Codecs Issues - computer help forum

Problem:
My media player (eg. Windows Media Player) is giving me an error saying it doesent have the codecs required to view/play a certain file.

What:
Codecs are a file format reader that allows different media types to be viewed/played. Though you may have a program that says its compatible with a format (eg: MP3, WMA, MPEG, MP4) you might not have the codecs that actually allow your computer programs to read them since there are many codecs.

Solution:
*Updated*
Download the latest K-Lite codecs pack (the Full version is more fitting for most computers) from here:
http://www.free-codecs.com/K_Lite_Codec_Pack_download.htm

Download VLC LAN
VLC is a very competent program for reading/playing/viewing many different media types. If you de-select the extensions while installing, it will give you many useful codecs.
(visit http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ )
(Kudos to Rob_Pomeroy for his extensive list of software http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,19999.html )

Upgrade your current media player (self explanatory)

If all of that fails, then you need to just uninstall your current media software, and re-install it

Problems with Quicktime or Quicktime codecs?
See http://www.free-codecs.com/download/QuickTime_Alternative.htm for an alternative to the over-powering QuickTime

Problems with Real Player or Real Player codecs?
See http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm for an alternative to the once-popular-but-no-its-no-so over-powering RealPlayer

Other problems? Start a new topic in the apropriate ComputerHope forums board

Edited by Dilbert: Ironic spelling of "compenent".