PC Pals Forum

Technical Help & Discussion => Windows PCs & Software: Help, News & Discussion => Topic started by: Clive on May 13, 2012, 22:39

Title: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 13, 2012, 22:39
My computer has lost the ability to open .wmv files and I wonder where I can get a reliable download?
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 13, 2012, 23:08
You may just need to re-associate the files.  Have you tried right clicking one, selecting Open With... and choosing Windows Media Player?
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 14, 2012, 08:21
I'm afraid that it doesn't right click.  I'll see if I can open them on my laptop but that doesn't solve the problem for this computer.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 14, 2012, 10:26
Are these files saved on your computer?  I can't see why it won't right click.  :dunno:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: daveeb on May 14, 2012, 10:32
You should be able to right click on the files Clive and then associate them with windows media player (or other) as Simon mentioned. If you can't, i'd uninstall windows media player and then reinstall it in case the codecs have become corrupt.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 14, 2012, 10:46
You can also go in My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > File Types (tab), then scroll down the list to the file type you're looking for, in this case, WMV.  It should say what program those files are associated with, as per the screen below, and you can change it if incorrect, or not associated.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 14, 2012, 13:16
No the files weren't saved on the computer as such a file sent as an e-mail attachment would normally just open.  But after saving it to my desktop I find that clicking on it opens Nero which allows me to view it.   8-)
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 14, 2012, 13:33
Well, they shouldn't really open in Nero.  If you follow the steps above, you should be able to re-associate them with Windows Media Player. 
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 14, 2012, 15:01
Interesting Simon.  I've just done that and it says that .wmv files open with Nero Showtime.   :dunno:  But obviously they have to be saved on the computer first. 
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 14, 2012, 16:27
Nero is known to be greedy...
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 14, 2012, 16:52
Yes, Nero has probably 'stolen' the association, but at some point, you've probably inadvertently allowed it to.  Just change it back to Windows Media Player, and you should be fine - or, I guess you could leave it as it is, if you want Nero clunking into gear each time you want to look at a video.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 14, 2012, 19:00
Oh well, there are now so many problems with this desktop that I intend getting something more up-to-date later in the year.  My dilemna is that I don't know whether to replace it with another PC or a laptop.  Or could I manage with an iPad?   :dunno:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 14, 2012, 19:14
Depends what you want it for.  An iPad is only really any good for basic web surfing, messaging and emails.  It won't replicate all of the functions of a PC.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 14, 2012, 20:39
I know.  I truly love using a desktop but Mrs Clive says it's time I came into the 20th century.   :laugh:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 14, 2012, 20:56
Rik's got one. :)
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 14, 2012, 22:30
See what I mean?   :dunno:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 15, 2012, 01:58
I've got two...
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: sam on May 15, 2012, 08:27
I'm not sure you would survive with just an ipad - really quite different to that proper computer experience. When we moved to Cambridge I put my desktop into storage at my parents; just live on the laptop now.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 15, 2012, 09:14
I have to agree, Sam. Great for what it does, but that has its limits.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 15, 2012, 09:49
I've got two...

Good for you!  But we're talking about iPads.  :devil:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 15, 2012, 10:42
I might have soon, his & hers... ;D
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 15, 2012, 11:13
Ah, but hers will be hers.  ;D
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 15, 2012, 12:48
What's mine's my own, what's Sue's is shared.  ;D
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 15, 2012, 12:58
She may see things differently.  When was the last time you used your "shared" iron?  ;)
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 15, 2012, 15:10
So what's the bottom line Rik?   :dunno:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 15, 2012, 15:35
The one Sue leaves in my jeans?  ;)
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 15, 2012, 15:36
She may see things differently.  When was the last time you used your "shared" iron?  ;)

I fixed it a couple of months ago... :o:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 15, 2012, 16:14
But do you think I can get by without a desktop?   ::)
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 15, 2012, 17:15
Oi, stop trying to drag this thread back on topic!  :laugh:

I have an iPad too. Well, it's my lad's, really, but I have used it.  I certainly don't think it could replace the functionality of a desktop, but it could certainly be useful for general basic stuff like web browsing and emails. 
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 15, 2012, 17:43
Exactly. It does many things well but it's not a 'proper' computer - and it can't spell. ;D
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 15, 2012, 18:41
Presumably the 3G version does not have free 3G connection?
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 15, 2012, 18:44
That I don't know, but sincerely doubt. Perhaps it needs to be tethered to a mobile contract?
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 16, 2012, 04:48
No, Clive, it's just like any smartphone in that respect.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 16, 2012, 08:26
I guessed as much! 
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 16, 2012, 11:14
But if you were looking at it as a replacement for the desktop, you wouldn't have had 3G on the desktop anyway, or wanted to take it away from your home Wi-Fi. At least the iPad has Wi-Fi, so it is more portable in that respect.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 16, 2012, 14:22
Regard it as an alternative to a net book.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 16, 2012, 16:46
My main issue is can I manage without a desktop if I bought a reasonably nice laptop?  And perhaps an iPad merely for research purposes.   ;D
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 16, 2012, 17:30
Again, it depends what you intend to use it for. I still think, bang for buck, you get more for a desktop than you do with a laptop, because you're paying extra for the convenience of a laptop.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 16, 2012, 17:48
Yes, but what Simon says is true. I foresee a laptop/iPad era for me in due course.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 16, 2012, 19:49
I need to squeeze my netbook in there somehow since I've already got it.   :laugh: 
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 17, 2012, 10:17
Squeeze hard enough and it will, no longer, be a problem. ;)
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 17, 2012, 13:22
Oi!   >:( >:( >:(  I only bought it last June!
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 17, 2012, 14:04
There you are then, definitely time for a new toy!
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 17, 2012, 14:35
Yes, that would be WELL out of date now.  ;D
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 17, 2012, 16:03
Stick with us, Clive, we'll spend your money for you.  :devil:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 17, 2012, 19:07
Hey.. I'm an OAP you know!  As poor as a churchmouse.   :cry:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 17, 2012, 23:11
As poor as a church mouse... that goes on several cruises a year, and drives a jag.   :o:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 18, 2012, 06:18
Yes but only afford those things because I eat Anchor butter.  ;)  (Rik will explain).
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 18, 2012, 06:50
No I won't, can't stand butter. :)
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 18, 2012, 09:05
Sadly it's too early to be included in the advert archives.   :laugh:
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 18, 2012, 20:17
so.....hypothetically speaking and for research purposed only you understand, if I were to buy an iPad
should I go for the 16 or the 32?  Also, should I have a 15" or 17" laptop screen?
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Simon on May 18, 2012, 23:10
The 16Gb or 32Gb is simply the amount of storage space, so if you're planning to store loads of music and photos on it, I guess the 32Gb would be better, but I think there's a 64Gb too, if you wanted to go the whole hog.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 19, 2012, 06:52
17" Clive.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 19, 2012, 09:03
Mrs Clive's laptop is 17" but it's very heavy! 
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 19, 2012, 09:13
Are you going to be carrying it around that much?
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 19, 2012, 10:47
We are a bit nomadic Rik. 
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Rik on May 19, 2012, 12:16
In which case, transportable should be fine, use the net book or an iPad when you want portable.
Title: Re: .wmv files
Post by: Clive on May 19, 2012, 12:47
 :lol2: