Computer question

[ebbieday]

This is for anyone who is computer savvy, which I am not, unless it is something simple. Anyway...here is the question:

I just purchased a new laptop to replace my older one (to give to my husband) and this is the first time I have used Windows Vista...my other one had XP. I am not even sure that is the reason for the issue. So on my other puter I had downloaded a 30 minute exercise video from a site that I am a paid member of, with no problems. When I went to that same site, used all of my proper log in information and tried to DL the same video to real player, it would not do it. It kept telling me it couldn't. I read online about all of the obvious setting changes that it could be and none of them worked. I do not have the pay version of Real Player, but didn't on the other laptop either. This is driving me nuts because I love this simple, but effective routine and I want it on MY computer. Any help is much appreciated!

[armyda]

Vista security, "Let me count the ways, (it will cause problems)

Are you logged in as an administrator?

What are the security settings for the download folder? Where is the folder? (C-drive, your documents folder, Download folder in Documents?)

what Browser are you using? Try Firefox http://en-us.www.mozilla.com/en-US/

Can you download files from other locations?

[evilkumquat]

This is for anyone who is computer savvy, which I am not, unless it is something simple. Anyway...here is the question:

I just purchased a new laptop to replace my older one (to give to my husband) and this is the first time I have used Windows Vista...my other one had XP. I am not even sure that is the reason for the issue. So on my other puter I had downloaded a 30 minute exercise video from a site that I am a paid member of, with no problems. When I went to that same site, used all of my proper log in information and tried to DL the same video to real player, it would not do it. It kept telling me it couldn't. I read online about all of the obvious setting changes that it could be and none of them worked. I do not have the pay version of Real Player, but didn't on the other laptop either. This is driving me nuts because I love this simple, but effective routine and I want it on MY computer. Any help is much appreciated!

Odds are it's a simple settings issue, perhaps even a firewall setting. Try disabling your Vista firewall. Personally, on every system I use, I disable all software firewalls since I have a router which handles those duties. Hopefully you're not running one of those stupid Google or Yahoo! bars on your browser that add their own firewall.

Disable your antivirus long enough to see if that is an issue; if you are running Norton or McAfee, they often add a firewall of their own. Make sure you re-enable it when finished. This will help diagnose the problem.

Make sure you have Service Pack One for your version of Vista (it makes Vista workable, but still not as easy to use as XP).

Update all your drivers (video card especially).

You mentioned RealPlayer; try going to other websites that feature it and see if their videos work.

Sorry, I couldn't be any more help; this is one of those times I would need to see the system in front of me to diagnose it properly.

Good luck!

[JoeGearhart]

Let's clarify for a second... can you download the video and not play it, or can you not even download it?

If it won't even let you download it, try saving the file to a different location. The desktop would probably be the safest. Vista has some strange security settings. It's called "UAC" which stands for "User Access Control". Basically, it stops you from doing a LOT of stuff, including creating, copying, and moving files. That's the first thing I disable anytime I'm near Vista.

If you want to turn off UAC, follow this link:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/disable-user-account-control-uac-the-easy-way-on-windows-vista/

Ok, before the debate starts... disabling UAC will leave your system a little less secure, but it will still be more secure than XP. My personal opinion is to shut it off, but I'll ultimately leave that decision up to you. If you disable UAC, I'm betting that your issue will go away.

[evilkumquat]

You know, every system I've worked on that has been infected with viruses almost invariably has one of the popular file-sharing programs on it (Bearshare, Kazaa, Limewire, etc.).

My opinion is the majority of the "security" in Vista is overkill for the average user... provided they don't install any file-sharing software and keep at least one decent antivirus and one decent antispam application on their system.

I ditched Norton ages ago and haven't missed it. I use AVG Free on all the computers I've worked on and the only ones that have been hit by anything were those that had kids install Limewire, etc. on them.

I just can't stress it enough. AVOID FILE SHARING PROGRAMS.

You want to download music or movies? Bit torrent.

[nathandiehl]

I agree with evil's recommendation to use AVG Free.
That's a good, free (for home, personal use) A/V program that isn't too bulky.

I also agree with evil to avoid file sharing programs.
Even if you do avoid file sharing programs, that doesn't keep you away from malware. You can still get a trojan horse. As of late, I've seen a spike in malware infections. In addition to regularly scanning your system with a good (up-to-date) A/V software, I also recommend running these free anti-spyware programs:
Windows Defender (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx)
Spybot Search & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html)
Lavasoft AdAware (http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php)

(And be sure you keep them all up-to-date!)
Good Luck.

[ebbieday]

Wow...thank you to everyone for trying to help me with this. I will have to check out some of these options tonight when I get home. Being as my laptop is brand new, I figured it had to be some kind of setting or blocking software. I have already tried turning off the firewall, but that didn't help so I will try shutting down Norton (free trial) completely. If that doesn't work I will try the other suggestions.

Thanks again!!!

[nathandiehl]

Ebbie,
I re-read your initial post, and realized you are trying to download a 'Real Video'.
I haven't been on a Vista machine, but I believe you have to download the 'Real Player' before you'll be able to watch the video. Perhaps this is the issue?
http://realplayer.com/

[evilkumquat]

Wow...thank you to everyone for trying to help me with this. I will have to check out some of these options tonight when I get home. Being as my laptop is brand new, I figured it had to be some kind of setting or blocking software. I have already tried turning off the firewall, but that didn't help so I will try shutting down Norton (free trial) completely. If that doesn't work I will try the other suggestions.

Thanks again!!!

That's another peril of purchasing computers off the shelf.

So many people are out there with unprotected systems because they purchased one that came with only a "trial" version of a popular antivirus application that usually expires in thirty days.

Most of the laptops I've worked on had an expired Norton or McAfee and were completely unprotected, while the user had no idea since their systems had working protection at the beginning.

[Mr Douglas]

Wow, about a month back, I almost started this exact thread! I was going to change my status to:
"Mr Douglas is modifying his skeet thrower to fit his new laptop.":)
For all it's security features, ....Vista sucks! I took it back, and had that My PC Tech load us up a new tower with XP. Problem solved.:)

[ebbieday]

That's another peril of purchasing computers off the shelf.

So many people are out there with unprotected systems because they purchased one that came with only a "trial" version of a popular antivirus application that usually expires in thirty days.

Most of the laptops I've worked on had an expired Norton or McAfee and were completely unprotected, while the user had no idea since their systems had working protection at the beginning.

Well I wouldn't know what to or not to "order" on a system that was custom made. I want fast with a lot of memory and I know these things come with a bunch of unnecessary junk preloaded on them, but I don't know what is ok to uninstall. Normally the trial version of the anti virus let's me know when my 30days are about up. I have used AVG before...are you sure the free version is enough protection?

[evilkumquat]

Well I wouldn't know what to or not to "order" on a system that was custom made. I want fast with a lot of memory and I know these things come with a bunch of unnecessary junk preloaded on them, but I don't know what is ok to uninstall. Normally the trial version of the anti virus let's me know when my 30days are about up. I have used AVG before...are you sure the free version is enough protection?

No antivirus software is 100% effective, even the expensive "reliable" off-the-shelf products from Norton and McAfee.

The biggest problem AVG has (in my experience) is with "false positives"; meaning if you have any software on your system that could be related to hacking (like password recovery applications) or pirating (like key-generating programs), sometimes AVG pops up with a warning.

Though it has been a few years since I used it exclusively, the only time I have ever been hit with a major virus on any of my personal machines was when I was running Norton Antivirus. So far, for the past three years, AVG has kept all my systems safe (though I also practice safe browsing and never use the popular file-sharing software).

Generally speaking, about half (or more) of all the preloaded software that comes in most prebuilt systems (Dell, HP, eMachines, etc.) is just advertising for the companies that made them, or dumbed-down versions of good software, or trial-ware that expires thirty days after the first use.

If you ever desire a new system, the best thing to do is find a reliable person who can build to your specifications. You may end up spending the same as "off the shelf" (or even a little bit more) but you also end up with a much, much better system that will last longer (with the added benefit of being able to more easily upgrade later). So many of the Dell and HP systems (for example) keep their costs down by skimping on things like RAM or decent video cards, while at the same time offsetting their expenses by agreeing to have cruddy adware preinstalled.

[Charles]

Like Evil, i have used AVG for a few years. I havent had ANY probs with it.... norton gave me a headache in a half every stinkin day! other than that, im not really good with what to do or how to do it lol.

[ebbieday]

I just wanted to clarify something that I may not have been totally clear on before. When I go to the web site (vicebustingdiet.com) and even try to PLAY the video I was talking about, it won't even play for me, as where it will play on the other laptop with no problem. I tried a few of the suggestions from you all and nothing worked. I am really frustrated at this point and ready to spit nails!!!!

[matt_s]

I just wanted to clarify something that I may not have been totally clear on before. When I go to the web site (vicebustingdiet.com) and even try to PLAY the video I was talking about, it won't even play for me, as where it will play on the other laptop with no problem. I tried a few of the suggestions from you all and nothing worked. I am really frustrated at this point and ready to spit nails!!!!

With this tidbit of information, my first guess is that somehow the RealPlayer is not properly installed on your computer and it isn't associated with your browser.

[HomeyG]

I just wanted to clarify something that I may not have been totally clear on before. When I go to the web site (vicebustingdiet.com) and even try to PLAY the video I was talking about, it won't even play for me, as where it will play on the other laptop with no problem. I tried a few of the suggestions from you all and nothing worked. I am really frustrated at this point and ready to spit nails!!!!

Pulled this off the internet. Don't know if you tried it, but it may be worth a try. I've got a lot of solutions off the internet but its mostly trial and error.

I've goBest Answer - Chosen by Voters
keep the realplayer it is the best, but make sure you downloaded the latest version which is RealPlayer 11 GOLD, this version supports the FLV files , download it for free from :
www.real.com


Try this, right click on one of the video files
>Click on "Properties"
>open "General" tab
>Find "open with" and click "Change" button
>From this new dialog window choose "RealPlayer"from the list and click ok then ok again
>Now play the file again it should open with the Realplayer.
This will apply automatically to all the files, you don't have to do it for each file.

[evilkumquat]

Pulled this off the internet. Don't know if you tried it, but it may be worth a try. I've got a lot of solutions off the internet but its mostly trial and error.

I've goBest Answer - Chosen by Voters
keep the realplayer it is the best, but make sure you downloaded the latest version which is RealPlayer 11 GOLD, this version supports the FLV files , download it for free from :
www.real.com


Try this, right click on one of the video files
>Click on "Properties"
>open "General" tab
>Find "open with" and click "Change" button
>From this new dialog window choose "RealPlayer"from the list and click ok then ok again
>Now play the file again it should open with the Realplayer.
This will apply automatically to all the files, you don't have to do it for each file.


Homey has a point.

What is the file type you are trying to play?

Try saving the file to your hard drive (right click and select "save link" if you can) and see what the extension is (.rm, .flv, .swf, etc.).

Is it possible your old computer was using RealPlayer to play files that really didn't need played with that application? Many players out there can be made to play file types that aren't native to the platform (like when Apple's QuickTime plays .avi files instead of just .mov files).

Or does the site itself say "You must have RealPlayer installed to play this file"?

You could even have an annoying codec issue (codecs are little files that your media players use to "decode" the video or audio file in question) if the website uses a non-standard codec (I've seen it before) or the codec in question has become corrupt on your system.

First step: find out for certain EXACTLY the file type you are trying to play.

[Night Owl]

Try this, right click on one of the video files
>Click on "Properties"
>open "General" tab
>Find "open with" and click "Change" button
>From this new dialog window choose "RealPlayer"from the list and click ok then ok again
>Now play the file again it should open with the Realplayer.
This will apply automatically to all the files, you don't have to do it for each file.

Thanks HomeyG! This works for Photo programs as well. I knew there was a way, but could not remember how. A QuickTime update made itself the default photo viewing program when I tried to open photos directly from a folder. Now its fixed, and I don't have to use "open with" ! :ciao:

[HomeyG]

Thanks HomeyG! This works for Photo programs as well. I knew there was a way, but could not remember how. A QuickTime update made itself the default photo viewing program when I tried to open photos directly from a folder. Now its fixed, and I don't have to use "open with" ! :ciao:

The real thanks goes to the site that I googled. I barely know how to use the on/off switch, but I can follow directions if they are simple and concise.

[ebbieday]

I tried a few of the suggestions again last night and still no luck. I know the problem has to be right in front of my nose. I will try again tonight because I have to get ready for work now. Thanks again everyone...I WILL get this!!

[pixiegirl]

hey ebbie, my suggestion is to do what I did with my new laptop..
Took it to MY PC Tech and had them downgrade it to XP.
Vista is terrible!!!!!! I had some of the same problems, I also could not get into my citrux server for work, after the downgrade I have had NO probs.

[nathandiehl]

Ebbie,
It still sounds to me like you don't have Real Player or the needed codecs installed on your computer.

It is possible your computer came with some sort of trial version of Real.

I recommend you uninstall Real Player or whatever Real products came with the computer, and then reinstall Real Player, which you can download from here: http://realplayer.com

Good Luck.

[evilkumquat]

hey ebbie, my suggestion is to do what I did with my new laptop..
Took it to MY PC Tech and had them downgrade it to XP.
Vista is terrible!!!!!! I had some of the same problems, I also could not get into my citrux server for work, after the downgrade I have had NO probs.

Not every computer can be "downgraded" to XP, unfortunately... especially laptops.

Any more, most off the shelf laptop makers (HP especially) no longer offer any drivers for XP for their systems. Sometimes the XP drivers for older models will work, but I haven't had any luck with any recent laptops. HP for example flat out tells you that they don't support installing XP on their systems (when before they used to at least tell customers which XP drivers for their older models would work on the newer ones).

The last laptop I was successful in downgrading was two years ago and involved a lot of trial and error downloading random drivers off the manufacturer's website until I found one that worked (for each component on the system- motherboard, video, sound, touchpad, wireless, LAN, modem, etc.) and took me a couple days.

My recommendation is just make certain you have Service Pack One installed for Vista which seemed to solve a lot of the issues that version had out of the gate (making it run almost as stable and annoyance-free as XP).

You should also be a little leery of taking your system anywhere without researching who you are using. I have an acquaintance who took her old system in to a local repair shop to get her files backed up to transfer to her new computer, and was not only charged labor costs, but was convinced to buy an overpriced flash drive that she didn't need (when all it eventually took was about five minutes of work to burn the files onto a twenty-cent DVD).

You also want to be careful that whoever you would use for a "downgrade" is using a legitimate (non-counterfeit) version of XP and isn't overcharging you. WinXP Home is available on Newegg for $100 (I've seen it go for much more locally).

[ebbieday]

Pixie…Yep, I am quickly finding out what everyone has told me about Vista…I am NOT liking it. With XP, I could go to my picture folder in documents, select which ones I wanted to email and then it gave me the option of sending them smaller since digital cameras take such huge mb pics. I could then save them from my sent folder to my pictures folder. There may be an easier way, but for me it was pretty simple so that’s how I saved all of my photos as smaller files. Last night I looked for that option and could not locate it anywhere. Does anyone know if Vista even has this? If not, what is an easy way to save digital pics as a smaller file? I can’t be saving them so large and using too much HD space.


Nathan…I actually uninstalled Real Player and downloaded the newest version AFTER I realized I couldn’t get this video to play or download. It still didn’t make a difference.

EK…I LOVE Newegg…they have a lot of good deals there if you look for them. Our computer guy here at work tips me off to certain deals he finds there if he knows I am looking for something. Right now they have a Wii system with one controller for $249.99! Still too much for my blood, but for someone who is interested it’s a decent price…down about $50 from Christmas time.

I will check to make sure I have that Vista Service Pack One update when I get home tonight. Perhaps that will be the lucky trick for my issue.

Thanks so much peeps…this is maddening!!

[ebbieday]

Hopefully you're not running one of those stupid Google or Yahoo! bars on your browser that add their own firewall.

No, I uninstalled those.


Make sure you have Service Pack One for your version of Vista (it makes Vista workable, but still not as easy to use as XP).

Where do I get this Svc Pack One?

Update all your drivers (video card especially).

How do I do this? I don't even know how to locate this information.

Sorry, I couldn't be any more help; this is one of those times I would need to see the system in front of me to diagnose it properly.

Good luck!

I understand. I'm just trying to learn some of this junk.

[evilkumquat]

I understand. I'm just trying to learn some of this junk.

I don't have Vista on any of my computers, but I'm guessing if you Right Click "My Computer", and select "Properties" it will tell you if you have Service Pack One installed.

Just to clarify, a "Service Pack" when concerning any version of Windows means a huge, cumulative batch of patches that you can download and install at once without having to download a ton of little, individual patches. These Service Packs usually include reasonably major upgrades/changes/fixes for the operating system. To put it in perspective, XP has had only three such service packs in its history, and Vista needed one almost immediately after being released.

Failing that, run Windows Update and that will tell you (and give you the opportunity to download and install it).

As for updating your video card, since it is a laptop, you will need to visit the manufacturer's website to download the latest drivers.

[Night Owl]

My son has Vista on his computers, so I asked him if he ever had a problem with Real player. He doesn't use Real.
He uses VLC player, with no problems, says it will play just about any video format. http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

[nathandiehl]

My son has Vista on his computers, so I asked him if he ever had a problem with Real player. He doesn't use Real.
He uses VLC player, with no problems, says it will play just about any video format. http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

I hadn't heard of this program before. http://www.videolan.org/vlc/features.html
Says VLC has 'partial support' for Real. I am not sure what that means...

[matt_s]

I used an earlier version of VLC and wasn't overly impressed, but I've heard they have made quite a few improvements.

[evilkumquat]

I try to play everything I can in Media Player, and configure every computer I work on to do the same.

This makes it easier to diagnose problems people might have if we are all using the same software.

I hate it when people call me with a problem because they are running something they installed "for fun" and I have to try and figure it out over the phone... of course, it's worse when I have to get off my duff and go somewhere to fix it...

[ebbieday]

I try to play everything I can in Media Player, and configure every computer I work on to do the same.

I hate to even ask this question, but how hard is it to change what player is the default? And how would I get this specific video to play in WMP? The thing I don't understand, is when I go to play this video, it says connecting to media and then just goes back to the play button again.

[evilkumquat]

I hate to even ask this question, but how hard is it to change what player is the default? And how would I get this specific video to play in WMP? The thing I don't understand, is when I go to play this video, it says connecting to media and then just goes back to the play button again.

Media Player can be configured to play a whole host of different audio and video types, but each requires a specific codec that may not be installed by default. For those that aren't automatically included by Microsoft, one has to download the appropriate codec from the appropriate site.

For .mov (QuickTime) and .ram/.rm (RealPlayer), I generally use the appropriate programs (which is why I always take the time to install the free versions of QuickTime and RealPlayer on all the systems I work with).

You really need to determine for certain if the file you are trying to play IS a "RealMedia" video.

[armyda]

I hate to even ask this question, but how hard is it to change what player is the default? And how would I get this specific video to play in WMP? The thing I don't understand, is when I go to play this video, it says connecting to media and then just goes back to the play button again.

ebbie,

First you have to know what the file type is. In Vista, the windows explorer is set to hide file extensions. It does have a column that tells you the file type, but that is based on the what Vista has set as the default program for that file type.

If you are looking through your downloaded files and all you see is the file name without a ".xxx" following it, this is true. Note that for the xxx it can be any letter combination. That is the file extension. It generally relates to the file type and identifies what program opens it.

From the window that you are using to view the files, go to "Tools" "Folder Options" That will bring up another window. That should have 3 tabs: "General" "View" & "Search" Click on the "View" tab: This will bring up a list of options. Find the one that says "Hide extensions for known file types" Clear the check box that is next to it.

If you know the file extension you can type that into a google or yahoo search box and find the correct program for that file type. ( Example: Google search, Type: " .xls file extension") that will bring up sites that tell you what the correct file type is. You can also post the file type on here and someone can help you that way also.

[Night Owl]

I hadn't heard of this program before. http://www.videolan.org/vlc/features.html
Says VLC has 'partial support' for Real. I am not sure what that means...

I'm not sure what it means either, nor have I heard of VLC before yesterday.
I was passing on info from another Vista user. I have XP and hope to make it last as long as possible!

[nathandiehl]

I'm not sure what it means either, nor have I heard of VLC before yesterday.
I was passing on info from another Vista user. I have XP and hope to make it last as long as possible!

You can skip Vista I'm sure. Windows 7 should be out by the end of the year (the RC is supposed to be out in early April), or you could do what I reluctantly did, and now wish I'd done years ago--switch to a Mac. I'm not trying to start a Mac vs. Windows discussion again...simply pointing out you do have better alternatives than Vista.

EDIT:
I just read that Microsoft will drop mainstream support for XP on April 14.
So maybe we'll be forced to make a decision between that time and whenever they actually release Windows 7.

[evilkumquat]

EDIT:
I just read that Microsoft will drop mainstream support for XP on April 14.
So maybe we'll be forced to make a decision between that time and whenever they actually release Windows 7.

I think you misread "April 2014":

http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208800494

[nathandiehl]

I think you misread "April 2014":

http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208800494

Nope, I did not.
Here's a link to the Official Microsoft Windows XP Lifecycle page, showing the date of 14/04/2009 as the ending of mainstream support, as I indicated.
EDIT:
Here's the link I forgot: http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-gb&C2=1173