Windows media player gives message saying it is unable to play file

Windows media player gives message saying it is unable to play file

Hello John,

Your files may be using a codec—a program that allows your computer to read a particular format—that was not created by Microsoft or not supported by your computer for another reason. To play your files, you will have to download the codec that is needed. Before doing this, you will need to find out which version of Windows is running on your computer and which version of Windows Media Player you are using (if you have Vista, you are using Windows Media Player 11).

If you are using Windows Vista, you should be able to find out more information about the codec that is required by double-clicking the .avi file. When the error message comes up, select Error Details. When you see the message, “A codec is required to play this file,” click Web Help to view information about the required codec and a link, if available. If the link is not provided, try to search the Internet for a link for the missing codec. If you are able to find it, download it, and re-play the .avi file using Windows Media Player.

If you are using Windows XP with Windows Media Player 11, 10, or 9, after double-clicking on the file you are attempting to play, right-click on the exclamation point that precedes the file name under Now Playing. Click on Error Details.  Select Web Help to view information about the required codec and a link, if available. If the link is not provided, try to search the Internet for a link for the missing codec. If you are able to find it, download it, and re-play the .avi file using Windows Media Player.

If you have an earlier version of Windows Media Player, click here for instructions. Scroll down to and expand the “Resolution” section.