Did MS patches (May) break rmvb support in MPC?

Why are media players so difficult to setup?
Setting up Windows is "a piece of cake", compared to the codec nightmares involved in media players (also unlike Windows, Linux & Graphics programs, I haven't seen any decent websites on the subject).

Did MS Patches in May break rmvb support in MPC-HC?

Yesterday I tried to play some rmvb files using Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC).
I know that the files are good because I can play them using Real Player and via a network-linked "movie dock" (and until recently I could play them on my PC).

This problem is present on my XP SP3 and Windows 7 installs.

The video plays perfectly, but no sound is available.
I receive the following message:



I tried the following, to no avail:

• installing the latest version of K-Lite (604 full and 607 patch) and Real Player.
• installing Real Alternative (that wouldn't play sound or video on my PC - initially).
• Internet search solutions, including deleting some Reg Keys.
• re-imaged my HDD using my backup from after May's Patch Tuesday (I foolishly deleted my April OS backup files. ).

I do have some earlier backups, but its a bit of a pain to replace the partitions and then have Windows and multiple programs start screaming for their updates.


Did the patches in May delete/disable codecs that were on my PC?
Has anyone else experienced this?
Does anyone know how to fix this problem?
Does anyone know a good site, that explains how to set the 1000s of codec/media player options?

Thanks in advance. :)

This program will help you identify what codecs are needed to play a media file.

GSpot

You can then see if you have it, or download latest version. Since you installed klite codec pack, you would normally be covered. It's possible you have a corrupted codec and it was not successfully overwritten by the new installation. Klite does uninstall older version 1st. But you might try removing with Revo Uninstaller Free, then make a fresh install. Alternately, you could see if VLC will play it correctly.

A Guy

A Guy said:

This program will help you identify what codecs are needed to play a media file.

GSpot

You can then see if you have it, or download latest version. Since you installed klite codec pack, you would normally be covered. It's possible you have a corrupted codec and it was not successfully overwritten by the new installation. Klite does uninstall older version 1st. But you might try removing with Revo Uninstaller Free, then make a fresh install. Alternately, you could see if VLC will play it correctly.

A Guy

Thanks for your reply. :)

I have GSpot and it says that I need something called Cook (at least that is what I think it is saying).
I have searched my PC and I have Cook (Real Player has it).

During April, I was able to successfully play rmvb files (sound and video). Since May I can only play rmvb video.
The only thing that I can recall changing is, I installed the various patches for XP SP3 and Windows 7, that MS made available.
Hence my question.

I have tried Gom, MPC-HC and Real Alternative (they all display the same behaviour).
Only Real Player will play the files correctly on my PC (now).

I was wondering if it would be possible to create/edit the Registry locations mentioned (see screenshot) and include a pointer to the appropriate file. I have done some Registry editing and created simple additions, but I am "first grade" level compared to some of the guys who contribute to this site.

"During April, I was able to successfully play rmvb files (sound and video)."
That must have been before the updates for that month.

I tried re-imaging my XP partition with my April backup (I found it on one of my external drives).
Still no joy.

I installed VLC Plus and it does play the files correctly. :)

I finally fixed my MPC (K-Lite Codec Pack) problem.
Real Player was preventing MPC from working correctly.

What I did:

• Uninstalled Real Player (Rhapsody doesn't have to be removed).
• Used ASC3, CCleaner and Glary Utilities to cleanup the "orphaned" Registry entries
• Downloaded windows-essential-20071007.zip
• Extracted the following files from the zip file (to a folder):
  
  • cook.dll
  • drv33260.dll
  • drv43260.dll
  • pncrt.dll
  • sipr3260.dll
  
  
• Copied the extracted dlls to c:\Windows
• Downloaded K-Lite Mega Codec Pack (the 32 bit version)
• Installed K-Lite Mega Codec Pack (I chose "Profile 7: Lots of Stuff")

You can install K-Lite Mega Codec Pack in the default location or in a location of your choice.
I tried these locations:

• "C:\Program Files (x86)"
• "E:\Programs 7\Media Player"

The installer creates a folder called "K-Lite Codec Pack".

windows-essential-20071007.zip
http://www.mplayerhq.hu/design7/dload.html
Look for:
Table: Binary Codec Packages (about 1/3 of the way down the page).
Entry: Windows x86 20071007

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack
Codec Guide: K-Lite Codec Pack - Windows 7 codecs

Forum Rules:
Deleted the direct link to the zip file.