how do I play wmv files sent to me via e-mail

For most video, the following list will get them to play, but there are still a few out there that use weird unsupported codecs, that just aren't compatible.

As you've found, Flip4Mac is the thing to have for wmv content, but my above "weird codec" exception can apply here too.

VLC

Real Player

Perian

Adobe Flash

Streamclip

Yes, that is the suggestion. It would be helpful to know the format of the file you are trying to play. What is the extention of the file? .mov? .avi? .wmv? those are just a few of the possibilities.
The items I referenced in my other post can be used to play most video content.

OK...from one of your posts, it seemed like there might have been a possibility that it was a different file type. Anyway, the only way to play wmv content, now a days, is with Flip4Mac...however, there is still chance a wmv file will not play, due to the processing that was used when it was created. Some content providers deviate from normal and use different, unsupported codecs underneath the wmv wrapper. The Flip4Mac people do a pretty good job of keeping up with all those new codecs, and release compatibility updates regularly, but there are, obviously, a few out there that don't fit in.
The bottom line is...maybe you've got one of those rogue wmv's. Did you get it off a web site? If so, post a link and I can see if it plays here....or upload it to a server and point to it.

After installing Flip4Mac did you repair permissions & restart your computer?
Flip will play at least 99% of .wmv files.

How are you getting the .wmv files in your emails? If a link then right click the mouse until you get a contexual menu. Select Save Link As... & download file onto your desktop.

Microsoft dropped support for WMV for Macs a few years ago. It's a Microsoft thing and not Apple. So, what you need is a component (plug-in) made by Flip-4-Mac. This will allow you to play most WMV inside Quicktime.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25751 About Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions feature





TIP-You should Repair Permissions & restart:
After installing and/or updating an OS (Operating System).
*After installing software.*
After burning sessions

Burning sessions???

Yup! After you are done burning DVD/CDs. If you are burning numerious CD/DVDs at one time just repair permissions after you are done all your burning (sessions). Otherwise, just RP after you are done burning.