My Windows NT 4 computer at home is not connected to the internet. I downloaded Windows Media Player at my place of work and then copied the media player onto a CD. Although all programs seem to load OK they want to access the Internet. When I try to run an *.wmv file, I receive the message ‘Unable to download an appropriate decompressor’. Will I have to use a modem for the NT 4 box and download more files from the Internet before Windows Media Player will work?

This error message generally means that the codec for the type of file you are attempting to play is not currently installed on your computer and Windows Media Player needs to download it from the internet. However, I find it a bit strange that the codec for WMV files is not included by default with Windows Media Player (since it is a Windows Media format). However, when I visited the URL from which you downloaded Windows Media Player (the URL has been excluded from publication), I realised that you downloaded Windows Media Player 6.4. I have checked and according to support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=234019 WMV files are supported in Windows Media Player 6.4 and later. However, judging from the message you are receiving, it would appear that the codec is not included in the package. So you may need to use a modem to download the appropriate codec.