DeskScape Video Codec errors

from Stardock Forums
I installed DeskScapes last night through Stardock Central.  For the most part, things work well, except for one or two of the scapes that crashed and I deleted those.  But on several of the deskscapes that I downloaded that I 'really' want to use, I get an error message that says,

"Could Not Play Dream Video.   The dream may contain an invalid video type or a compatible mpeg-2 video decoder may not be present.  Click here for more information.."

When I follow the directive and, 'click here', I get the stardock page of frequently asked questions about codecs.  It has a link to Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra, and that costs way more than I want to pay just to be able to use the few deskscapes I really want.  I investigated other options and dowloaded Roxio's Cineplayer DVD Decoder pack (for $14.95) that the Microsoft site recommended and it did not work in this case.  I then followed the advice of a couple other people in this forum who said that CCCP works.  I downloaded CCCP and the deskscapes I want still don't work.

Does anyone have any leads on which codec or codec packs work?  I don't want to waste any more money on something that may not work.  So if someone can steer me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.

By the way, I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit.  I have not installed Service Pack 1 yet.
11,686 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I believe Home Premium comes with mpeg2 support built in. What Dream is giving you trouble?
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
One of them is called 'among the clouds', another is 'tulips'. A few others are, 'moonlight', 'Redbloom'. 'catchawave', 'mana shades' and 'rockysurf'. Of course, once you save the file, the file itself doesn't say who the creator is, but I think at least one of them were yours. If you can help me in any way, that would be great!
Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I created Among the Clouds, Rocky Surf, and Catch A Wave as mpeg2 Dreams.

I've listed a few things that may be the cause.

What are you running for a video card and do you have the latest video drivers installed for it?

You may have a codec installed that is incompatable.
Here's a good codec manager that you can use to check what's installed and disable them one at a time to figure out if you have one messing with Deskscapes. I suggest starting with the mpeg2 codecs in your diagnostics.

Also, Nero 7 or earlier has been known to cause problems.

Hope this helps.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Hey CarGuy, I owe you!! I downloaded the codec manager off the site you suggested and disabled the mpeg-2 codecs one at a time. It was the Cyberlink Video SP/decoder. Must have been from some old application judging by the date. Now everything works like a charm! And I really love 'Catch A Wave' and 'Among The Clouds'!

Thanks so much for your help!
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Happy to help and I'm glad you got it working. :) 
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