Windows 7 - Win 7 pro 64 can't watch movie using media center.

I can't play home video or ripped movies using windows 7 Pro 64 media center. When I click play, nothing happens. But when I move the mouse, I see the video time bar running and then stop. I installed NVIDIA PURE DECODER to see if that is that I need it, but no luck. Still doing the same thing. I didn't have any problem when I had Win XP Media Center 2005. I have the WIN 7 Ultimate evaluation copy, and I can watch my movies from my windows home server without a problem. I don't know if is bad installation or what. I ran the windows advisor before the installation and all it need is was 2 gig of ram to be able to run Aero, everything else was good. Please help me.

Thanks!
Boricua

Computer Description: Dell Dimension E310 with 1 gig of ram and lots HD space, NVIDI Gforce 5200 video card, belkin wireless adapter and 3. ghz cpu.

I would upgrade your RAM and Video Card...an nVidia 5200 is not a good choice for movie playback in Windows 7 and at least 2GB of RAM is a good choice. Dell can suggest both items for you if you're not comfortable purchasing but can install them..the specs for WMC are higher than typical minimal specs...when you play the movies from your WHS, it is doing alot of the work. When you play the movie directly, your PC is doing all the work.

I thought the same thing, upgrading those 2 things. First I will upgrade the ram to see what happens. Does anyone out there got any other idea or solution?

Thanks!
Boricua

I just tried a FX 5200 and it definitely does not work with Media Center.

I use Newegg for PC upgrades. They have several video cards that are listed as compatible with Windows 7 and have enough muster to run HD video in WMC. I recommend nVidia Video Cards.

As for RAM, Kingston has a tool to use when upgrading memory. Make sure you are very specific when using it. Once you have the Kingston part number you can search for deals online or purchse directly from Kingston. Most retailers will not take RAM back if you bought the wrong one, or even if it is defective, so I deal with the manufacturer(s) directly. Make sure you purchase a matched set.

Again, if you visit the Dell Support website for home users, you can find Windows 7 information and specific recommendations for your exact PC by starting with your Dell Service Tag, located on a small tag on your PC case. I do not purchase upgrade or replacement parts from Dell diectly as their warranty terms are generally less than if buying direct from the Manufacturer, 90 days vs. 1-3 years, typically. Grab the specs from Dell and buy direct.

Before proceeding to upgrade a PC's hardware, make sure you use safety, always power down and unplug everything first, etc..