DVD Rom

[Guest]

My DVD Rom does not want to play any movies. It reads regular CD's, but not
DVD's. Why? I have Win XP.

 

[Jerry]

It won't play movies until you install DVD playing software.

 

[Rube]

DVD-Rom drives only play movies if you have a decoder. For PC's this is
usually a software decoder. They are usually included with the purchase of a
new DVD-Rom drive.

Old article, but still accurate:
http://www.g4techtv.com/techtvvault/features/22336/DVD_Decoders_Demystified_pg1.html

 

[S.Sengupta]

you need DVD Decoder software.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/windowsxp/dvdplay.aspx

regards,
ssg MS-MVP

 

[Alex Nichol]

My DVD Rom does not want to play any movies. It reads regular CD's, but not
DVD's. Why?

Playing movies requires a 'codec' to decode them. One does not come
with XP; you have to install a third party player, or buy just a codec;
one source is http://www.cineplayer.com/decoder/default.htm?from= (top
item, $14.99)