avi playback...help!

[pandora]

I've got some avi files that won't play on WMP v10 (I've tried VLC too). I ran them through Gspot and downloaded the necessary codecs and then some, and, still, no luck. The files have a 0.00.00 playback time and I think that has something to do with the problem, because the files only play for a slit second, like they have a 0.00.00 playback time. I've scoured the net in search for answers and I refuse to give up. So, for the upteenth time: What's the deal??

[anonymez]

download & install 'virtualdubmod' from http://www.divx-digest.com

1. start 'virtualdubmod'

2. under 'file', click 'open' and then select your avi file

3. 'under file, click 'file information'

post all info seen in the window that pops up

[pandora]

Okay, here's what virtualdubmod responded with: "Couldn't locate decompressor for format 'xvid' (unknown). VirtualDub requies a Video for Windows (VFW) compatible codec to decompress video. DirectShow codes, such as those used by Windows Media Plaer are no suitable. Only 'Direct stream copy' is available for this video."

Not only I've already downloaded every xvid codec I could find, but I'm pretty sure at least on of my funtional videos is xvid. I'm still very confused.

[anonymez]

download & install 'ffdshow' (make sure it is the 'alpha' version) from http://sourceforge.net/projects/ffdshow

then play your video

how big (in megabytes) is this video? it is beginning to seem quite likely that it is a fake file

[pandora]

I just tried ffdshow alpha and no dice. I've heard of fake files before, but how big are they usually? My files in question range from 670 MB to 800 MB. Aren't those too big to be fake?

[ormonde]

"I've heard of fake files before, but how big are they usually? My files in question range from 670 MB to 800 MB."

Can you kindly post a "Screenshot" of the "File Information" from VirtualDubMod?

[anonymez]

hmmm.... ffdshow + virtualdubmod should be able to open/play just about everything, i'm stumped ...

sorry, but it is likely they are corrupt. maybe it is an ogm file renamed to avi? try downloading "ogm ds filters"

[ormonde]

pandora

I believe "ziadost's" assessment may be correct that the files are most likely fake (or corrupt), but post the VDM screenshot anyway. Also, as an experiment, run one of the files through a utility called "AviFiXP".

[setarip]

"I've heard of fake files before, but how big are they usually? My files in question range from 670 MB to 800 MB."

Fake files can, and usually do, include fake FILESIZE information...