Windows Media Player - Lock-up

[Trial by Error]

I have used Windows Media player to play audio and video files for about a year on my current computer (PowerSpec 1 Ghz AMD processor) without a problem. I use a cable modem to connect to the web. Two months ago I upgraded Windows Media Player to version 7.0. Since then, I can only play Windows Media saved audio and video files from my harddrive. These play without problem. If I go to a web site with available WM video files (such as movie trailers) or try to connect to one of the Media Guide listings, and try the play the video, Media Player initiates, Trys to open the file, then locks up with the message "connecting to server". This locks up my system till I reset and run scan disc. I contacted Microsoft support since I downloaded the upgrade from their website. They refer me back to my OEM (which of course charges for support). I contacted my ISP to see if there was some network setting I needed to change. They refuse to support third party software. I have reinstalled Windows Media Player 7.01 several times with same result. The upgrade from Microsoft is not de-installable. I am able to play Real Player files from the web without error. Any suggestions? Usually I can figure these things out but this one has me stumped.


Thanks.