The problem here probably is that there are so many programs that might work, depending on version and installation, that it's probably a matter of picking one that you're pretty sure should work and then concentrating on it. The ones I suggested were just ones you might have to give an idea of where to look. Nero and Roxio were included only because they do, in some versions, offer DVD playback.

Older versions of most "player programs" may not include DVD capability. If you're forced to go to WMP or RealPlayer, I'd suggest downloading the current/latest free version(s) you can find.

Current WMP can be downloaded (free) at Windows Media Player Download. It should detect what OS you're using automatically, and offer a "one-button" download. If it doesn't there's a link to "see all Windows Media Downloads" in the sidebar. (Windows Media Player 10 for WinXP is "Total Size: 11,638 KB," and for Win98SE is a little bigger, so plan on spending a bit of time on a slow connection like mine.) Also note that if you go to the "all downloads" theremay be an offer of the "Windows Super Plus Pack" that is NOT free.

(At the "all WMP" page there's also a "license migrator" that might be of interest to some who have some "paid downloads" they don't want to lose the receipt for when they update things. And a MAC version.)

I avoid going to Real Player, so don't have a link handy; but it's almost impossible to open the $#%! thing without getting a popup offering an update.

John