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 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.

Where to download codecs

• Tsunami Codec & Filter Pack (11.40 MB). It should work well for playing back almost every media file you have (except Real and Quicktime).
• Tsunami Codec & Filter Pack - Full version (15.69 MB)
• XviD is a popular open source codec.
• DivX is very commonly seen codec.

Tools

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

Other Helpful Links

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