Windows Media Player doesn't...

[jeradsyn]

Running Win2K Pro on a Compaq Evo, Small form factor. Windows Media Player used to work for *.mpg's, however- now there is the default 'no-association' white flag w/ windows logo as an icon.

I checked the file association, showing as Media Player. The commands match those from a working system. Looked on MS Windows Update, but it showed no new patches. I checked Add/Remove to try a re-install, but only found remove entries for different patches and hotfixes.

Any suggestions as to how to re-enable WMP?

[GrandDad]

Start WMP ;
Under something like 'TOOLS' / Options / File types
select all or check the ones you want .

if you havn't done this already

[jeradsyn]

I had already tried that, GD... I appreciate the reply.

I was able to fix (?) the problem, though: While in the WMP folder, I noticed a setup_wm.exe file- I ran that and it re-installed everything, going back through the configuration process. It restored the icon's back to the four-colored circle with black arrow icon associated with WMP. Now- I'll have to check to see if it requires the installation of security patches again.

[GrandDad]

I had already tried that, GD... I appreciate the reply.

I was able to fix (?) the problem, though: While in the WMP folder, I noticed a setup_wm.exe file- I ran that and it re-installed everything, going back through the configuration process. It restored the icon's back to the four-colored circle with black arrow icon associated with WMP. Now- I'll have to check to see if it requires the installation of security patches again.

Sorry I wasn't any help , I figured I mention that above and if that hadn't been any help , then I'd try to find that hack to make
'Add-Remove Programs' show more of the Windows stuff
(don't remember off-hand how and if you didn't already know this)
and see if WMP showed then and go from there .
Glad you solved it tho

[jeradsyn]

The input was greatly appreciated and welcomed. The hack that you mentioned, sounds like it might be handy to have in 'my bag of tricks'... if you do happen to come across it, please post it!!!

[GrandDad]

edit : just tried this , still works under XP-SP2

This sounds like how I was told a couple years ago ;

"The good news is that reader Eric Roth of West Hurley, New York, has figured out how to force Windows to give up its secrets. Launch Windows Explorer, choose Tools, Folder Options, and then click the View tab. In the Advanced Settings list, make sure that Show hidden files and folders is checked, and click OK. Now navigate to the Inf subfolder in your Windows or Winnt folder (usually it's in the C: root directory). Inside Inf, look for a file called sysoc.inf, which may appear simply as 'sysoc' if you have file extensions hidden. Save a copy of this file to your desktop or to some other easy-to-find location in case you want to return things to the way they are now.

Double-click sysoc.inf to open it in Notepad. You'll see several lines under the '[Components]' heading that include the word 'hide'. To make all possible components visible, choose Edit, Replace, type hide in the 'Find what' box, and leave the 'Replace with' box empty. Click Replace All and then the Cancel button to close the dialog box. Choose File, Exit and click Yes when prompted to save the file.

Once the file is saved, return to Control Panel, click or double-click Add or Remove Programs (Add/Remove Programs in Windows 2000), and select Add/Remove Windows Components. This list and the nested lists within some items, such as 'Accessories and Utilities', should have more items than they had before "
from ;http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article...,103796,00.asp

Also some here ;
http://www.g4techtv.com/techtvvault/..._Programs.html

[jeradsyn]

GrandDad;

greatly appreciate the info. will keep that those handy- add it to my bag-o-tricks!