Vista - WMP 11 doesn't open automatically

Hi friends:

All had been working well until a few days ago. For some reason, now when I double-click a video file, I can hear the audio but I get no video. I must open WMP manually, and then I get the video of what I'm hearing. I used to double-click a video and it automatically opened WMP.

Then, to close WMP, I must stop the video first. Because if I don't, the audio will continue even though the video will not be seen. I then have to re-open the player, stop the video, then close WMP. I used to close the program (X on the WMP) and it would all (video and audio) close,

Any suggestions.

Thanks,
Hiram

Hey stop using WMP man!
There are so many alternatives available on the net like VLC media player for Windows...

Thanks for your reply, Dinesh. Actually, I have VLC and have heard your response from many.

But it sort of bugs me that all-of-a-sudden what worked doesn't. Plus, I use WMP for playlists, etc.

Now, since you are a "vista expert", do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Hiram

hmm, im gonna have a look into this for you
edit:
looks like your only option to fix windows vista's media player is to do a repair install, it will not over write your installation, just replaces system files to their original state, but its upto you if you want to go that far for WMP11.
if you do, look here on how to do it > Repair Install For Vista

Thanks Mr. Needs:

I visited the link, and I really don't know if I qualify for a repair. 1) I only have a system recovery disk that I made for my HP laptop, when I bought it 3 months ago. 2) I have SP1.

Plus, your "if you want to go that far for WMP" remark sounds like "it isn't really worth it". This is also the feeling I get after a lot of googling over this issue.

Any suggestions for alternatives??? Please let me know if you find anything out.

Thanks,
Hiram

Hi Hiram, now if you are looking for playlist purpose, i will suggest Download Winamp Media Player 5.541 - Download Winamp Media Player for Free
its quick and easy.

Thanks Dinesh. I'll try and let you know.

God Bless.
Regards.

Try to terminate (end process tree) windows media player process (wmplayer.exe) from Task Manager.

WM Player should work normally atleast once, after you reboot the computer. if not then some third party codec or application is trying to start wmplayer in background.
if that is the case you may have to try disabling third party services and startup items to find. Article.

I have the same problem.
So the answer is to ignore WMP and install something else?
Or can I uninstall and reinstall WMP? Will this make any difference, has anybody tried because I don't want to waste my time and effoert on fiddling with the darn thing.
Cheers

Does that mean delete wmplayer.exe from Task Manager?