Windows 7 Media Center Decoder Error
So for the past couple of weeks, I haven’t been able to watch TV on my install of Windows 7 beta. I though perhaps it was because I had installed some codecs when I was playing with VirtualDub because I got this error:
The video decoder is not working, is not installed, or is not supported. Try installing the codec or restarting your computer. For more information about codecs, see Windows Help.
So I crawled around the Internet a bit and found this post. What? The error was very similar, but not quite the same, but I thought I’d would try the recommended solution of setting my system clock back.
Go figure, it worked! This is stupid though because what good is it going to do me with my system clock set back? The Guide is based on your system clock, so obviously the channel listings are not going to be right.
Well, I’m certainly glad I didn’t update my media center pc to Windows 7! If anyone has a solution to get this working properly, I’d love to know!
*UPDATE*
I found a solution to my problem here.
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April 2, 2009
Posted in: Technology
20 Responses
Cheers, This fixed my issue also.
Do you know if this problem has been fixed in the RC?
thank you, i did the same and it worked
What a funny solution
! Does it mean that setting the system clock to current time won’t work the decoder? – Mike
Hi I have the same error and the Thread you mentioned on the Big Green Button is gone.
Would you be able to tell me the magic fix that you found on the other site. I’m going on 3 weeks now to get Media Center to work on my computer. I’m missing it..
Thanks
By the way what is the *updated* solution? The thread on “The Green Button” is no longer exists and I am very curious.
Actually setting the system back seems to do nothing for my PC. I love windows 7 best OS from MS ever. But why oh why do they keep screwing with media center. Why silly countdown on media center…
Anyways again.. The other trick (besides setting clock back) that “WAS” on green button. Please I beg on my hands and knees to let us know… It’s now almost a month since I had my media center. Now I don’t know who won America’s got Talent. Damn
Same problem with Windows 7 RTM and Media Center. The problem does not exist on a fresh Win7 RTM install. But it does occur as soon as I install ATI drivers for my ATI4870 video card. The Microsoft ATI drivers work fine, but I am unable to change ‘scaling’ settings until the real ATI drivers are installed. Without scaling, my LG LCD display has a 1″ black screen border on all sides.
Problem seems to be ATI drivers and Media Centre related.
I tried slightly older versions of the ATI driver (v8.6), but the problem is still present as soon as ATI drivers are installed over the Microsoft ATI drivers that come with Win7 RTM.
Dustin, eager to hear your final verdict on the beta windows 7. I am so filled up with curiosity cause I have got a free update to it because I purchased a brand new lappy with vista preloaded onto it..
Mack, yes Windows 7 is Vista done right. I purchased a new dell laptop at work. It came with vista. It blue-screened 3 times in the first day I had it. I installed Windows 7 RC and I haven’t had a problem since.
Dustin, the blue screen of death is a terrible thing for any computer user and I am so sorry that you had it 3 times that too on the very first day
It sounds little mean and must be some hardware compatibility issue with vista. I use to get the BSD while using XP and I am thankful that after getting my new laptop with vista I have not got it even once 
I am just waiting for the official Windows 7 release so that I can get a copy myself and install it. I am little scared to go with release candidate.
Just FYI, my “Decoder Error” is definetly caused by the ATI drivers. I switched to an nVidia 7950GT, the problem no longer occurs.
what a funny solution. But thanks for this excellent piece of article. I managed to fix this problem sing your solution.
The link you gave for fixing the problem is broken. Here’s another link though to a solution: http://www.ardorpes.com/2009/04/13/windows-7-decoder-error-in-media-center/
Practically saying these problems won’t occur with vista. Or if it still doesn’t function, how about trying the media center decoder utility. This would help you to select the default audio and video decoders.
I am still using XP until now. It’s very stable…But it’s great that you have found the solution. I probably will need it if I change my OS with 7.
This type of issue is precisely why I don’t update my home pcs to a new OS until the first service pack has been released.
I installed K-lite media codec pack and everything is fine for me.
Very nice information. Thanks for this. You really have a very informative site, thank you for sharing!
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