Question about codecs

I'm recently tried to watch an .avi file with both DivX and WMP10. DivX reported that it needed a codec or decoder and said something about a DirectShow decoder. WMP10 tried to play the file, but it didn't; the 'status' bar said "contacting codec server.." and then "error downloading codec". I already have a codec pack installed. Will anything get messed up if I install more than one codec pack? What if I install, say, 3 or 4 codec packs?

hopperdave2000

If it matters, the file has this info tagged to it: %filename% H264 MP3 720x400.avi

 

Yeah, codecs can get messy. There is a tool you can use to simplify codec issues. If you're interested, have a look at GSpot

Personally, I've given up on messing with codecs myself. I use VLC Media Player which has just about every codec you could ever need built right in.

I've yet to come across a file this baby wouldn't play. It's free, and it's lightweight. Also, it's not adware supported like the DivX player...

 

VLC is great. I've even had it play files with the wrong extension name just fine and dandy. Plays anything in any scenario.

 

Stick with one codec pack at a time. They all recommend removing existing codecs before install.

One player I've found useful for problem files is GOMplayer. If it can't play a file a window pops up to search for the appropriate codec. It's only happened to me twice but both times it led me to an open source codec that solved the problem for all my installed players. It's worth a try and a good player in its own right(I'd use it more but I'm used to KB shortcuts in KMP).

 

Thanx for the tips..... I'm glad I didn't start installing one codec pack on top of another.... I downloaded GOMplayer a while back, but never installed it; I guess now's the time to check it out.... Thanx again!

hopperdave2000

 

Hey.... whaddayaknow.... GOMplayer played it perfectly Thanx again!

 

Glad it worked!

After a fresh install of XP and my K-Lite codec pack, I was still missing a codec I couldn't seem to install myself. GOM fixed me up without excess baggage. I filed the tip away for use later...well err...now.