Troubleshoot.VideoCodec

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I can't play a movie file!

Generally, most problems with video files are caused by bad or missing codecs. A bad codec can crash your system, prevent a picture from appearing, or cause slow and stuttering playback.

What's a codec?

It's basically a file that Windows needs in order to play certain video files. Think of it as an interpreter for Windows (which speaks one language) and the video file (which is spoken in another).

How do I get or update my codec?

It depends on which type of codec you need. 75% of videos that need a codec are either DivX video files or XviD video files.

Tsunami Codec & Filter Pack - Full version] (15.69 MB)

• K-Lite Mega Codec Pack (24.3 MB) It should work well for playing back every media file you have including Real and Quicktime (It includes also FFDSHOW, G-Spot and Media Player Classic). During the installation you can choose the codecs to install.
• XviD is a popular open source codec.
• DivX is a very commonly seen codec.
• Please also refer to the Direct Show Filters Wiki page, for discussion and links to download codecs.

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Tools

• G-Spot is a handy tool to check video files and diagnose missing codecs.

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Other Helpful Links

• VideoHelp has details on codecs, burning movies to VCD/DVD, etc.
• Digital Digest is a video editing website that has codec downloads.
• Codec-download.com is a general download site for codecs.