ffmpeg causing crashes

[Ormond Williams]

For the past few months, VS12 has been crashing regularly (program not responding) and then I get a message that ffmpeg was the problem. I have been to the ffmpeg site to look for some answers, but for me it might as well be written in Chinese as I don't have enough knowledge to be able understand what it's about.

Some other programs have also been crashing ocassionally, but I do not know if ffmpeg has been the cause.

I'm not sure how ffmpeg came to be installed or whether it's necessary or if it's not necessary, how to get rid of it?

It's becoming a pain in the neck. Can anyone give me some guidance on this and what to do about it please?

Thanks!

Computer specs:
Dell XPS1330
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Business
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T7700 @ 2.40GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 4gb RAM
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
Sound card: 2- SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC