.MOV files lock up Win XP - usually

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.video (More info?)

This one's got me hanging. QuickTime viewer plugin never worked in IE on my
desktop, but now I need to view .MOV training movies; I don't want to load
the latest, bloated version with iTunes and I doubt it would help. QT
alternatives usually open and play .MOV files fine, but only if they are
opened using the aps' File>Open. Drag-drop or double click (or opening in
Media Encoder) might work sometimes, but soon results in a system lockup when
opening a .MOV that even Ctl-Alt-Del won't cure--have to use a hard reset.
Other video file types don't have this problem with any aps, even video
editing aps. The system is otherwise very stable. I've tried QuickTime
Alternative, IrfanView, Media Player Classic, and even loading .MOV into
Windows Media Encoder. I've cleaned my registry with Registry Mechanic,
removed .MOV references from the registry, removed and reinstalled aps,
removed suspect parts of Nero 6.6, updated nVidia drivers, have all the
latest versions incl SP2, etc, etc. -- all to no avail. Now I have to watch
..MOV on a laptop. Help me rescue my desktop, please!