DVD playback freezes

[Jeff]

I'm a first time poster, but I have been experiencing this problem for quite
some time now.

Basically, no matter what player I use, whether it be InterActual, Windows
Media Player, or RealPlayer (the latest one), the video playback on a DVD
seems to freeze, then I have to restart the movie and start from that spot.
Sometimes, it'll just crash the system. The following are the specs on my
computer, though please don't ask what kind of DVD-rom I have. I have some
sort of knock off brand. All I know is that it is 16X for DVDs, and about
48x for all other formats.

OS: Windows XP Service Pack 2
Video Card: XFX Force Nvidia 5200FX (256MB DDR RAM)
Memory: 256MB RAM
HD: 160GB drive 1, 20GB drive 2 (not used for anything)
CD-Burner at 16x12x8 I think (I could be wrong)
Motherboard: Chaintech 7KJD

I've tried updating the bios (they say the latest update is dated 9/5/03),
all my drivers, software updates, even got direct x 9.0c, and have
reinstalled it numerous times. My vid card passes all tests on the Direct X
testing. Same with sound. I've tried turning off and on hardware
acceration, and tried different positions. I'm still getting this problem.
Oh and I've tried updating the firmware on the DVD-rom.

Nothing seems to be helping short of buying a NEW motherboard/processor, and
more memory! That costs money I don't have and I know this has got to have
something simple for an answer. Any one with helpful tips is appreciated!

Thanks!

Jeff

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

I would certainly think about adding RAM, but look what else you have
running at the same time.... Use Ctrl-Alt-Del and see how many other
programs you have running and what percentage of the CPU resources they are
taking up.

 

[spina]

Hmm... it sounds more like there is somthing wrong with your software.
If you havent already, deinstall ALL your dvd stuff, the drivers and
apps (you dont need to uninstall wmp) and then just install one dvd
player (I DONT RECOMEND intervideo windvd 7 it screws up your sound
(if you have a proper stereo ie 5.1)) anyway see if it works then and
remember to reboot before you install the new one!

if that doesnt work it could be your dvd player but i have an idea for
that... I read about this application by one of the companys i use (I
have far to much dvd software on my comp ) and what the app does is
reads your whole dvd and stores it temporarily so that it acts like a
"super" buffer and once your like half way through the movie it isnt
even reading from the cd anymore...)
got it... its called DVD Idle from Fengtao Software Inc. you can
download it as a trial and then you just look on the net for you know
what (just get idlepro, that allows you to then watch all region
dvds )

Pm me and tell me if it helps at all, i would be glad to hear and help
more as i have just gone through the same stuff with my dvd stuff
cya
nicky