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Codecs
A codec is software that is used to compress or decompress a digital
media file, such as a song or video. Windows Media Player and other
programs use codecs to play and create digital media files.
For example, when you rip a song from an audio CD to your
computer, the player uses the Windows Media Audio codec to
compress the song into a compact WMA file. When you play that
WMA file (or any WMA file that might be streamed from a Web site),
the media player uses the Windows Media Audio codec to decompress
the file so the music can be played through your speakers.
Why do I get a message that says my computer is missing a codec?
If you get a message that says that your computer is missing a codec, it
may be because you are using a file that was compressed using a codec
that Windows or the media player does not include by default. In many
cases, you can download and install the missing codec by clicking on
the Web Help button in the error message.
Please also see Windows
Help and Support
for more information.
Playing DVD movies
You can play DVD movies on your computer.
1. Insert the DVD.
Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the
program asks you to enter the region code. DVD content is coded
with one of six regions. Please refer to the table below for DVD
