Well, I'm not a big Windows guru as you may know I'm a Linux guy for the last 7 years.

So here is the problem:

My buddy Tim has a Windows ME computer and recently discovered torrent downloading. Problem is most videos come in .avi format. His media player is limited to 9.0 and I cannot locate .avi codecs for this player. I suggested a Boilsoft converter for him to convert to .wmv files but he cannot grasp the concept (I don't think he is bright enough to grasp the concept of file conversion, he is just able to understand downloading).

I tried compiling the Windows version of MPlayer for him but it only wants to work on XP. He WILL NOT pay any money to upgrade to XP

Most avi players I have found for Windows by Googling are crap.

Any Windows guys know of codecs or decent avi players for Windows 9X?

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by tutnkmn (edited 02-02-2007).]

http://filehippo.com/download_klite_mega_codec/

quote Originally posted by FierociousGT: http://filehippo.com/download_klite_mega_codec/

Great, thanks

quote Originally posted by tutnkmn: My buddy Tim has a Windows ME computer and recently discovered torrent downloading. Problem is most videos come in .avi format. His media player is limited to 9.0 and I cannot locate .avi codecs for this player.

AVI is not a codec, it's a container. This means the codecs used inside an .avi can be many, like DivX, XviD, mpeg, mpeg 4, h.261 or even more exotic proprietary codecs like PIXL. In short, there's no such thing as an avi codec.

Every version of Windows Media Player (WMP) understands the AVI container format but wether or not it can play the contents depends on the codecs installed on that machine. So you don't need another player. There are several "codec packs" out there but I strongly suggest not installing a codec pack for several reasons. First of all, most codec packs install codecs that might interfere with already installed codecs. Second, because the packs are so popular, you have to make absolutely sure you are downloading the pack from a trusted site (otherwise chances are big the codec pack installs all kinds of crap like spyware and even trojans).

It's best to install the codecs as needed. If an .avi will not play, right click it from Windows Explorer and choose "properties". You can then see (most of the time) which codec is used for video and audio.

Doesn't VLC play just about anything?

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

You can also get Gspot to determine what type of codecs the files are.

http://www.headbands.com/gspot/download.html

Great advice everyone. I'm not big into multimedia stuff, never was. Linux plays everything I need with various built in players like AVIFile player, MPlayer, XMMS and XINE, all without additional packages, codecs, etc.

Windows does seem to need lots of supplemental code on the media side Tim will not switch to the Penguin though, and quite frankly with the problems he has with Windows I did not suggest it other than in passing.

We'll get Tim up and running vids though! A little patience and all will go well

Got it working!

Windows ME? Seriously?

I didn't think anybody actually ran that anymore.

quote Originally posted by 88GTNeverfinished: Windows ME? Seriously? I didn't think anybody actually ran that anymore.

*slowly raises hand* haha. Until this past November when I bought my first Laptop with XP(I came up to the times! ) I had been running ME on my desktop from when I bought it in 2000 so yea..

~Ja~

quote Originally posted by 88GTNeverfinished: Windows ME? Seriously? I didn't think anybody actually ran that anymore.

My friend Tim is so tight you could not pull a needle out of his a$$ with a tractor! Upgrade or buy a new PC?

That would mean spending money! The old one works so he keeps using it.

quote Originally posted by Gecko: Doesn't VLC play just about anything? http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ You can also get Gspot to determine what type of codecs the files are. http://www.headbands.com/gspot/download.html

Ya, vlc would be a great choice.

quote Originally posted by Nurb432: At least install 98.. ME was a resource dog..

Yeah, ME is a piece of Klingon targ dung! But, he will not go backwards either.

"Just keep it like it is and make it work please." At least he says please