Video file freezes XP

[Menikos]

Hello

Certain video files (like wmv) and certain online games can freeze my
computer. Sometimes I just need to restart and other times I need to
restore. Can anyone tell me if it is due to corrupt video/streaming files or
problem with XP? I am thinking of reformating but rather not. Thanks.

menikos

 

[decoder]

Hello

Certain video files (like wmv) and certain online games can freeze my
computer. Sometimes I just need to restart and other times I need to
restore. Can anyone tell me if it is due to corrupt video/streaming files
or problem with XP? I am thinking of reformating but rather not. Thanks.

menikos

The specification of your PC?
Performed defrag?
All updates? SP2?
"Streaming"? File sharing?
Uptodate AV and Firewall?

 

[Menikos]

My CPU is 1300MHz 1.3 GHz, 256MB ram and currently updated with SP2.I also
have that freezing problem when listening to certain radio online though not
with BBC radio (streaming?).

I share files by way of email only and I have updated AV and firewall.

 

[decoder]

My CPU is 1300MHz 1.3 GHz, 256MB ram and currently updated with SP2.I also
have that freezing problem when listening to certain radio online though
not with BBC radio (streaming?).

It could be any number of reasons.
You haven't mentioned MCE, so assumed you're not running MCE?
Your PC spec is absolute minimum, so it could be a cache issue,
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx

Or optional updates maybe required?
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/8f259118-0d61-4c7a-8c56-24987e87a8171033.mspx


When problem arises, how do you restart - Via Task Manager?
Have you called up task manager *prior* to viewing problematic
media content? If so, have you disabled superfluous applications
that maybe causing a "drain"? (Excluding AV and Firewall)
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...ocs/en-us/taskman_whats_there_w.mspx?mfr=true


The streaming video content issues, may require directX update:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.mspx

Dr Watson
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308538/en-us


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308106/en-us#appliesto

 

[JC]

I'm having a similar problem: I just built a pc Pentium D 2.66 ghz, 2gb Ram,
PCI Geforce 6200 128mb HD 160Gb. Anytime I try to play any video (movies,
dvds, internet movies previews, some games, etc) it looks like my xp-sp2
freezes but actually it goes way to slow; even when i hit ctrl-alt-delete it
takes a while for that windows to shows up. I've looking online for any
solution but i haven't find anything yet. Any ideas?

 

[decoder]

I'm having a similar problem: I just built a pc Pentium D 2.66 ghz, 2gb
Ram, PCI Geforce 6200 128mb HD 160Gb. Anytime I try to play any video
(movies, dvds, internet movies previews, some games, etc) it looks like my
xp-sp2 freezes but actually it goes way to slow; even when i hit
ctrl-alt-delete it takes a while for that windows to shows up. I've
looking online for any solution but i haven't find anything yet. Any
ideas?

Thats a long order! It could be anything!
So I'll list the obvious stuff to check first:

1) Your HDD of 160gb, I'll assume is just a single HDD?
Though not stated if IDE or sata? If IDE.......
As you built it yourself, ensure the correct file system
has been selected, Open "My Computer"
Highlight your drive - C, if thats where XP is installed.
And check details under "File system".
If Fat or Fat32, then convert to the far superior NTFS
file system, this can be done within XP. To do so:
Click Start/Run
Type: cmd
Press Return key
At the Command Prompt, type: convert c:/fs:ntfs
Press Return key
During process, XP will reboot and check disk will run,
Your PC will reboot a further 2 times.
Your PC will now have faster access via the more
efficient NTFS file system.

2) again, If IDE, Open Device Manager
Scroll and locate IDE/ATAPI Controllers
RIGHT-click Primary IDE Channel:
Under the Advanced Settings tab,
"Device 0, device type" will be greyed out
because this is your HDD (It is isn't it?).
Now, In "Device 1, device type" will be
set to Auto Detection. If no device is attached
this will be time consuming and pointless.
So, click the drop-down and set to: "None"
Repeat this for the secondary IDE channel if
again only one device is attached (Burner etc).

3) Having made efficient use of HDD (assuming it is IDE) as above,
now to boost it's performance.
To enable efficient cache writing of data to disk,
In Device Manager, RIGHT-click your HDD and
choose "Properties".
Then Click "Enable write caching on disk"
Close all windows, Reboot.


4) You probably know that the start up folder can contain
superflous stuff that slows boot up times, and also may
cause conflicts, which could be a cause of your problems, so...
GoTo: Start/Run and type: msconfig
the System Configuration Utility opens.
Under the Startup tab will be everything listed that
starts with XP and remains running.
Remove unnecessary software and applications, but
do not disable anti-virus.
This is in some cases only temporary, as the default
settings will reset with each boot, these you will have
to configure within those softwares options.
(Open software that keeps returning to Startup,
rummage around for options, disble load with XP etc)

5) Update Everything!
Drivers:
These for XP now come as Signed and Unsigned.
Signed means it has undergone vigorous MS testing.
GoTo: Control Panel/System
Select the Hardware Tab
You will see there is 3 options,
Ensure "Warn" is selected.
Now when installing drivers, you will receive a
warning if the drivers are Unsigned, you still have
the option to install Unsigned drivers, but at least
you will be warned.
Now logon to the sites for your Hardware and
download/install the latest drivers for those devices,
in your specific case this is important for your
graphics card, modem, soundcard etc.

Software:
ALL software requires patches and bug fixes,
example, My two hauppauge pci digital TV cards
capture software have had 13 comprehensive online
updates in just 20 months!

Windows Update.
GoTo: Start/Windows Update
It will scan that you have the latest update software
and that yours is a legit version of XP.
It will then perform a full system scan.
Two options will be presented, Express or Custom.
Select Custom.
The Express option will only include Critical updates
and hotfixes.
The Custom option will also list optional updates
for software and hardware, you can view thse and
choose to install.

 

[Menikos]

It could be any number of reasons.

You haven't mentioned MCE, so assumed you're not running MCE?

If you meant media center edition, I don't have that programme.

Your PC spec is absolute minimum, so it could be a cache issue,
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx

I have followed the steps in this link and also increased disk space for
temp. file from 250MB to 500MB. Please let me know if that's too much!

Will increasing my RAM chip help, if so, should I double what I have
currently?

Or optional updates maybe required?
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/8f259118-0d61-4c7a-8c56-24987e87a8171033.mspx

I'm on automatic updating already.

When problem arises, how do you restart - Via Task Manager?

That would not be possible since the problem would freeze my pc. When that
happens I either reset or switch off and on.

Have you called up task manager *prior* to viewing problematic
media content? If so, have you disabled superfluous applications
that maybe causing a "drain"? (Excluding AV and Firewall)
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...ocs/en-us/taskman_whats_there_w.mspx?mfr=true

I have, on average, about 30 processes with 2 - 3% cpu usage with ocassional
upsurges and I have ascertained their necessity, for ie, av, firewall, oe,
though svchost seems to take up a fair bit of cpu usage.

Would data kept in the partitioned D drive also cause the drain?

The streaming video content issues, may require directX update:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.mspx

Ok I'll get this update and see what happens and revert.

Dr Watson
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308538/en-us

Sorry, what am I supposed to look for with the Drwtsn32.log?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308106/en-us#appliesto

I don't use media bar to play media files since I don't use windows media
player exclusively. BTW, I do not have Media listed under the Explorer Bar.

 

[decoder]

If you meant media center edition, I don't have that programme.


I have followed the steps in this link and also increased disk space for
temp. file from 250MB to 500MB. Please let me know if that's too much!

That is fine.

Will increasing my RAM chip help, if so, should I double what I have
currently?

At the very least double it. http://www.crucial.com/
These are the leaders in assuring correct and compatible RAM sticks,
When site loads, use the guide, please note, that how much RAM that
can be accommadated is dictated by the Mobo, but unlike previous
versions of Windows, XP will utilize all installed RAM.

I'm on automatic updating already.

Auto updating is only critical updates and hotfixes.
"Optional" updates, are for you to decide to install.....
GoTo: Start/Windows Update
Allow system scan to perform.
You will receive option for "Express" or "Custom" install.
Select "Custom"
You will then be presented with a selection of "Optional"
updates for Hardware and software etc.
You can review each of the "Optional" updates prior to
selecting to install...........

That would not be possible since the problem would freeze my pc. When that
happens I either reset or switch off and on.

Then in that case...........
With 95/98, the hardware was new and early stage, and as
such frequent defragmenting and scandisk was required,
not so with modern hardware, also software these days
"tags" everything for easier locating, but, with "forced" shutdown,
it is always adviseable to perform full defragmentation, and to
run checkdisk to isolate any errors that "forced" shutdown may
have caused.

I have, on average, about 30 processes with 2 - 3% cpu usage with
ocassional upsurges and I have ascertained their necessity, for ie, av,
firewall, oe, though svchost seems to take up a fair bit of cpu usage.

svchost is vital to windows, you must never end this task.
This site has a description, and also an online scan for
svchost process errors.
http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/svchost/

See also:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/svchost.htm

Would data kept in the partitioned D drive also cause the drain?

Depending on what the "data" is and how it is accessed?
Provisionally, it is doubtful that drive will be the problem?

Ok I'll get this update and see what happens and revert.

You can only benefit from directX update.

 

[Menikos]

At the very least double it. http://www.crucial.com/

These are the leaders in assuring correct and compatible RAM sticks,
When site loads, use the guide, please note, that how much RAM that
can be accommadated is dictated by the Mobo, but unlike previous
versions of Windows, XP will utilize all installed RAM.

My Mobo is not listed there so can I just take it that whatever RAM stick
slots that are available (maybe 2), I can put in another 256MB?

Then in that case...........
With 95/98, the hardware was new and early stage, and as
such frequent defragmenting and scandisk was required,
not so with modern hardware, also software these days
"tags" everything for easier locating, but, with "forced" shutdown,
it is always adviseable to perform full defragmentation, and to
run checkdisk to isolate any errors that "forced" shutdown may
have caused.

I've carried both suggestions and no error indicated.

svchost is vital to windows, you must never end this task.
This site has a description, and also an online scan for
svchost process errors.
http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/svchost/

Can the Repair Registry also correct errors of files which belong to
virus/trojan/spyware etc?

See also:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/svchost.htm

I viewed the sample list given here and the one in microsoft but I am not
savvy enough to know which is ok or not, like how can I spot virus copies of
svchost? This concern comes from my frequent system restore.

Depending on what the "data" is and how it is accessed?
Provisionally, it is doubtful that drive will be the problem?

Basically Word docs, pdfs, photos, graphic files and backups.

You can only benefit from directX update.

I have done the update and viewing a few video files did not create any
freezing problem. On the other hand opening up OE for the first time after
the update caused my pc to freeze. So I am still not out of the woods, am I?

 

[Wojo [MVP]]

I'm just catching up with this thread so bear with me if I sat anything that
was already said.
See my comments inline:

My Mobo is not listed there so can I just take it that whatever RAM stick
slots that are available (maybe 2), I can put in another 256MB?

I assume the 256MB you currently have is on 1 stick in 1 slot?
If so then yes another 256 would/should work just fine.

I've carried both suggestions and no error indicated.

No error but performing the defrag almost certainly made things faster and
smoother.

Can the Repair Registry also correct errors of files which belong to
virus/trojan/spyware etc?

Not likely

I viewed the sample list given here and the one in microsoft but I am not
savvy enough to know which is ok or not, like how can I spot virus copies
of
svchost? This concern comes from my frequent system restore.


Basically Word docs, pdfs, photos, graphic files and backups.
Harmless


I have done the update and viewing a few video files did not create any
freezing problem. On the other hand opening up OE for the first time after
the update caused my pc to freeze. So I am still not out of the woods, am
I?

Now for my addition
I didn't see anywhere in the thread any mention of codec's.
Go into Add/Remove programs and look for any installed codec packages and
uninstall them,
especially Divx codec's since there are many out there that are bad.
Don't worry downloading and installing codec's is not a problem if this
doesn't work.
Also visit this site for an online virus scan:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Sometimes if you have a virus/Trojan/spyware program on your computer it may
have messed
up your installed antivirus so run Trend Micro's online virus scan.
--
Wojo
MVP - Windows Digital Media

Wojo's Web: www.wojos-web.co.nr
Also please visit:
www.remember-christopher.dostweb.com/christopher

 

[Menikos]

I assume the 256MB you currently have is on 1 stick in 1 slot?

If so then yes another 256 would/should work just fine.

Yes, you are right about that and I have only 1 slot available, so I will
just put in another 256 stick.

Now for my addition
I didn't see anywhere in the thread any mention of codec's.
Go into Add/Remove programs and look for any installed codec packages and
uninstall them,

None of that can be seen there.

especially Divx codec's since there are many out there that are bad.
Don't worry downloading and installing codec's is not a problem if this
doesn't work.

I have never downloaded this on purpose.

Also visit this site for an online virus scan:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Sometimes if you have a virus/Trojan/spyware program on your computer it
may have messed
up your installed antivirus so run Trend Micro's online virus scan.
--

Good idea, got rid of some rubbish too. To understand better, what's the
difference between using Java-based Housecall kernel and Browser plug-in
installing and using Housecall kernel?

 

[decoder]

Yes, you are right about that and I have only 1 slot available, so I will
just put in another 256 stick.


None of that can be seen there.


I have never downloaded this on purpose.


Good idea, got rid of some rubbish too. To understand better, what's the
difference between using Java-based Housecall kernel and Browser plug-in
installing and using Housecall kernel?

Sorry for delay in replying (I'm a shift worker in London)
The bottomline as I see it is, that in all probabilty there is
corruption, or your system is seriously struggling?

The first thing we are going to do, is isolate OE.
If you followed Wojo's link to an online scan, then
that eliminates contamination.
I have to state I do not know what the correlation is between
dubious media file playback and OE being problematic.
This first link is to a Microsoft Knowledge base article re
disabling OE, though the article dosen't specify the outcome,
basically, you will "deactivate" OE.
This will now take OE out of the frame, and any corruption
within.
Admittedly you lose your client...for a period, we are just
going to see if it is OE that is the source of the problem?
Once deactivated, run your PC for a day or two, trying files
that were previously problematic.
If all runs OK, then you will "Re-Activate" OE.
The Re-activation will hopefully also "fix" any corruption that
was the inherent cause of the original problem?
This is the link, follow the instructions to "remove" OE.
If your PC then runs OK, then Re-activate OE as per the instructions:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/263837/en-us

If all is OK with OE reactivated, you *must" update/upgrade
your XP installation, you are currently running a very basic
hardware configuration for XP.

If the problem vanished with OE de-activated, but re-appeared
with OE being re-activated, that squarely places the blame on
a corrupt configuration of OE, but re-activating it didn't fix it?
Then A full removal and reinstall is required, but that may require
a XP installation disk, we will deal with this stage if we get to it...
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;318378&spid=2578&sid=global

 

[Menikos]

Sorry for delay in replying (I'm a shift worker in London)

The bottomline as I see it is, that in all probabilty there is
corruption, or your system is seriously struggling?

Don't worry about that, it's only a short delay; I know you guys have a 9-5
(or vice versa). I appreciate your patience and assistance. BTW, I used to
work in London, many years ago, more than 2 decades ago actually.

I will try to get the 256 stick this weekend and see what happens.

The first thing we are going to do, is isolate OE.
If you followed Wojo's link to an online scan, then
that eliminates contamination.

OE has been giving me that problem for sometime in the past though
infrequently and I've just been bearing with it that's all.

I have to state I do not know what the correlation is between
dubious media file playback and OE being problematic.

Perhaps there is none, since the OE hiccup started months ago and with the
recent update on the DirectX, running the media files has been trouble free
so far (touch wood!).

I will check out your suggestion on act/deactthe OE with my new ram stick
and see how it goes and revert.

Just to deviate a bit, how (in simple steps please) can I convert video
clips taken with digital camera so that they can viewed with real or windows
player? How can I reduce the converted clip size?

 

[JC]

Hi guys,
After following all your advices, after investing several hours trying to
figurate out why i can't play any videos on my pc. I decide to install Vista
Beta in the second partition (I have a IDE HDD). (I have not reinstall
windows yet because the XP and office licences I have are from my old Dell
Dimension 2400, When I installed them in my new pc i had to call microsoft;
it was kind of a pain to get the authorization codes) well, as I was saying,
I installed Vista just to see if it was a hardware problem . . . . i CAN
play any movie, games, etc. so, it is definitely a XP SP2 software problem.
I was thinking to uninstall everything (even sp2 and updates) keeping only
XP, office and my antivirus (AGV Free Home edition) and firewall (zone
Alarm)

something funny to add about my "case" After i start to try to play a movie
or video the pc (XP-SP2) slows down but not freezes, the cpu is at 70-80%
and still i have plenty of free memory. if I don't do anything to my pc it
starts to play the movie's sound afyer 10 - 15 min. but not video, just a
black screen instead of the actual video; the pc returns to its normal
behavior and i can close the movie player windows without a problem.

thanks guys

 

[decoder]

Hi guys,
After following all your advices, after investing several hours trying to
figurate out why i can't play any videos on my pc. I decide to install
Vista Beta in the second partition (I have a IDE HDD). (I have not
reinstall windows yet because the XP and office licences I have are from
my old Dell Dimension 2400, When I installed them in my new pc i had to
call microsoft; it was kind of a pain to get the authorization codes)
well, as I was saying, I installed Vista just to see if it was a hardware
problem . . . . i CAN play any movie, games, etc. so, it is definitely a
XP SP2 software problem.
I was thinking to uninstall everything (even sp2 and updates) keeping only
XP, office and my antivirus (AGV Free Home edition) and firewall (zone
Alarm)

something funny to add about my "case" After i start to try to play a
movie or video the pc (XP-SP2) slows down but not freezes, the cpu is at
70-80% and still i have plenty of free memory. if I don't do anything to
my pc it starts to play the movie's sound afyer 10 - 15 min. but not
video, just a black screen instead of the actual video; the pc returns to
its normal behavior and i can close the movie player windows without a
problem.

thanks guys

Hi
There is just one thing I would like you to try:
If your version of XP/SP2 has .NET Framework 1 installed,
follow this procedure to either remove or repair.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;824643

 

[decoder]

Don't worry about that, it's only a short delay; I know you guys have a
9-5
(or vice versa). I appreciate your patience and assistance. BTW, I used to
work in London, many years ago, more than 2 decades ago actually.

I will try to get the 256 stick this weekend and see what happens.



OE has been giving me that problem for sometime in the past though
infrequently and I've just been bearing with it that's all.


Perhaps there is none, since the OE hiccup started months ago and with the
recent update on the DirectX, running the media files has been trouble
free
so far (touch wood!).

I will check out your suggestion on act/deactthe OE with my new ram stick
and see how it goes and revert.

Just to deviate a bit, how (in simple steps please) can I convert video
clips taken with digital camera so that they can viewed with real or
windows player? How can I reduce the converted clip size?

When you say "digital camera" do you mean a stills cam that also
takes video clips, or a DV camcorder?
For this answer I'll assume it's a camera, and assume the format
is apples quicktime annoying .MOV file type, if so:
These are the four top tools for converting, but not free:
http://www.videohelp.com/tools?convert=MOV to WMV

Apple want license fees to enable playback, MS won't pay
or WMP wouldn't be free!

Also have a look here for freeware:
http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/gmm/fwvideconvert.html

Or download an open source mediaplayer that plays any file type:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/xine

 

[Menikos]

Wow! with a new stick I'm at warp (well, almost) speed now!!!

However, my first try in viewing news video online failed miserably despite
having carried out nearly all those suggested over various postings. Before
playing that video, I had my registry repaired (bout 1400 files)and updated
real media. Could that upset the cart or videos online are just not up to
par? Should I restore my registry repair?

 

[decoder]

Wow! with a new stick I'm at warp (well, almost) speed now!!!

However, my first try in viewing news video online failed miserably
despite having carried out nearly all those suggested over various
postings. Before playing that video, I had my registry repaired (bout 1400
files)and updated real media. Could that upset the cart or videos online
are just not up to par? Should I restore my registry repair?

Whoa! Slow down, exactly what are you using for "Registry repair"?
Hopefully it wasn't one of those pop-up's that direct you to an online
tool?
This is the video forum, alas I suspect we are going to have to steer
you to dedicated forums for dubious registry repair tools.....

What online video (streaming?) failed miserably?
How did it "fail"? cookies blocked? Securty blocked?
Error messages?

 

[Menikos]

Whoa! Slow down, exactly what are you using for "Registry repair"?
Hopefully it wasn't one of those pop-up's that direct you to an online
tool?

It's Registry Repair 2005 by Stompsoft.

This is the video forum, alas I suspect we are going to have to steer
you to dedicated forums for dubious registry repair tools.....

What online video (streaming?) failed miserably?

News video from online newspaper.

How did it "fail"? cookies blocked? Securty blocked?
Error messages?

Nope, none of that, it's the same freezing problem.