Cannot play WMV files

[LongJohn]

Hello Forum,
While trying to play some WMV video files, the player does not play them,
it gives error message "FFFFFFFF", nothing else.
These files are played in Windows media player OK.
OS=win xp pro
Downloaded codecs from MS - no help.
Note: That computer is not connected to the Internet for certain reasons.
"GSPOT" gives a list of all WMV codecs installed.
I tryed playing with the preferences trying to change some codecs settings in the player but it did not help.
Your help will be much appreciated.
Please keep in mind : That particular computer cannot be connected to the Internet, so if downloading any codecs is involved, please name them and links, and I will do it with the computer which I post this message.
Thanks in advance.
L.J.

[mouse]

Maybe it's a DRM protected file.

[Peuj]

Yep it sounds like DRM protected, I have the similar message when I try to play these type of file.
Have you try with another player like Window Media Player? If you're not connected there is no risk to try.

[LongJohn]

Hello,
Thanks for the answers.
I wrote above - the files play only in Windows Media Player, any other player is not playing them.
I do not get any notice about protected files, I check in 'file properties' - they are not protected.

[mouse]

the files play only in Windows Media Player, any other player is not playing them.
That's the proof. You can search forums or google it for more infomation about "DRM".

[LongJohn]

It does proof nothing, I took some of these files on a memory stick to some other computer - and they play very well with any other player such as VLC, Crystal, KMplayer, MPC, even Winamp, and others as well as with WMP.
Where is the proof??
L.J.

[mouse]

You just said that it was only possible to play the file in wmp. That's the proof. If you can play the file in other system, there is something wrong in your system.

[LongJohn]

So finaly it is not DRM problem, I told you B4.
Now maybe something wrong in the system (?) - do you have any ideas on how to start investigation, as I think I made all I could, checked all possible codecs, replaced some, installed some, what else?

[Peuj]

maybe some codecs broken on your sytem.
you can try a tool like this [Only registered and activated users can see links]

[LongJohn]

DL and ran the codectweektool, it found nothing, which meens everything is OK, yet WMV files cannot play in any player except WMP.
It seems to me that some day when I wipe the disk and reinstall windows the problem will be gone without knowing the reason(s).
Thanks