Windows 7 Media Centre - Video Error Message

Trotter

Hi all,

Can anyone explain what I need to do with this error message in order to be able to use Media Centre for live TV.

"Files needed to display video are not installed or are not working correctly. Restart windows media centre or restart the computer".

I have an analog cable plugged into my new TV card (Its an older PC, Dell Dimension 3100) and I can see the TV channels using Win TV 7 that came with the card.

I can't even play Media Centre's own sample video without seeing that error message.



This error message popped up also when I reinstalled windows from scratch trying to get it working..



Have I got 2 problems, one software and one hardware or would a new graphics card do the trick?


I'm a bit clueless as to what to do. Hope you can help.
Thanks a lot

subway

both are related to the grpahics card (i think)
is there a graphics in the 3100 (i dont think there was)
if so, check that it meets the spec for 7 and also check that its installed correctly.

if it doesnt meet the spec, its time to upgrade. iirc the 3100 has no graphics upgrade options (agp port desoldered) so you would need to find a PCI (not PCI-e) that meets the requirements.

Trotter

Thanks for that. I've a free PCI slot so I'll take a trip to the shop later.

subway

i dont think youll get one in a shop.
you would probably need to buy second-hand and even then I'm not sure if one exists that will have the spec for 7mc

Trotter

Is there any way of finding out if I have a PCI-Express slot in the PC? I remember when I bought the PC that my friend recommended a better version because it had a better motherboard and would last longer.

Could I have a PCI Express slot ?

subway

im thinking of an older version of the 3100.
there is another version on dell.com -
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3100/en/sm/techov0.htm#wp1058089

this has a PCI 1x slot so if its the system you have, you will need to be careful about which card you buy, but it can be upgraded.

ynotdu

Trotter wrote: »

Hi all,

Can anyone explain what I need to do with this error message in order to be able to use Media Centre for live TV.

"Files needed to display video are not installed or are not working correctly. Restart windows media centre or restart the computer".

I have an analog cable plugged into my new TV card (Its an older PC, Dell Dimension 3100) and I can see the TV channels using Win TV 7 that came with the card.

I can't even play Media Centre's own sample video without seeing that error message.



This error message popped up also when I reinstalled windows from scratch trying to get it working..



Have I got 2 problems, one software and one hardware or would a new graphics card do the trick?


I'm a bit clueless as to what to do. Hope you can help.
Thanks a lot

Hi Trotter,dont know if you have solved this by now but heres what worked for me.I was getting exactly the same error message as your first one,I discovered that the 'missing files' are codecs.I installed K lite codec pack from the link below.I recommend it highly and as it is from download.com(free)which is guaranteed malware free(and millions of 'geeks make sure of that!:)) the pack also plays just about any file in windows media player 11.
one word of warning,if you have realplayer installed and like to use the 'download this video'option K Lite will offer to uninstall RP during set-up which i just ticked no to.

Your second error,well I have a Dell dimension 3100 desktop as well and after a fresh install of windows XP MCE.I was getting a message that my video card was either not installed or faulty.I found a solution that involved downloading mpeg2 files from a blogsite link.turned out my video card was just fine and works fine.
it is an external Aver usb anolog card.My point is the 3100 will play/record/pause etc Live tv.
If the Codec pack alone does not fix your problem then a google search using keywords from your 2nd error message will almost certainly find a solution to that as well(if you can spare 5 hours reading computer forums!:). The first result from the link is the one i can vouch for!!!http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0.html?query=k+lite+codec+pack&tag=srch&searchtype=downloads&filterName=platform%3DWindows%2CWebware&filter=platform%3DWindows%2CWebware

Trotter

Thanks for all the help! The K Lite Codec pack seems to have helped a lot. I can watch the TV channels now but its very stop start. The new graphics card is in the post so fingers crossed that'll get me to where I can watch the TV properly on it.

ynotdu

Trotter wrote: »

Thanks for all the help! The K Lite Codec pack seems to have helped a lot. I can watch the TV channels now but its very stop start. The new graphics card is in the post so fingers crossed that'll get me to where I can watch the TV properly on it.

Good that You are at least half way there Trotter!:)

Let us know what happens when You install the new graphics card?