Two problems - or are they one?

Message

BikerGran · #1 Post by **BikerGran** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:09 pm

Keep getting a blocked pop-up that wants me to download something called "Windows Media Player Core". What the eck is that? I get regular updates from Microsoft so if it's something I need why isn't it coming that way?

Other problem is with the AVG free version - I updated it, had to restart - that seems right, I checked on the AVG site. And the 'User Interface" said that everything was working.

Then the icon at the bottom of my screen got the exclamation mark that means it's not all working, then got a message saying 'connection to the update manager failed' - and user interface shows that as well.

Have I recieved a corrupted update again? AVG isn't what it was since MS got involved.

Edit - CANCEL THAT!
Just done it again (about the 10th time) and it worked. Must be too many peeps trying to update - I did jusat get one of those half genuine, half hoax (according to Snopes) virus warning so maybe it sent people updating like mad!
Still wondering about the Player Core thing tho.

BikerGran · #2 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 3:46 pm

Had difficulty updating my AVG again today - when it did connect I got a message inviting me to upgrade to the full (paid for) version - I swear they're doing it on purpose!

Samray · #3 Post by **Samray** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 6:03 pm

There was a new updated version of the FREE one on the 29/1 too Bobbi.
Just downloaded it. I'll report back in a day or two if you want to wait.

http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus- ... 20142.html

BikerGran · #4 Post by **BikerGran** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 7:21 pm

Cheers Sam! Happy to let you test it!

Edit - on checking, that's the version I have!

No-one got any comment on the first part of my question re so-called "Windows Media Player Core" ?

Samray · #5 Post by **Samray** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 7:29 pm

Windows Media Player Core is a lightweight version of the standard windows media player I believe.
If you have Windows Media Player you won't need it.

...in fact...

Important Note :

- Do NOT use this package if you have Windows Media Player 7/9/10 installed!

BikerGran · #6 Post by **BikerGran** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 7:33 pm

Samray · #7 Post by **Samray** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:26 pm

Someone elses advice:

The Three Laws of Secure Computing

1) Don't buy a computer.

2) If you do buy a computer, don't plug it in.

3) If you do plug it in, sell it and return to step 1.

Samray · #8 Post by **Samray** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:17 pm

Did you get AVG sorted Bobbi?
There is plain English help here , tho if you read his response to comments at the bottom he does say he would sooner use Avast.
Must admit I agree with his comments about AVG becoming greedy with resources, and I always disable the link scanner.

BikerGran · #9 Post by **BikerGran** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:31 pm

AVG is fine now thanks.

Still confused about the Media Player Core thing - was trying to look at something the other day and got that popup again - told it to go away but I couldn't see whatever it was.

When I look at 'about windows media player' it says mine is version 9.00.00.4503 - whatver that means!

Samray · #10 Post by **Samray** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:54 pm

Could be that version is too outdated for the core set-up to identify?

Version 11 has been around for 3 or 4 years now and version 12 is imminent
Yours was from about 2003.
Mebbe upload a newer version?
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/window ... fault.mspx
You are on XP?

BikerGran · #11 Post by **BikerGran** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:41 pm

I am on XP - but that page says the download is for SP2 and I have SP3 - is it still ok?

Also, would I uninstall my current version first, or would it update what I have?

Samray · #12 Post by **Samray** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:09 am

I'm sure all our geeks are sitting back laffing at all my inadequate 'assistance'

Does this help more? http://www.microsoft.com/windows/window ... sions.aspx

Gio · #13 Post by **Gio** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:26 pm

I tried avg on my daughters computer it was slow and clunky.

We now have installed this one Avira

Touch wood its not bad for a freebie and a lot better than AVG

Samray · #14 Post by **Samray** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:39 pm

Avira gets very mixed reviews, and I would dispute that it is better than AVG.
It probably has a smaller footprint but has a few essential features missing imho.

Aladinsaneuk · #15 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 9:23 am

i have yet to find anything better than avg from the free sector

paid wise, kaspersky seems to be the best