DVD drivers / decoders

**highlevel** · 03-20-2002 03:23 AM

Hi all, I recently rebuilt a Compaq computer (new motherboard and case) because the orignal failed 7 days out of warrantee. I kept all the other devices, CD, CPU, DVD-rom... It was and is a really good learning experience for me. I am a novice for sure (but trying .

). I also did a full install of XP because I had many problems with the former (ME). Everything thing works pretty well except for some minor problems with my modem and the DVD Player (DV-5700B). It used to work when I was running ME. I had DVmatics software. Now when I try to play DVDs I get the no decoder message, and DV matics is not anywhere to be found. I have the Quick Restore CDs from Compaq but they are for ME and I really don't want to load any of that back onto the machine

. It seems to me that the software and the decoders are right there but I have searched the CDs and all of the driver files are just numbered (no names) so I am not sure what I am looking at. Any guidance and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

**Fatal_Exception** · 03-20-2002 06:38 AM

DVmatics upgrade for Win XP

Click on Compaq icon and follow instructions

**highlevel** · 03-21-2002 02:43 AM

Thank you for the quick response.

I tried that one already. It won't work because I do not have a previous version of DVmatics....

I realized today that I do not have any of the former drivers or software from the original ME factory "set up" because I formatted the hard drive and started with it clean (as clean as possilble). Compaq sells computers with Winodws Cab files and all those are gone, so I don't know if the QR disks would be of any use at this point.

I wanted to get away from Compaq's "hold". I forgot to mention that both the case and motherboard are not Compaq. So, I have a computer that is semi-propietaryl and upgradable. Any parts that I have to replace will be NON Campaq.

I think I may have to find and/or purchase some new and different DVD software.

**Tor** · 03-21-2002 05:19 AM

I'm using PowerDVD XP and I'm very happy with it. Here's a link and they have a free trial download.

http://www.gocyberlink.com/english/p....jsp?ProdId=28

Also, make sure you have the latest winxp drivers for the actual DVD drive.

**bubblehd** · 03-21-2002 08:25 AM

I'm not sure this will help, but I experienced the same problem with a Toshiba Tecra 8100 laptop that I rebuilt for a friend. He was running Windows 2K and wanted to run Win98se due to some hardware driver issues. He was using DVD Express by Mediamatics (a division of National Semiconductor), and they don't support their product, they refer you to the system OEM. And if you're out of warranty, you could be on your own. At any rate, this is what I did to correct his problem:

Open Control Panel, Device Manager, CD-Rom's and select the CD-Rom drive that is your DVD player. Click on the Properties button, then the Settings tab. Verify that the DMA box is checked. Close and reboot.

If this doesn't fix the problem, you may have a compatibility issue with Windows XP.

Hope this helps.

**highlevel** · 03-21-2002 11:27 PM

Thank you for your suggestions.

I tried the control panel option and I do not have a settings tab in the CD Rom device manager file... so no DMA box to check.

The software versions that I have seen seem expensive, $50.00 and up. I could probably get a new DVD drive with software for not much more than the cost of the software by itself.

Thanks again and if there are any other ideas... I am open.

**Lycia** · 03-22-2002 06:30 PM

Originally posted by highlevel
Thank you for your suggestions.

I tried the control panel option and I do not have a settings tab in the CD Rom device manager file... so no DMA box to check.

The software versions that I have seen seem expensive, $50.00 and up. I could probably get a new DVD drive with software for not much more than the cost of the software by itself.

Thanks again and if there are any other ideas... I am open.

If you look, you could find PowerDVD4 for XP on the net. wink wink.

**highlevel** · 03-22-2002 09:39 PM

Thanks Lycia,

I looked at that site. The trial version is good for 30 days and only half hour of video at a time. To buy is $50.00. Do you have it?? And do you like it??

**Tor** · 03-22-2002 10:29 PM

If you look, you could find PowerDVD4 for XP on the net. wink wink

Something tells me the wink wink, means something!

Highlevel,
I use PowerDVD4 for XP and personally like it a lot. It has many features that aren't available on bundled DVD software. Have fun finding it! (It isn't that hard)

**highlevel** · 03-22-2002 10:58 PM

Thanks Tor,

Yes I believe you are right about the wink wink. I have no idea....

I did click on the link you sent me and went to the site. Thats where I saw the trial version. I did not download becuase it appeared to me from what I read that I would only be able to view half an hour of video. So not really worth it to me. I will decide about the purchase. I will probably do a little more research.

Thanks for the input on the software.

**Tor** · 03-22-2002 11:43 PM

Highlevel,

Have you used Kazaa? Or grokster?

The website is a good place to find out about all the options, and bells and whistles. One of the nice things I like about it is when you watch widescreen DVD, you can actually get PowerDVD to resize it and get rid of the empty space on top and bottom. Much better when watching movies on a 27" TV.

**highlevel** · 03-23-2002 12:05 AM

Tor,

I have not heard of or tried either of the ones you mentioned. I have just started on this "trek".

I work out of the home and not with computers so I do not have much time behind the screen lately.

Thanks for the tips.

**rextex** · 03-23-2002 01:08 AM

Highlevel, saw your post in the one for dodsimz.
if you want my opinion: Yes stick with FAT32 and avoid NTFS at all costs.NTFS is super complicated.FAT16 is even easier.But nowadays you might as well go with FAT32.
As for networks, it doesn't matter so much what the actual file system per the hard disk files are concerned.It is more about ease of use per the Operating system.XP is very new, complicated and difficult to learn.
ME had a lot of problems, so I don't blame you for upgrading but personaly Win98SE or even Win95 are better for the user with little knowledge.In fact Win98SE is still the choice O.S.
Most people here are using XP.They like it and I don't.I'll end up using it, but I have a lot of technical experience.
You don't really need XP and less so NTFS.In fact few people here understand much about NTFS.
But if you want to learn to use it and get used to it maybe you should.That way you don't have to learn it later.
(Sorry to barge in on post but other thread ending.)

p.s. For those of you that think you really know NTFS, head over to http://www.sysinternals.com/ and see how much you really don't understand!

**Tor** · 03-23-2002 02:46 AM

Highlevel,
Sorry if I've confused you. Kazaa, and Grokster are file sharing programs. They are good for sharing MP3's, video, just about anything you can put on your computer. I was refering to the PowerDVD website for finding about all of the bells and whistles of the program.

**highlevel** · 03-23-2002 02:48 AM

Thank you rextex,

I appreciate any and all information as I am just learning about all this.... and want to learn more.

I really appreciate the insight.

So far I like XP because It seems to have many ways to trouble shoot problems and I really like the fact that it does not Lock up (at least it has only once). I had so many problems with ME and Compaqs default answers to repair... Do a system restore or use the sysconfig utility to eliminate programs from running. My opinion is what's the point if you can't have programs running. I was so fed up after a year I will probably never be a Compaq customer again... and I was a great fan in the past.

XP is a little tempermental with Microsfts Logo @#(*&$@... but it does have some "user friendly" options that have helped me.

Could you point me in the direction a way to learn about NTFS?? If I was so inclined....

thanks again.

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