I was "given' a video file of Aeon Flux and when the media player tried to open it couldnt find a codec. How can you tell what codec you need? And where to get it? Thanks, scott

What does the file name end with? .avi, .mwv, .mov, .mpeg?

hmm...it just says its a "video clip".

looks like they're .avi Dunno why it doesnt show that way under properties tho.

You can try to download that latest Windows Media Player (version 9) <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp" target="_blank">http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp</a> <BR> <BR>If you are on XP do the following: <BR>Do a Right-click on the file. <BR>Select properties <BR>Click the "Change" button. <BR>This will list the full file name at the top of the pop-up window. <BR>Report back what you see <BR>Click "Cancel" twice to close out of the properties windows

its already at ver. 9. Its an .avi file. Above the tray area it tries to connect, then has an error recieving the codec? Does that make sense? scott

get the DiVX Alpha plugin. search for it on google. download and install the latest version. <BR> <BR>That may work.

okay...now I get "error downloading codec" from media player. I have no problem playing other files. I guess these just have a different codec? Thanks, scott

Go get a program called GSpot. It tells you exactly what codec you need to play the file (both audio and video) <BR> <BR>Trash <BR>

Got it. it needs Divx 5.0. Now what? <BR> <BR>>>GSpot was unable to find a suitable codec installed, indicating that this media file not likely playable on this O/S at this time. To be able to play this media file, attempt to locate a suitable codec based on the Format and 4CC given above. Install the codec and then test again with GSpot after the codec has been installed.<<

get divx 5.0. <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.divx.com/" target="_blank">http://www.divx.com/</a> <BR> <BR>you can also get good info on codecs here: <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.moviecodec.com/" target="_blank">http://www.moviecodec.com/</a>

well duh....got it. works now. Thanks all.