Having problems with Windows Media Player codecs?

[jami]

Some digital movie files won't play, as Windows Media player says it doesn't have the required codec. How do I know which codecs it needs, and how do I get the codecs? (and if you don't mind throwing a third in, what IS a codec?)

All of my Windows updates are done, and I'm not sure where to get these things (or what they even are)

 

[SAYYAM]

go to option of media player and select all the file that could open in media player....hopefully this will help you

 

[xiyixo]

search for, and download "k-lite codec pack"
it is free, and has everything you need to play most files