Windows 7 - WMP freezes playing Xvid avi

Seems some misunderstanding,
I meant that all media players are able to play these files but they all hang the OS for few mins then continue again, this happens with all the xvids (for sure) but lately .flv files downloaded from youtube are also doing the same now.

Seems my problem is solved today when I tried playing the xvid in Jriver media center, I watched the whole movie without any problem, though I still don't know the source of the problem but I will keep my finger crossed & try other xvids next few day to confirm.

I have 4 hdd do I need to turn off "write-cache buffer" on all drives or just the OS drive (seagate 1.5TB HDD)?

only turn off if you are using an ssd drive. if you have to turn it off on a sata drive there is some other problem.

What kind of problems on sata drives can you give more details?

I have removed it from my (non SSD) 1.5Tb SATA drive and it did solve the video problem and I have never had a problem with the setup. The computer is used solely as a media centre using Windows 7 media centre software (x64), with it I watch all sorts of media files (mostly full HD 1080p using K-Lite Mega Codecs x32 and x64), TV, mp3, pictures you name it... The setup is very stable and works like dream. Before removing the write cache avi, mkv files were unwatchable because they used to stop and restart. Personally I don't see a problem in removing the write cache on all your drives - it should make the system more responsive.

See http://www.windowsreference.com/wind...s-server-2008/ for a brief description of what write cache does.

Hope that helps.

Hi!
I have the same issue, first it came with the new PotPlayer. Later it did with KMPlayer then with WMP as well. The problem occurs with only xvid videos, every x264-encoded stuff was good except one.
I disabled the write cache but the issue has remained.
I almost forget it: I bought a new HDD (WD5000BEVT, changed from another WD), the problem occurs only since then.