the
    Quick Scan
    and click Next.
    
    
  • If any items are found allow it to clean them and then Reboot your computer.
    
    

__________________________________________________

STEP 5

• Run an online scan with ESET from
  Free Virus Scan: Use ESET's Online Antivirus Scanner
  
  
  • You
    must
    use Internet Explorer for this online scan. FireFox, Opera, etc will not work for this scan.
    
    
  • If your computer is running Window's Vista, then you
    must first
    start Internet Explorer as an Administrator. To do so, right-click on the
    Internet Explorer
    icon in the Start Menu and select "
    Run as administrator
    " from the popup context menu.
    
    
  • Accept the terms and click "Start".
    
    
  • Once the scanner is ready, check "Remove found threats" AND "Scan unwanted applications".
    
    
  • Click "Start" to begin the scan.
    
    
  • When completed restart your computer
    
    

__________________________________________________

Make sure your internet firewall security is enabled, and then please return to

Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help

and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

At that time, you will receive instructions to assist you in removing malicious programs from your Add/Remove program list if warranted.

 

If required this is the download link for

TrendMicro™ HijackThis™

Unless instructed to by the Technician helping you then do not download this tool.

 

Once you and the Technician agree that your system appears to be clean then you should delete all your System Restore points and recreate a new one.

Please follow the instructions here

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows XP

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows Vista

 

Edited November 11, 2008 by BeeCeeBee

[Seth]

Please post a link to a video that WMP won't play.

[raj_head]

BBC News Player - Click

 

This link is to a program from the BBC in their pop-up player which isnt working.

 

On the subject of viruses and malware, this may be the problem and i have some issues with my anti-virus that i will post in the relevant section.

 

Thanks again for the help!

[BeeCeeBee]

Are you getting a green screen and sound or is it just not working?

[raj_head]

Im getting a white screen with the sound, just no video.

[BeeCeeBee]

OK Raj,

Usually it is green with sound but possibly the same thing.

 

Assuming it is the same this will tell you how to view the site but it is not a satisfactory solution for me and since I experence the same thing from time to time I am going to start a new thread on the topic when I am done here.

 

The problem is with video acceleration in your Media Player.

 

If you open Windows Media Player and click on Tools then select options and then performance. You will see a slide at the bottom for video acceleration and you will probably be at full. Move the slider half way and see if the site works. If you just get lines then go all the way down and you will get the video but will be unable to use some options such as full screen.

 

As I said this will allow you to view the BBC site.

Edited November 14, 2008 by BeeCeeBee

[Goku]

Have you tried using an alternate browser like Mozilla Firefox and Opera? Doee the page load properly in them?

 

-- Goku

[raj_head]

Thanks beecee. Had to reduce the video acceleration all the way down to get it to work but you're right in that i cant watch it full screen.

 

Ill definatley keep tabs on your thread about it cause it is very annoying!

 

Thanks again for the help.

 

edit: no havnt used any other browsers. ive tried firefox but it didnt seem to work properly and i guess i just prefer good ol' internet explorer!