"Windows Media cannot play DVD because a compatible DVD decoder is not installed on your computer"

When I insert a any DVD into my Dvd player I receive a message that states

"Windows Media cannot play DVD because a compatible DVD decoder is not installed on your computer"

I have Windows XP professional, I have not played a DVD on the computor in many months. How can I fix this.

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If you have a DVD Decoder (Power DVD for Example) try reinstalling it.

If not...have a look at the following site:

Info on DVD Decoders:
Plug-ins for Windows Media Player
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/plugins.aspx

Also you could try one of the following freeware players that will play DVDs:

(FWIW...it's always a good idea to create a System
Restore point before installing software or updates)

VLC Media Player
http://www.videolan.org/

Media Player Classic
http://www.filehippo.com/download_media_player_classic/
(just unzip it and run it...no installation required)

Media Player Classic Home Cinema
http://majorgeeks.com/Media_Player_Classic_Home_Cinema_d6213.html
(runs on XP/Vista/7)

Also it may be worth a try to install one of the following Codec Packs:

*Proceed At Your Own Risk*

1) Info about CCCP (Combined Community Codec Pack)
http://www.cccp-project.net/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page


2) K-Lite Codec Pack (Full)
http://www.filehippo.com/download_klite_codec_pack/

Good luck.....