Cannot open avi files

My problem is my computer will not open avi files. Everytime i click on the avi file I get the error messege windows Explorer encountered a problem and needs to close. My computer has never done this before and I am lost as to getting it to open the avi files. I have tried opening them thru Windows Media player and still get same messege. Besides the error messege here is the report:

AppName Explorer.exe
AppVer 6.0.2900.2100
ModNam Xvid.ax
ModVer 0.0.0.0
Offset 0003d928


System specs:

Windows xp sp2
3.06 P4 processor
1.0Gb ddr ram
Onboard video & sound

If you need anything else let me know.

Thank You in advance

 

Try VideoInspector (freeware) on http://www.kcsoftwares.com/
It is a tools designed to provide you with as much information as possible about your video files. You'll know why your video files has no sound or refuses to play correctly. It may will help you installing the required CoDecs (coder/decoder software)...

 

I downloaded and installed ffdshow and windows media classic.
works great.

 

Thank you fastacker I tried the ffdshow it opened the file for me.