Complete Movies that aren't complete
 

Alright.

Just downloaded LW a few days ago, and haven't had any major problem, but a big one has reared its ugly little head.

I will be downloading a movie, and preview it to see how its coming along. During one point of the preview, said movie would play up to say, 30 seconds. But, as it downloads more, the preview will only go up to 25, or 20 seconds.

So, when I finish, I have a 100 mb file that will only play up to 20 seconds, far less then what I previously previewed.

Is this a common problem with an easy fix? Or did I just waste 4 hours?

I'm on an intel Mac running 10.4 if it helps.

Thank you, and I apologize if this is the wrong forum.

A movie file should be at least 600 to 750 mbs in size...100mbs is not enough for it to be a full movie....An mp3 is bigger than that...

Check this link out it has some good info on what files and sizes you should ignore...
WARNING: Viruses on network you should be aware of!

Also always check your file with Bitzi before downloading...
How to use Bitzi Web Lookup

These aren't...*ahem*, full feature films.

However, a 100megabyte movie should last longer than 1min 25 sec, which is all I am getting.

Essentially, 70% of the movie is not being played, and I think it has something to do with my previewing it during download, though I am not sure.

This happened once before, on a 150megabyte movie, but I assumed the file was broken and deleted it, but now I know this is not the case.

Let me restate, that during the download, I previewed 1min40seconds of movie while it was at 5-10% completion, and now the final, complete 100megabyte download only plays 1min25seconds.

I know I used 20 and 30 seconds in my first post, but I just grabbed those off the top of my head.

Well, playing the files is no problem, as I downloaded a pretty good codec pack and it pretty much plays everything I throw at it.

What I am using to preview is just Quicktime with said codecs installed, this particular file being an .mpg of no particular merit (as far as I know), and all I am doing is double clicking the file, as its downloading, in the download area of LW, and occasionally clicking on the "preview" button in LW.

I will, from now on, do as you suggest and make a copy of the incomplete file before viewing, as that seems to be the best solution.

Now my question is, is there any way I could repair the file?

Hah, your wish of luck is noted, but I *am* on a Mac

If I'm lucky, I'll actually find one that isn't Windows exclusive. =P

Thanks, anyways. I appreciate the help.

I figured out a fix!

Turns out, it was Quicktime fooling itself into thinking the shortened, "previewed" video file was the complete file, and thats why they didn't play.

I loaded up one of the "broken" files in VLC, and they work flawlessly, playing all the way through.

I just figured I'd come back and post my triumph, in case someone else has a similar problem.

But, I thank both of you for your help!