Fix for Windows Media Player 11's Runtime problem?

Ok, I have tried consistently contacting MS about this, but they seem to
think my PC in unable to play these files. (Total BS)
I have WMP10 installed now, and I can play 720P HD WMV videos just fine. I
can even burn DVD's and watch the WMV's at the same time without problems
either way. The second I have the WMP 11 runtime installed, it lags my system
to nothing. I have to wait about 10 minutes to actually get it closed. It
does not matter if WMP 11 is installed, or just the runtime. All updates have
done NOTHING.
I would LOVE to get a Zune, but no at the loss of playing my HD WMV's. What
can I do?

My system specs are as fallows, ABOVE 720P playback requirements.
AMD 2700 Athlon XP
1GB RAM
GeForce 7800GS with 256 MB RAM AGP
Audigy ZS 2 Platinum

Come on now. There has to be SOME idea on what to do here. I am basically
asking to spend money on MS here. If WMP 11's runtime gets working properly,
I will TOTALLY get a Zune.