Comments on: Finally, a (partial) solution for “poisoned” Windows Media files!

By: alicia

alicia — Thu, 03 Nov 2005 07:01:59 +0000

I am new to computers,I have “microsoft autmatic updates” and some how I think it installed wmp 10 and now I CAN NOT WATCH MOVIES. I bought the computer 2 years ago and iI used to watch movies on my computer via dvd ram, I have windows xp and now when I want ot play a movie a small window says I most install a decoder, I HAVE IT ALREADY WHEN I BOUGHT THIS COMPUTER. I ask at the store and the tech says that maybe it was automatically erased when I installed wmp 10 please HELP

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

I am running Windows XP and WMP 10.00.00.3646 and running the Update from inside WMP does not detect any updates. I am off to apply the manual fix.

By: Chris G.

Chris G. — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Same thing for me, I have 3646 and the check for updates reveals that I have the “latest” version.

Manual update for me. This is the most pathetic security update release I have seen in some time…you would think Microsoft would be rushing to get this out quickly.

By: Neil T.

Neil T. — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Same for me as well – 3646 and no automatic update.

By: Ed Bott

Ed Bott — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

My head’s about to explode from all the permutations of this stuff. I’ve just updated the post to reflect the fact that 3802 may not be sufficient. On some computers running Windows XP and WMP 10, the upgrade to 3802 seems to fix this issue, but on others it doesn’t. So go ahead and update if you want, but also download and install the 892313 patch.

It would be nice if this were properly documented, wouldn’t it?

By: Bill Godfrey

Bill Godfrey — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Does anyone please have a WMV/WMA file that points to a safe website? (So I can check I’ve got it set up right.)

By: Ed Bott

Ed Bott — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

There are some sample files at this page, which is owned by a company that sells DRM packages. Click the Free sample, which will open in Windows Media Player. It's a harmless media clip that displays a logo. Play the clip in WMP a couple times and you will eventually be prompted to acquire a license. If you see a dialog box first, you've successfully installed the patch.

By: Navigatr1

Navigatr1 — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Pathetic. I am experiencing the same problems as the others who have commented. I have 3646 too and the check for updates reveals that I have the “latest” version. It took me awhile to locate the patch. Typical Microsoft doesn’t make it very easy. They don’t know how to use Active Directory even though they actively promote it.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;892313

The April Security newletter didn’t even mention this patch.

So do you uninstall 3646 to upgrade to 3802?

By: Yerubal

Yerubal — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

There is an error in your WMP April 18 posting.
In the paragraph
=======
If you run Windows XP and you have upgraded to Windows Media Player 10, download and install the update for Windows Media Player 10 from this page. (Update: I removed …patch. If you want the latest version, which is identified as 10.00.00.3802, you can download it manually from this page.)
========
The two links (”this page”) are identical!!
(and both end with 34682 and lead to the
manual installation page)
As I write this, it is April 22, ca. 6pm MDT
yerubal

By: yerubal

yerubal — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Many thanks for fixing the glitch (see my April 22 comment)! Now the two links are different and point to where they should.
yerubal, april 24

By: Ed Bott

Ed Bott — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Thanks for pointing out the mistake! I was able to fix it very quickly once you made note of it.

By: Larry

Larry — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Ed, I am using Win 98SE & WMP V 9.00.00.2980. In simple English for us computer dummies how do I “disable all downloads of signed and unsigned ActiveX controls”? Or forget it, and just uninstall it?. Thanks for your help.

By: Ed Bott

Ed Bott — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Larry, follow the manual intructions here. If you're willing to experiment with the script, you could try it as well, but I haven't tested it on Windows 98 and don't know whether it would work. I think it won't.

By: Larry

Larry — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Thanks Ed for getting back to me. I took the manual route. I feel a little safer now. It’s nice to find a site that (we) non technical people can use to answer our bazillon questions. I will recommend your site to all my non-tech friends (we are all “old dogs trying to learn new tricks”). Thanks again for your time…..

By: Ed Bott

Ed Bott — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Hapy to help. And you should also check out the Windows XP Inside Out Forum...