VLC and Windows Media Player Won't Open

[ka6uup]

I have a Dell Latitude with Windows XP SP3.
I use it mainly to play audio and video.
Recently VLC and Windows Media player stopped opening.
If I disconnect the power supply and battery and press the
power buttons a few times and reconnect power, both programs
will open but only once. after closing them they will not open till I repeat
the power cycle.
I have tried everything I could find with Google and have run
Tweaking.com windows repair without success.
Any suggestions?
Thanks, Chuck

[Samson]

For VLC, I have always found that resetting preferences solved most issues.

https://wiki.videolan.org/VSG:ResetPrefs

I don't use WMP 11, so can't offer any help there, but have you seen this? https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/925704/when-i-try-to-use-windows-media-player-11--the-program-does-not-start

D610 Latitude by any chance 

[ka6uup]

It is a D 620.
I have already deleted the app data folder with no difference

[Boggin]

I don't know if a conflict between VLC and WMP has occurred but you can turn WMP off via Programs and Features/Turn Windows features on or off then expand Media Features and uncheck its box.

The fact that once you have started them both and a cold boot is required to clear them from memory would suggest something is conflicting and Event Viewer may have something recorded.

You could reinstall WMP 11 to see if it makes any difference - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/windows-media-player-details.aspx

[ka6uup]

Thanks for your help.
I solved the problem.
I had Malwarebytes installed. Uninstalled it and the problem went away.
This is the second time I have had this problem with Malwarebytes.
Thanks Chuck

[Boggin]

Glad to see you found the cause - it definitely sounded like a conflict from something.

You can still have MBAM installed but go Start - type services.msc and press enter then scroll down to MBAM - right click on it and select Properties then use the dropdown to change it to Manual - Apply - OK and then it won't start until you boot it up to run a scan.

You'll need to reboot to affect the change.

Once you have run a scan though, you may have to go into Task Manager and end its process or reboot if you then want to use either VLC or WMP, although you could go back into Services - click on MBAM and then on Stop in the upper left pane.

I have mine set to Manual as I prefer to have as little as possible running in the background.

Are you using the Free or Premium version - I just use the freebie.

[ka6uup]

I am running the premium version.
I'll reinstall it and do as you suggested.
I'll be posting the issue to their forum when time permits
Thanks,
 Chuck

[Boggin]

I think the Premium version needs to be auto for it to do its job but with it set to Manual, at least you will have a robust antimalware scanner when you need it.

As you have the Premium version then you can get direct support which could be quicker than a forum.

https://support.malwarebytes.com/

[ka6uup]

Thanks for the tip
Chuck

[Boggin]

You're welcome.

Let us know what they say as it could be helpful to others.