Can not see .avi, wmv,,etc in WMP or Realplayer sound OK

[wudz]

Hi,
After dumping a load of unused programs , taking care to leave any shared files, about a month later found I could not see .avi, wmv etc movies in WMP or Realplayer Sound though OK,only see videos in Quicktime.
Dumped and reloaded both players and Codec's from Microsoft...still no joy...
Any Ideas what is missing in windows XP.
I do not though want to restore as I have very little space on the HD ( the prime reason to get rid of unused programs tp freeup some HD space) and have loaded quite a few new programs since so restore is a no,no..
I can live with quick timwe but I have editing software for wmv which I would like to use again.
cheers in anticipation

[Aschenbach]

Try VLC Media Player - it's free, uses little disk space and plays all video files as far as I know .

[wudz]

Just downloaded the VCL media player and get the same result... black screen, sound OK...
Quicktime is OK as mentioned.....
Once I cam establish what Quicktime does not need that WMP and Realplayer need we will crack it....the BIG BUT what file or files are needed!!!!

Thanks again

John