paulmd@efn.org wrote:
>
> On Jan 29, 12:21 pm, "Beemer" <Bee...@nowhere.com> wrote:
>> I have replaced old laptop with a used Sony VAIO PCG-GR215SP laptop for
>> which I have no OS or support discs. I then installed my legit Windows XP
>> SP2 and added all the available drivers and applications from the Sony
>> support site.
>>
>> At present Windows Media player 11 is saying that I do not have a suitable
>> codec For those familiar with this Vaio model was it able to [play DVDs as
>> originally supplied?
>>
>
> If it had a dvd player, it would have had dvd playing software, which
> is your current hang up.
>
>
>
>> I do not want to download a flaky free codec or spend money on one if there
>> was a codec in the original Sony or Sony supplied software.
>>
>> Beemer
>
> How about a flaky free program?
>
> www.videolan.org
>
> Which will play dvds, and the current release fixed a lot of it's
> previous flakiness (some flakiness remains).
>
> Other than that, powerdvd is a good dvd player, but you have to spend
> money on it.

Just to add a bit to what you've said. You can also purchase just the
DVD codecs which will permit Windows Media Player to play your DVDs for
about $15.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...spx#DVDDecoder