Problems with WMP & Explorer

[kevhatch]

Hi
I'm having a bit of a problem with playing AVI's with Media player ... If I double click a movie to watch I get Media Player starting up but as soon as it loads I get a Windows Explorer message saying it has a problem and needs to close, clicking for more information gets this error signature:-
AppName: explorer.exe
AppVer: 6.0.2900.5512
ModName: fun_avcodec.dll
ModVer: 0.0.0.0
Offset: 000a6462

Closing both those boxes then brings a Media Player message saying it has a problem and needs to close, clicking for more information gets this error signature:-
AppName: wmplayer.exe
AppVer: 11.0.5721.5145
ModName: fun_avcodec.dll
ModVer: 0.0.0.0
Offset: 000a6462

This is now starting to get on my nerves, and I can feel a "Float Test" in the nearest canal coming on for the whole lot.

Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Kev

[cauzomb]

Do you have samsung pc studio installed?

[kevhatch]

Yes, I have Samsung PC Studio 3 installed.
Thanks

[cauzomb]

I've been reading about an issues related to the fun AVcodec maybe caused by Samsung PC studio software and windows media player not working well together, but this is just one instance that I found.. The suggestion was to remove samsung PC studio.

However, while searching for FUN_AVCODEC.DLL, on othe forums, I turned up half a dozen or so questions and responses, mostly related to a BAD download with spyware/malware/viruses, all had the "fun_avcodec.dll" in their hijack this logs, and some of the helpers were suggesting to remove the files associated with this codec.. So, other than using the PC studio uninstall, or add-remove programs /Samsung PC studio, another suggestion is to vissit our spyware central, read the sticky read me before posting a request for help.

If you have issues with your system, maybe it's acting slower than it used to, or you can't open certain websites, follow PhilliePhan's instructions, then post the requested logs.

[kevhatch]

Removed Samsung PC Studio .. all is good again.
Thanks

[cauzomb]

Sounds good, you may also want to contact samsung and ask if they are aware of this issue; that it has happened to a "certain" number of users, so people are going to be quick to remove the incompatible/troublesome software..

Ask samsung if they have any "updates" to their software to fix the incompatability between fun_avcodec.dll and wmp. It may be as simple as a windows media player preferences setting, changed by installing samsung PC Studio. If this application installed the FUN_AVCodec.dll, and associated it with AVI, or has set wmp preferences to use the fun_AVcodec.dll, try to remove this codec from the WMP codec list.

Be sure to use a firewall and a good up-to date anti-virus application.

A side note:

Ever tried to view a cool video, but the video didn't have the "codec"? So media player tries to "find" the codec?

Here's the reason WHY you need a good firewall that can not only prevent things from getting IN from the network/lan/wan connection, but also control what is allowed to go OUT.

The video can tell WMP WHERE to get the codec, sometimes WMP tries to get them automatically.... An automatic codec download forced by data encoded into the video/audio file introduces a risky situation.. You "WANT" to see a video, so you are compelled to "download" something that you normally would not have downloaded. I mean, who would "WANT" to go download malware you know.... that's why they wrap it up in shiny flashy gift wrapping just for you, so they can get it in your house and get you to open it, cause all they need is someone to "open" their package, then everything else is automatic...... This is where they get you with spyware/malware/trojan downloaders and/or ~Dialers that call out to TOLL numbers, regardless of Local, so they can "CHARGE" you to view the media etc..

You need to configure your media player to "prompt" you and do not automatically download codecs... or better yet, get your firewall setup to prompt you each time your media player asks for internet access, then you can tell it "internet access denied" keep your player on a short leash with a good firewall.