I've been downloading a .avi file from limewire and it is rather large (700 mb). As such, i wish to know if i am downloading what i want. So I try to preview the file. Windows Media player opens up... and then i get an error message saying that windows media play can not play the file. It might not be a valid file or it may not support the codec used to compress the file. (thats the error more or less). Well, thats the problem.

Solutions I've tried:
I have downloaded and installed VLC but it failed to play the file
I downloaded and installed ffdshow but still couldnt play the file
After fiddling around a bit with both of these programs i decided to download and install GSpot Codec Tool in an attempt to find out what codec is used for the file but the program becomes irresponsive when i try to find out what codec it is.

Also, the same thing has happened with several other video files that i have tried including other .avi's and other .mpeg's
If there is anyone who has had similar problems and have solved them can you please help me out or if there is anyone that has any suggestions, please say them

You could try DivX player: http://www.divx.com/divx/download/