Windows Media Player & Avast issues (please help)

[AlwaysScrewed]

I am not sure if this is the correct area but if it's not I'm sure a moderator will move it to the proper location. Either way I'll just go ahead and describe my current issue.

So I've been having weird issues with my Windows 7 laptop.

Basically, what happens, is that my Windows Media Player doesn't work when the computer starts up and I let it load and everything. The program comes up but I get the loading circle and it never loads. So I have to use Task Manager to End Task it. When this happens, my free Avast Antivirus won't run virus scans either. The only fix to this seems to be to restart the computer. Which is annoying.

I've already tried multiple ways to detect viruses, malware, etc. and I have already run previous scans where nothing was detected. So that is not the problem.

If you want proof, here is a thread that I posted on on a forum called 'tech guy' forum. You may need to read it to see everything I had to do to try to fix this. Keep in mind this was before I had to do what I ended up restoring it to factory settings.

https://forums.techguy.org/threads/i-was-told-to-post-here-help-i-guess.1171645/

(I'm AlwaysScrewed in that forum)

It got to the point where I was told to restore my laptop to factory settings to fix it. Which I did. I even installed Windows 7 Service Pack 1, which I didn't have previously, and updated it to the most recent updates.

I didn't have the issue for awhile, but now, it is starting up again.

This is annoying and I don't want to restore to factory settings AGAIN because I already did that once. The restarting is annoying as well.

I really don't know what the issue is or how to fix it, and I can't afford a whole new laptop. If someone on here could help me fix this for good, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you.

[Geek-9pm]

Doing a re install of Windows is the last resort.
Many do not like Windows Media Player. Or else they prefer an older version of it.
Here is a web site I think is reliable:

Top free media players for PC and Mac 
These are as good or better that the one from Microsoft.

But my preference is either VLC or WIN AMP
Look at this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic_Ng-HKcyc

[AlwaysScrewed]

Doing a re install of Windows is the last resort.
Many do not like Windows Media Player. Or else they prefer an older version of it.
Here is a web site I think is reliable:

Top free media players for PC and Mac 
These are as good or better that the one from Microsoft.

But my preference is either VLC or WIN AMP
Look at this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic_Ng-HKcyc

Well I like it and this issue wasn't happening before and is not happening with my Windows 8.1 desktop computer at all with the same programs.

There has to be something causing this.

Besides, I don't see how that will fix the other issue of Avast not virus scanning when this happens.

Someone please help me find and fix this issue. Please. I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you.

[Geek-9pm]

You may have a virus in that system.
Either ask for help from a virus expert--
OR
Try a free bootable media antivirus tool
http://www.digitalcitizen.life/top-free-bootable-antivirus-rescue-discs-windows-pcs

My choice would be Avira Rescue System on a CD.

[AlwaysScrewed]

You may have a virus in that system.
Either ask for help from a virus expert--
OR
Try a free bootable media antivirus tool
http://www.digitalcitizen.life/top-free-bootable-antivirus-rescue-discs-windows-pcs

My choice would be Avira Rescue System on a CD.

Please read through the thread from the tech guy forum I provided.

I went through a long process of attempting to detect a virus and nothing was detected.

[soybean]

You may have a virus in that system.

I had a similar thought when I first read this earlier today.  I thought about asking what protection apps he is using and recommending he get Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Super SUPERAntiSpyware, and use them on a regular basis.  All users should use 1 or more malware removal apps in addition to anti-virus software.

[AlwaysScrewed]

I had a similar thought when I first read this earlier today.  I thought about asking what protection apps he is using and recommending he get Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Super SUPERAntiSpyware, and use them on a regular basis.  All users should use 1 or more malware removal apps in addition to anti-virus software.

I already have Malwarebytes free and the last time I did a scan nothing was detected.

You guys made me paranoid so I just ran another scan with MalwareBytes free just now and once again, nothing was detected.

[Geek-9pm]

I've already tried multiple ways to detect viruses, malware, etc. and I have already run previous scans where nothing was detected. So that is not the problem.

At least once in the past five years I had rouse a rescue CD to get my system clean. In your post you said something that made that comet mind. The documentation provided by malware bytes somewhere confirms that thee can be a virus that defeats attempts to find yet it.
Rare? Yes! Never? Never say never.    

EDIT: Reference.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootkit

... by software company First 4 Internet. The software included a music player but silently installed a rootkit which limited the user's ability to access the CD.

[AlwaysScrewed]

What exactly are you asking me to do then?

Go through the long process of trying to see if I'm infected again on this forum despite the fact that I went through likely a similar process on the other tech guy forum?

[zep516]

I don't think it's an infection. Your logs on the other forum were basically clean from the beginning except for some minor items, Firefox proxy, and some alternate date streams from  Comodo. Plus a root scan was done, then you reinstalled windows so it's highly unlikely a rootkit or any other infection is causing the problem.  I'm a trained Malware remover.

Looks like the only thing you have not tried is to uninstall Avast just to see if that makes any difference, or have you in fact tried that ? If you decide to uninstall Avast you would want to install a Temporary Anti Virus program, if it does not resolve the issue you can always re-install Avast. I can give you instructions on how to do that in a logical sequence.

[Geek-9pm]

My bad. 
I did not see where he installed Windows again and still had the problem pause.
.... (long pause.)
Yes, now I see it. Sounds impossible. I have no idea.
Frankly, if it were my computer, I would try and sell it . 
Sorry I was of no help at all. 

[AlwaysScrewed]

Ugh. Wonderful.

What about uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Media Player? Should I try that? That was offered as a possible solution on another forum.

Problem there is I don't know how to do that.

[SuperDave]

You could try download WMP again and see if that makes any difference. Once you get that problem cleared up you should look at your trusted sites which showed up in your scans on another forum. They're are too many trusted sites which makes your computer more vulnerable to attacks.
Internet Explorer's security is based upon a set of zones. Each zone has different security in terms of what scripts and applications can be run from a site that is in that zone. There is a security zone called the Trusted Zone. This zone has the lowest security and allows scripts and applications from sites in this zone to run without your knowledge. It is therefore a popular setting for malware sites to use so that future infections can be easily done on your computer without your knowledge as these sites will be in the Trusted Zone. Therefore, I recommend that nothing be allowed in the trusted zone.

[AlwaysScrewed]

You could try download WMP again and see if that makes any difference. Once you get that problem cleared up you should look at your trusted sites which showed up in your scans on another forum. They're are too many trusted sites which makes your computer more vulnerable to attacks.
Internet Explorer's security is based upon a set of zones. Each zone has different security in terms of what scripts and applications can be run from a site that is in that zone. There is a security zone called the Trusted Zone. This zone has the lowest security and allows scripts and applications from sites in this zone to run without your knowledge. It is therefore a popular setting for malware sites to use so that future infections can be easily done on your computer without your knowledge as these sites will be in the Trusted Zone. Therefore, I recommend that nothing be allowed in the trusted zone.

I still don't know how to do that. Are you now saying I'm infected with some sort of virus?

[SuperDave]

No, it's just that having trusted sites makes your computer more vulnerable. According to the log in your other site shows over 15,000 trusted sites.

[AlwaysScrewed]

No, it's just that having trusted sites makes your computer more vulnerable. According to the log in your other site shows over 15,000 trusted sites.

I don't use Internet Explorer though I use FireFox mostly. The only reason it is used is by accident when I click it by accident.

Or is FireFox the same?

You can tell me how to fix this and I can try that if you want to.

[patio]

Personally i think 2 things...
1) you should check out some other Media players and decide on a good one...give up the ghost on WMP...
2) Since you were given a clean bill of health i think the whole infection thing has been mistakenly overblown and has nothing to do with the inadequacies of WMP...

Just my 2 cents...

[AlwaysScrewed]

This doesn't make sense though when it wasn't happening before and it's not happening at all on my Windows 8.1 desktop plus I don't see how that will fix my Avast not virus scanning when WMP breaks.

[patio]

It's up to you to try alternatives...or let the issue continue...don't know what to say.

[AlwaysScrewed]

But isn't there any way to fix this?

I really don't understand how there isn't when this wasn't happening previously.

[SuperDave]

You can tell me how to fix this and I can try that if you want to.

If you're not using IE it's not a big problem but if you want to fix it you need to open IE, Tools, Internet Options, Security, Trusted sites and remove every one there.

[AlwaysScrewed]

If you're not using IE it's not a big problem but if you want to fix it you need to open IE, Tools, Internet Options, Security, Trusted sites and remove every one there.

I'm not sure I even trust IE enough to even open it. Is there an alternative way to get into that? I'm assuming no?

[BC_Programmer]

You can right-click IE and choose "Internet Options".

IE is used by many applications. For example, If you use Steam, you are using Internet Explorer.

[AlwaysScrewed]

You can right-click IE and choose "Internet Options".

IE is used by many applications. For example, If you use Steam, you are using Internet Explorer.

I tried that and I didn't see any options that said "Internet Options"

I don't see how this would fix the current issue anyway.

[SuperDave]

I don't see how this would fix the current issue anyway.

I mentioned that this did not have anything to do with your present problem. I was merely pointing out that allowing trusted sites is not a good practice. Since you don't use IE it not something to be bothered about.

[AlwaysScrewed]

Alright so what to do about the current issue?

[BC_Programmer]

Did you ever get Service Pack 1 installed?

[AlwaysScrewed]

Did you ever get Service Pack 1 installed?

Yes. I did that after I restored it to factory settings. I had to leave it on overnight just for it to start actually doing the updates.

[SuperDave]

If you do all your updates you should get the latest version of IE

[AlwaysScrewed]

If you do all your updates you should get the latest version of IE

Why? I don't use it and I don't see how that will fix my issue.

Also the issue wasn't occurring for awhile admittedly but it happened again today.

There's no way that it's impossible to fix this.

[patio]

As i stated earlier...give up on WMP...there are plenty of better ones out there...most of them Free.

[AlwaysScrewed]

As i stated earlier...give up on WMP...there are plenty of better ones out there...most of them Free.

But I don't understand why this is happening when it wasn't happening before and it's not happening at all on my Windows 8.1 desktop.

Plus I don't see how uninstalling Windows Media Player and using a third-party media player will fix the issue.

[Geek-9pm]

But I don't understand why this is happening when it wasn't happening before and it's not happening at all on my Windows 8.1 desktop.

Plus I don't see how uninstalling Windows Media Player and using a third-party media player will fix the issue.
[/quote

 mini who work on computer problems would use a cause and effect roach to diagnose problems. Known exactly why a problem but Cruz is not necessary commit Diagnostics. Substitution and trial and error are effective ways to isolate a problem. Removing Windows Media Player or even just deactivating it is a small job. And installing an alternative media player is not difficult and should not threaten your system. As mentioned earlier there are many good alternative media players that are compatible with Windows. Do not assume that Windows products are the best products for Windows. It doesn't always work that way.

Sorry I have some typing errors I cannot correct let's get to the point user you can accept a workaround solution of using another media player or you can spend a lot of time learning what goes wrong with Windows Media Player. It has been documented elsewhere or were the years that Windows Media Player has some kind of inherent problem that does not exist with other media players. If you want to pursue this further there are many many other website should have devoted a lot of time trying to figure out what's wrong with the Windows Media Player it has been well documented and it goes on and on and on and I don't think it's worth while for this for him to do well and do all the problems with Windows Media Player has exhibited over the past few years. It has an inherent problem with his legacy.

[AlwaysScrewed]

Someone on another forum just posted this in a similar thread I created:

Have you tried this https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/mats/windows_media_player_diagnostic?wa=wsignin1.0

or this
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...n/28edb160-51ae-49dd-9f17-5e3f32a9834f?auth=1

Should I try one or both of these?

Also when should I try it if so? The next time the issue occurs or can I try it even when the issue doesn't occur?

[SuperDave]

I've used Fixit before to cure problems. It's worth a try.

[AlwaysScrewed]

I've used Fixit before to cure problems. It's worth a try.

So... the next time the issue occurs? Or just whenever I have time whether the issue occurs or not?

[SuperDave]

You could try it now to see if it has any effect.

[AlwaysScrewed]

You could try it now to see if it has any effect.

I did. I tried the Settings Troubleshooter first. But there were some settings I liked so I fixed those and tried not to do anything else.

I'll keep this thread updated with my progress on this issue if the Settings Troubleshooter doesn't work.

[AlwaysScrewed]

Okay... so... after using the Settings Troubleshooter the issue has yet to reoccur.

But it took awhile before the issue began to reoccur so I'll keep you guys updated on this if/when the issue occurs again.

[AlwaysScrewed]

Well... the issues continues to occur. I had to resort to the uninstall and reinstall method. We'll see if that works and if not I'll be trying the 'Fix It' thing next.

[AlwaysScrewed]

Well it happened again and I can't even run the 'Fix It' thing.

It says this:

Failed to create the portable diagnostic tool

We were unable to download the necessary components from our server.

Please ensure you are connected to the Internet, and then click the Retry button to try again.

I am connected to the internet just fine through FireFox.

I can't deal with this issue anymore and since no one seems to be able to help me that leaves me no choice but to buy a new laptop altogether. Thanks.

[SuperDave]

If your only issue is with WMP it would be cheaper to download and install VLC.

[AlwaysScrewed]

If your only issue is with WMP it would be cheaper to download and install VLC.

Not if the issue is hardware related for the laptop in question which is what Geek Squad (Best Buy) and ASUS Technical Support seem to believe it to be.

[patio]

I have followed this entire Topic from the onset and it seems you still want to focus on malware...likely not the issue.

2nd it is completely your choice if you wanna bail on that laptop and simply purchase another.

However that being stated there is a whole litany of things that can be attempted to fix the existing one...none of which have been attempted.

[AlwaysScrewed]

I have followed this entire Topic from the onset and it seems you still want to focus on malware...likely not the issue.

2nd it is completely your choice if you wanna bail on that laptop and simply purchase another.

However that being stated there is a whole litany of things that can be attempted to fix the existing one...none of which have been attempted.

I didn't say malware. I said hardware. As in something wrong with the inside of the laptop itself I'm assuming. But I'm obviously not 100% sure on that.

[AlwaysScrewed]

After meeting with Geek Squad at my local Best Buy store...

I am 99.9% sure it's hardware related. Plus, it's a 6 year old laptop that they don't make parts for anymore. Therefore making it unrepairable.

Which is why it's good a bought a completely new laptop.

I refuse to mark this as 'resolved' until I get the new laptop set up.

[BC_Programmer]

I am 99.9% sure it's hardware related.

The symptoms  do not point to a hardware issue. They are too specific to particular pieces of software for that to be the case, I think.

Plus, it's a 6 year old laptop that they don't make parts for anymore. Therefore making it unrepairable.

If it was a hardware issue, It would be an issue on one of the system boards, and would likely be any of a number of components that can be easily found at a hardware store (Capacitor, transistor, etc.) "Geek Squad" doesn't do component-level board repair, though, and typically do not have the expertise needed to even determine that the issue is with a component in this fashion.

A new laptop would likely have Win10 which won't have Windows Media Player, if that matters.

[AlwaysScrewed]

The symptoms  do not point to a hardware issue. They are too specific to particular pieces of software for that to be the case, I think.

If it was a hardware issue, It would be an issue on one of the system boards, and would likely be any of a number of components that can be easily found at a hardware store (Capacitor, transistor, etc.) "Geek Squad" doesn't do component-level board repair, though, and typically do not have the expertise needed to even determine that the issue is with a component in this fashion.

A new laptop would likely have Win10 which won't have Windows Media Player, if that matters.

Well restoring it to factory settings didn't fix the issue. That means it's hardware related. Tell me what the problem is then. Because I've tried EVERYTHING when I feel like I'm dealing with an unrepairable laptop.

What does Windows 10 have then if not Windows Media Player? How are you supposed to play music on Windows 10?

[zep516]

Sadly, WMP hasn’t been updated since Windows 7, which doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, but it’s not exactly the latest nor greatest app for playing your MP3s.

In Windows 10, there’s a new music app called Groove Music.

Google "Groove Music"   without quotes.

To find WMP in win 10, click Start and type: media player and select it from the results at the top.

Alternately, you can right-click the Start button to bring up the hidden quick access menu and choose Run or use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key+R. Then type: wmplayer.exe and hit Enter.


Note: Microsoft removed DVD playback support back in Windows 8, so you won’t be able to use WMP for them. However, there are plenty of third-party utilities (hint: VLC)

[AlwaysScrewed]

Posting this from new laptop.

I see. Well I'm getting a definitive answer from ASUS I will be sending it to them and we'll see what they say.