This document covers only the basics about Windows Media Player software. For more and better detailed information, please visit
Windows Media Technologies
for Windows Media Player. Some of the following assumes that you understand the minimum requirements for your computer system. If you need to, please scan the requirements first.
For further help with technical questions, please contact:
General Questions and Issues
I see a message, "Error downloading codec,"
when trying to use Windows Media.
If you are behind a computer network security system
such as a corporate firewall, and your computer does not have the latest
software installed, your player may attempt to update itself or its
components. If you have an older version of Windows Media Player,
we suggest you try upgrading the player first: Visit
Windows Media Technologies
to download and install the latest version for your computer. If
you still need to install a codec, download it from Microsoft's page:
Codec Installation Packages for IT Professionals.
I don't see the presentations, or I can play content from some sites but not others.
If you are behind a computer network security system such as a corporate
firewall, you may need to contact your system administrator to see if you can
access the player content via a proxy server.
Are you using a personal firewall or DSL/Broadband router? If so, and you experience connection problems,
you may wish to try disabling them for the duration of the webcast.
See also Web Browsers and Media Players.
I am getting no video or no audio.
There are varied causes for this. If you see video but no sound, one possible cause is if the computer started
playing an unrelated sound effect or audio file at the same time that the
player tried to start. If you heard something like that, then restarting
the player may help. Make sure that no music program or file is
playing.
Try playing a local video or audio file with the player; if it works
then your computer probably meets most of the minimum requirements.
Note: Some presentations are audio-only presentations, the video
'frame' that is displayed is just a 'place holder' that serves the following
purposes: to give you something to look at, to present some information about
the company currently speaking, to present a logo or some other description
that better identifies the company, or simply to avoid confusion so that you
know you are listening to the right presentation.
I selected a video webcast, but see only a logo or a black display in the player.
It takes a little time to establish a connection to the video server and begin
streaming video. We've noticed 5 to 15 seconds of delay, depending on the
thoroughput of the computer's Internet connection, and other factors. Please
wait a few seconds to give the video stream time to load. For live
webcasts, occasionally a presentation may begin a few minutes late.
I get disconnected or see error messages from the player.
Network congestion from heavy traffic on the Internet or a local area
network can prevent the player from maintaining a constant connection. Try
again in case of temporary congestion.
Also, check if you are on a local area network behind a corporate firewall.
Web Browsers and Media Players
To view or hear a webcast, your computer needs to have special software installed: a Web browser, and an
up-to-date player that is compatible with your Web browser.
Try the System Test to see if it works in your Web browser, and on your computer system.
For maximum compatibility with our program, please use a JavaScript-enabled browser
such as one of those in the following list, and a player such as Windows Media Player
(version 7.1 or higher). These links go to Web sites where you can get the software:
Note: If you see a "Plug-in Not Found" page, it may mean
that your player was installed on your computer before the Web browser. If
your Web browser software was installed or reinstalled after your player, and the player no longer works, you may need to reinstall the player.
Note: Some browsers and browser versions work better with
some players and player versions. Windows Media Player is best
supported on one of Microsoft's Windows operating systems. If
you want to use a recent version of Netscape (6 or higher) with Windows Media Player, you must use Windows
Media Player version 7.1 or later.
Note that some versions of Windows Media Player are not available for all
operating systems.
Players may have issues with some browser versions.
More help about Windows Media Player:
General Requirements for Computers
Computer
- Minimum 48 MB of RAM. 64 MB or more (recommended)
- Sound card and speakers
- Video card capable of 800x600 or better resolution
- Operating system: Windows, Macintosh
Connection Speed
- Minimum 28.8 Kb/s to receive audio streams, 56 Kb/s to receive video.
- High-speed, broadband connectivity such as DSL, cable modem recommended for smooth playback
More Help
For further help with technical questions, please contact:
