Hi, I am new to this place. I need to learn about Codecs. I am sick and tired of having Windows Media Player tell me it cannot run due to a Codec error. Where do I get them and how do I install them, and how can I find out what is installed and what is needed to play things?

I am sure

You want to read this http://www.inmatrix.com/articles/mediasetup.shtml

Start Zoom Player and then going into the options screen (ctrl+o) and then go down to "formats". This page will tell you what formats are missing and what codecs are installed.

If you still end up with an odd few files that are not playing you can use a program called GSpot to check what codecs they need. http://www.headbands.com/gspot/

The Zoom Player media setup guide covers all the common formats though and you shouldent need much more.

BTW. You made the right move in wanting to lern about codecs before taking the easy way out and installing a codec pack and making things worse on yourself.