DVD Decoder 

I have Windows Vista Home Basic installed on my computer.

When I go to play a DVD in my Windows media player, I get a message that says, "Windows media DVD player cannot play the DVD because a compatible DVD coder is not installed on your computer".

What should I do to remedy this so that I can watch and hear DVD's on my computer?

Thanks for your help!

 

 

What is DVD Decoder for Windows Vista?

Install a MPEG-2 encoder. The catch 22 is you need to license. You may find a free version on the web like in some codec packs, but these are likely stolen or broke and will cause you all kinds of other grief.

Do you have a DVD player/burner on this computer?

If so, it's install disk may have a DVD player on it, but two problems. First you need to install it, but don't, unless it supports Vista, and right now most software that comes with DVD player/burners don't support Vista yet.

So your only other choice is to buy some software that is certified to run on Vista and can play DVD's, then if you also have a DVD player/burner, you should be all set.

The most popular package online is Corel's WinDVD 9. There are other lesser packages with watered down features...

If you have a less then up to date computer or one that is underpowered the other problem is trying to play back DVDs on such a system often results in disappointment and you'll end up with dropped frames, the sound getting out sync and other bad things.

In which case look at purchasing a DVD plugin for Windows Media Player, both Corel and CyberLink sell them.

The really great thing about the second method is that it is very cheap to do so AND you can still use all the familiar controls of Windows Media Player 9, 10 or 11. No having to learn how to use any new software.

There are DVD plug-ins for Windows XP and Vista - click here for more information.

However if you are a power user and demand extra tools in your DVD software then a dedicated player is the better option for you, and that is why Corel have 3 versions of their award winning software available for you! (Click Here.)