• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Alternatives to Windows Media Player for DVD playback

maniacalpha1-1

Diamond Member
Is there anything else good to use for DVD playback? if ANYTHING causes WMP to freeze, it cannot be shutdown through the task manager, I have to reboot. For example, if a DVD turns out unplayable, that will freeze it. Going into task manager to end the process is ineffective, have to reboot.
 
VLC is always a good choice.

However, WMP freezing shouldn't kill the computer. You should be able to kill it just fine and then keep on using the computer. I would imagine there is something else wrong.
 
VLC is always a good choice.

However, WMP freezing shouldn't kill the computer. You should be able to kill it just fine and then keep on using the computer. I would imagine there is something else wrong.

It isn't killing the computer, everything else works absolutely fine. I simply can't restart WMP without a reboot. (Not sure if you thought I was saying it was messing the whole windows session up)
 
This can happen, if you have an outstanding packet in the system driver IRP stack. If the kernel driver/function hangs or errors, then you cannot shut down the app that is in the middle of calling that kernel driver function. You may not even be able to shut down Windows properly, you may have to hit the reset button.

I've had that happen in XP sometimes. It used to happen, when using CD/DVD burning apps in XP with MagicJack running, when enumerating the drives, without unplugging and replugging the MagicJack dongle.
 
It can't be shut down from either the Applications or the Processes tab.

I'll check out VLC!

As VirtualLarry says, if WMP freezes playing a DVD to the point where it's unkillable then it's likely waiting on the kernel and/or hardware to return which means the problem is either in the driver, which is unlikely as DVDs us the standard ATAPI driver, or the drive itself is having problems with the disc.
 
Rather than reboot I simply tried VLC. Worked fine so far even though WMP was still frozen in process. I'm basically just watching Netflix DVDs.
 
Back
Top