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Q: I am having trouble viewing .wmv and other video files sent to me by email or otherwise downloaded from the internet.  Prior to a short time ago, I had no trouble viewing the files, but now I can hear the audio but the video is just a black screen.

I am using an HP Compaq NX9010 computer with Windows XP, with SP 3 installed.  I have tried uninstalling Media Player 11, using Media Player 10, reinstalling Media Player 11, using Media Player Classic, Irfan View, all getting the same result: audio but no video.Video files embedded in web sites, such as youtube, are OK.

Is there a file associated with Windows that all players use (like a DLL or something), which may be the cause of the problem?

– Dave E.
Fort Walton Beach, Fla

A:  My research into this problem shows that it is most likely related to the drivers and software for the ATI video card in your system, which means any computer with an ATI card could experience the same problem.  The problem seems to lie in a single setting in ATI’sCatalystControlCenter.  To fix it, run the CCC and go to Video->Video Basics.  You’ll probably find “Video Presets” set to “Custom”.  Change it to “Home” and everything should work again.

Q: It seems as though each time I get an update from Microsoft, I have to uninstall Adobe Flash Player and reinstall it. Any site I visit tells me that my copy is old and outdated and I need to get the latest update for the site to work, even if I have just updated.  Can you help me understand, and is there anything I can do, other than continue as I am.

– Canty G.
Fort Walton Beach,Fla

A: It sounds like something more going on here than you realize.  First of all, most Adobe updates aren’t mandatory – you should be able to continue running an older version for quite some time, although it’s always a good idea to install updates when they’re available.  Second, there’s nothing in the updates from Microsoft that should cause your Adobe Flash Player to need updating.  It’s possible that the timing of the Adobe updates might be mere coincidence.  Routine Microsoft updates come out about once a month, and it’s possible that your Adobe player is configured to automatically check for updates every 30 days.  The Adobe player’s settings are really tricky to get to if you don’t know how.  Start by going to www.adobe.com/software/flash/about.  This page will tell you whether the Flash player is properly installed, and what version you have.  Right-click on the spinning logo, and from the context menu, choose Settings.  In the box that comes up, click the question mark in the upper-right corner.  Under “Table of Contents” are links to the “Global” settings panels.  Choose “Global Notifications Settings Panel” and check your settings.  Adjust if necessary.

TIP OF THE WEEK: If your computer is not set up to perform regular Windows updates, now would be a perfect time to do a manual update.  This past Tuesday Microsoft released patches for over 34 “vulnerabilities” across the spectrum of its Windows, Internet Explorer, Silverlight, Office and other software.  No fewer than six of the patches are considered “High Priority” meaning they should be installed immediately.  To download and install these updates, run Internet Explorer and select “Windows Update” from the “Tools” menu.  Under “Table of Contents” are links to the “Global” settings panel.  Choose “Global Notifications Settings Panel” and check your settings.  Adjust if necessary.