Windows XP Problem

[Mamo!]

I'm not really too active in the forums, but I have a problem and believe that I can get some help here. About a week ago, my computer kept freezing on the Windows XP screen where you can pick the login name. My dad got the wonderful idea of reinstalling Windows. After many failed attempts of trying to change his mind of not reinstalling due to the problems I've heard from peope, he reinstalled it. I still wonder why when he knows less than I do about computers.

I had no idea that all of the old files still remain on the computer after you reinstall Windows XP. It is nice to not see the 5+ error messages pop up when I log in now, but my computer is acting strange. When I try to play any video file, it's slightly pixellated, brighter than usual, and doesn't play smoothly. Basically, it's ugly looking. From Project Ayumix to Waking Hour, it all looks ugly. I started to go back and remove the old files on the computer so I can replace them with new ones, like AMVapp, but it all looked the same.

Another weird problem with my computer is the mysterious right click. The little toolbar doesn't pop up anymore on anything when I right click. I've restarted many times but nothing works.

Another question I have is if I should just delete all of the old files on the computer. I'm not all the way sure which ones to delete and which to keep. I thought I knew a lot about computers but this proves me wrong.

I hope my questions/problems make sense. I worded them the best I could based on what I know, which isn't too much obviously. Scrolling back up and reading my post, I have to apologize for the random questions in advance. It's just that this and the internet lag is bugging me. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I don't know if this will help, but here is the system information:

Microsoft Windws XP
Home Edition
Version 2002 <<< (I know, it's old)
Service Pack 1

Intel(R)
Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.40GHz
1.00 GB of RAM

[CHAMELEON_D_H]

That really depends how he installed it. From your words I assume that he didn't format before installing. Did he creat a new partition? If not, the problem might be codec collapsing in on each other. you can ither try to mess around with the codecs and their settings, maybe uninstalling and reinstalling all of them will work. Other way is to backup everything now that the computer runs fine, format everything and re-install windows.

[Willen]

Did you update all the latest drivers for your hardware?

My brother had the same issue when he updated his nVidia drivers for a game and those new drivers had a bug that would affect video playback. Using the newest beta drivers (at the time) solved that problem, and I've never seen it since.

[Xarathion]

The Right Click Thing- Sounds like a registry key was deleted or surpressed or something. I got a nasty trojan on accident a few months ago, and I attempted to manually remove it from the registry key by following a guide. I think I deleted one too many things though, because a lot of menus and other things in Windows no longer worked after I did it, and had to reinstall Windows anyway.

You also said you have Service Pack 1. If you're version of XP isn't pirated or registered with anyone else, I'd suggest going to windowsupdate.com and downloading the newest service pack. It's free, and can correct some driver issues you may be experiencing.

Personally though, I would suggest completely cleaning the system and reinstalling everything. Back up the files you want to save on CD or whatever (AMVs, pictures, or whatever else you have), and then reformat the hard drive. That'll completely wipe everything that's on it. Delete the partition before format too if you want to be safe. Then reinstall Windows. It's the long route, but you know if you do it right, the system should work completely fine afterwards. (for the most part )

[gangstaj8]

Yeah, that sounds like what Windows calls a "Repair", not a clean install. What are those errors you're getting on start-up? Are they involving programs that usually start-up with Windows?

[Eek-1]

When I try to play any video file, it's slightly pixellated, brighter than usual, and doesn't play smoothly.

Assuming you have updated directx and graphics card drivers & video codecs,

- Download & run this software player: Media Player Classic
- Go to the menu [View]->[Options]->[Playback - Output]
- Under 'DirectShow Video' options, choose Overlay Mixer and then OK.
- You have to restart the player for the changes to take effect.

If that doesn't work, try VMR9/7

[Mamo!]

Thanks for everyone's help!!

After reading everyone's replies, I think I'm going to save the files I want to keep to discs, reformat, and reinstall Windows. Then, hopefully, right clicking will be usable again.