wmp 9 delay in playing avi and mpg

[davexnet]

Hello,
I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions on this:

It involves playing mediafiles that exist on my harddrive.
If I open an mpg (mpg 1 or mpg 2), or if I open an avi (any flavor)
wmp 9 says "connecting" in the lower left hand corner for about
10 seconds, the screen remains black, then the clip will play.

Opening the same media files with BSplayer or mplayer 6.4
plays the files immediately.

Also, WMV or ASF files open and play immediately.

WMP 9 must be doing something, but what?
Appreciate any clues on this.
WMP 9 on windows 98SE.

Thanks,
Dave

[r00t]

I had a similar problem when I had a bunch of different codecs installed (Kazaa Lite codec pack). When I reformatted last I just installed the basic divx codec and the problem stopped. Not sure if that will help you at all, but it's worth a try.

[Asmodian]

I am not at all sure but you could try turning off the feature to automatically get missing clip info from the internet (if it is still on?).

[davexnet]

Thanks for the suggestions. Wasn't able to find a specific
option regarding "get missing clip info ".
However on the options/privacy tab, I have all selections
unchecked.

Regarding the "codec pack". Perhaps the problem *is* related to
installed dshow filters, but I have never actually installed
a codec pack.
As an experiment, I used virtualdub to create a 30 second
uncompessed (RGB) avi, and the delay happens on that also.
That doesn't need any codec.

This is a strange problem.
Dave