How to install codec

[nightripper101]

Hello! My first time here, and I'm so new to DivX that I haven't even installed it yet. The story is my daughter downloaded some AVI's (1.5GB's worth!) and I moved them off my hard drive onto a CD/RW. I told her she could play them from my burner using Windows Media Player 9. That didn't work; the error message was "unable to download codec 'vids:div4' decompressor. WMP9 redirected me to the DivX homepage. There I downloaded the DivX codec. I also downloaded an odd player called "Infranview" which needed a DivX codec also. I'm a little leary about un-bundling the codec I've got. Into which folder does it go? WMP9? Infranview? By default will both players detect it if I allow it to choose its own directory? I recently upgraded to Windows XP 2002 Pro after my final catastrophic crash with that piece of crap Windows98 & I don't want to go through that again just to play a few movies. Basically, what I'm asking is ~ Is DivX safe? I understand what it is and how it relates to MP3 encoding but I'm still being careful. I've been burned enough times with beta programs and hack-job add ins. Anybody who could put my mind to rest and help me to understand this new technology I'd be very greatful for.
Thank you very much!

[Enchanter]

"Is DivX safe?"

It depends on how you define "safe".

If you hate spywares, the DivX codec is not "safe". However, if you simply want the DivX codec to do what it should do and not crash your computer, then the codec is "safe".

For viewing purposes though, FFDShow is a better alternative by a large milestone.

Regards.

[nightripper101]

Hmmm......Haven't heard of that one either. Do you know where I might get it, and would it play a .avi/Div-X?

Thanks for taking the time to respond and advise.

[Enchanter]

FFDShow


FFDShow handles most MPEG-4 compression types, including DivX and XviD. Besides that, it is low in CPU usage, outputs good quality and boasts a formidable range of post-processing features.

Regards.