How to get all video formats playable in Vista WMP 11 (+ thumbnails and previews in Explorer)

You should install these codec packages:

1. FFDshow (divx, xvid etc.)


2. Haali Splitter (mp4, mkv, ogm)
   To get thumbnails, go to Haali Splitter settings and choose Yes in the entry 'Enable thumbnail extraction'.


3. OSS Flash Filter (flv)
   If not working, go to VFW settings of ffdshow and in the Codecs tab check FLV1 type.
   


4. Install Quicktime Alternative 1.81, then 2.70 (or any latest version) (mov, hdmov)
5. Install the latest Real Alternative for rmvb, don't forget to check "Show thumbnails for rmvb" in the installation window.
   

To get thumbnails for those extensions that still haven't got them, use this reg file:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mkv\ShellEx\{BB2E617C-0920-11D1-9A0B-00C04FC2D6C1}]
@="{327669A0-59A7-4be9-B99E-1C9F3A57611A}"
AND replace .mkv with the needed extension (for example, flv, m4v, mp4 etc.). To get the thumbnails check once more if files with such an extension are playable in Windows Media Player (for example, drag-n-drop onto WMP icon). You need to restart computer and clear thumbnail cache via Vista Clean Up manager.
To get video previews in Vista Explorer preview pane, use this tiny app. Open it, choose 'WMP rich preview handler' in the menu and unselect 'Only show classes...' checkbox. Then check those extensions you need and we're done.