Subtitles in Media Player Classic

Media Player Classic is a better player than you might think. I actually use this player for all cinema/tv movies, even for high definition.

This little player (along with required codecs) can show subtitles, without the need of the Vobsub tool from many not-so-liked codec packs.
If the movie subtitle file has the name exactly as the movie file, the MPC will show it instantly (when View -> Options -> Playback -> auto load subtitles is checked). If not, simply drag the subtitle file over the already opened movie and the player will read the text file (.srt, .sub, txt, etc.).

If none of these methods are not working, be sure the MPC has the following setting: View -> Options -> Playback -> Output -> DirectShow Video -> VMR7 or VMR9 renderless.

But when you don't have the movie subtitle? You have to search for it on specific sites, and this you have to do it for many sites, especially for a new released movie.

Another method is to use the MPC, putting to look for the subtitle itself.
When the movie is playing, go to File -> Subtitle Database -> Download -> select your desired language -> download and open. The MPC will search for your movie subtitle. Remember, the "Download" option is not available when the movie window is not opened (or when the required codec is not present in the system).

How its doing that? Very simple: every movie has an identification number (hash) which is connected to a subtitle file.

When no subtitle is available for your movie, you can search with File -> Subtitle Database -> Search or how you normally do on your favorite subtitle sites.
The MPC subs are located on the www.opensubtitles.org. You can setup another location in View -> Options -> Subtitles -> Database.

If you found the subtitle on another website and want to help other users, you can also upload the subtitle so the others can find it quickly. But I recommend not to use File -> Subtitle Database -> Upload (you may be doing something wrong), instead use the SubDownloader software. More info here and here.