cant watch downloaded movie

comeonthetic

I am pretty much an amateur when it comes to downloading music or movies so any simple tips here would be greatly appreciated.

Basically I have downloaded a movie to my laptop but the picture doesnt appear when I open it using window media player or InterVideo WinDVD which is the only things on my comp I imagine can play it.

I think it is an avi file if that makes any sense (doesn't to me)

Thanks in advance

Tic

mostly

you'll need some codecs, to view it I'm guessing. Firstly try the vlc media player it that doesn't work you'll need the divx or xvid codecs, links to which I'll dig out. The divx site seems to force you to download all manner of crap.
this should install enough so view most avi's. I wont advise installing the klite pack if anyone suggests it, it installs loads of stuff you'll never need.

Astaroth

assuming it is a legal download (as obviously you wouldnt be breaking forum rules by talking about pirate copies) why not just ask the site that you downloaded it from what you need to play it?

Alltheloginsaretakenappar

Before you download a load of codecs/codec packs, try gspot a codec information tool. Right click the file and select open with gspot, it will then tell you what codecs are needed to play the file and whether or not you have them. If you don't have them you can easily google to find them, if you do have them then check back where you got the file in case others have reported problems with it.