I can't use streaming services like Netflix and HBO
Last week my laptop broke down and I needed to reinstall Windows. Since my laptop is old, it can only support Windows 7 and since I installed it, I can't use Netflix nor other streaming services. On Netflix's page it says I don't have the latest version installed and I did all I was suggested to do and all solutions that was offered by Netflix is in order (browser history is on, I have the latest version of Firefox, I restarted and reinstalled my browser, DRM content is on, Firefox content plugins are up to date and I'm using official version of Firefox). Don't know what else I can do, except to change the browser which I really don't want to but if nothing else will work... Please help. Thanks, Danijela
All Replies (10)
What Widevine version do you have ?
- Tools -> Add-ons -> Plugins
You can toggle DRM off/on to see if that makes Firefox (re)load DRM components.
- Settings -> General: Digital Rights Management (DRM) Content
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-drm
Thanks for your help but nothing worked... I have a 4.10.2710.0 Widevine version. At one point a message from Firefox came out (see the attachment) but still nothing...
Make sure Firefox isn't set to run in permanent Private Browsing mode (Always use Private Browsing mode; Never Remember History).
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/private-browsing-use-firefox-without-history
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/common-myths-about-private-browsing
- Settings -> Privacy & Security
Firefox will: "Use custom settings for history" - remove checkmark: [ ] "Always use Private Browsing mode"
Still nothing. Thanks for trying...
Does this DRM test video work (it should say "using widevine")?
Can you play this H264 video?
You may need the Media Feature Pack but Microsoft no longer provides downloads for Windows 7.
You will get more life out of the laptop by switching OS to Ubuntu. It will perform better and receive the latest software/security updates.
Hi Zeronight,
Thanks for your help.
Unfortunately, DRM test video doesn't work (first two photos of the attachment) nor could I see the flower video (third photo). In my opinion, this is all happening because I couldn't install "regular" Mozilla, instead I had to install some extension (I don't remember the name but that was the only option for me). I think this has to do with Mozilla itself and not with Windows because I opened the links you gave me in Google Chrome and they work just fine. I just have to accept the fact that I will have to stream or listen to music using Chrome instead of Mozilla.
Do you see the Widevine plugin listed on the about:plugins page and on "about:addons -> Plugins" since the second screenshot shows no Widevine or other EME support ? Can you show us a screenshot ?
You can check the Web Console for media playback messages.
Hi Cor-el,
I think I found the solution to my problem... I clicked on the link you sent me and opened "console" and there I noticed that I was trying to play Widevine with no Windows Media Foundation. I clicked on the link (circled in the photo) and it said I should install the Media Feature Pack that's appropriate for my version of Windows.
I thought I would be able to fix the problem myself, but I guess I just have to take it back to get it fixed.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Chrome has the H264 video codec built-in while Firefox depends on the system supplying. If you can find a Windows 7 version that is not the N edition, you won't need the Media Feature Pack.
Hi Zeroknight,
Thanks for the explanation. At the moment, I'll have to stick with what I have and then I'll just get a new laptop.