Windows 7: Programs installed continue crashing.

I've tried installing numerous programs like video converters and others but for some reason they all keep crashing when I try using them. I'm not to knowledgeable with computers, but I think it might have something to do with windows 7 or some sort of setting. Can someone please help?

Look at this topic. You may need to install CODECs like Shark so that Windows Media Player can play a variety of formats without needing video converters. If these video converters always crash, why use them??? The are probably not designed for Windows 7. If they have newer versions available for free download in the Internet, maybe those will do better on Windows 7.

WMP can not play all MP4 files

I forgot to mention that the problem is on my new laptop. And that I use the same converters on my desktop with windows XP, but the converters I downloaded for the laptop support to be compatible with Window 7. the reason I'm trying to use a converter is to convert video and audio files for my portable devices.