Strange VirtualDub error..

[cloudscapes]

When trying to open an .avi into VirtualDub or VirtualDubMod:

"Couldn't locate decompressor for format 'XVID' (unknown)"
"VirtualDub requires a Video for Windows (FVW) compatible codec to decompress video. DirectShow codecs, such as those used by Windows Media Player, are not suitable."

Okay, first of all, before anyone calls me a noob and tells me to install XviD codecs , rest assured I DO have them installed, and I have no problems playing them back in Media Player Classic and even WMP. I've been playing/encoding video for years in a veriety of formats.

What I have installed:
Matroska Pack v1.0.2
ffdshow 2003.05.23
quicktime alternative
real alternative
MPC
VirtualDub and VirtualDubMod (forget which builds but they have always worked before)

The problem started when I had to install the 'official' Windows Media Player 9 (ugh). Since then, I have not been able to open most formats in VirtualDub. I have tried uninstalling WMP9, and all the software mentioned earlier and reinstalling them after a few restarts. I tried removing registry keys as well, but I doubt I got them all. Gspot successfully renders the files, and reports that a codec can process the file. "ffdshow MPEG-4 Video Decoder". Finally, for what it's worth, I'm using Win2K on an Athlon XP2800+ machine with a gig of ram that has been reformated less than a month ago with not too much added junk, if you can overlook WMP9 .

Should I be using a different version of ffdshow? I know I *might* be able to fix the problem by installing some other pack (nimo's or official divx or whatever) but I'd rather not. I don't want to bloat my system or cause conflicts. ffdshow has always worked before and in my opinion it's the best and most functional out there.

Any ideas?

[ormonde]

I noticed that you listed "ffdshow 2003.05.23" as the version you have installed. This is an "Alpha" version. If you want to continue using the alpha series version, then upgrade to the latest one which is "ffdshow 2004-10-12". If for some reason this version gives you any trouble, I would consider using the more "Stable" "ffdshow 2002-06-17" (NOT alpha) version.

[cloudscapes]

Thanks ormonde, I'll try this in a few minutes!

I also forgot to mention that since I installed WMP9, I no longer have the ffdshow icon in the taskbar. I am unsure whether it is fully loaded or not.

[cloudscapes]

I've just tried alpha 2004-10-12 and stable 2002-06-17. I've regained the icon in the taskbar but still no luck with VirtualDub. Same error.

[cloudscapes]

Okay, I've bit the bullet and installed DivX 5.2.1 (free). It completelly overtook ffdshow, but at least now VirtualDub works. I tried uninstalling DivX in case it still would but that was not the case. By the way, when installing ffdshow, I enabled the VirtualDub "helper" in the installation options. It doesn't work with or without anyway.

I'm fairly dissapointed. ffdshow needs a wrapper or just one file that DivX does have, though I'm not tech-savvy enough to know what it is.

[ormonde]

Maybe from now on you should use "WMP Classic" instead of WMP 9. I would uninstall 9, uninstall "FFdshow", then install "Classic", and finally reinstall FFdshow.

[cloudscapes]

WMP9 was not something I wished to install, but at the time I had no real choice, and I assumed I could get rid of it without too many problems. It's been uninstalled for a while now, and I've reinstalled MPC (which is what I'm assuming you're refering to) and ffdshow multiple times since. I have not reinstalled WMP9 once since the first time.

Thanks for your help, you've given me an idea on an order on how to do this. I'll try again in a few hours.

[ormonde]

"Thanks for your help"

Glad to be of help and good luck!