Can't Play MP3 Files Downloaded w/Limewire

[warren2003]

Hello,

I downloaded and installed Limewire this AM and have been able to download MP3 files, but cannot play them. I've tried RealPlayer, iTunes, Quicktime and Audion. When I try to open them in Quicktime, I get a message that says "This is not a file that Quicktime understands". With the other apps, they do not play, but I get no message. I have rebuilt my desktop, run Norton Utilities and have jumped up and down screaming. The latter has given me the most satisfaction. I have tried downloading the files again and had no better luck playing them either.

I am on a Mac G4 running OS 9.2.2 with plenty of RAM.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[stief]

How big are the files? .mp3's are about 5 megs or more, but there's lots of smaller stuff with .mp3 extensions that aren't music files. (I like to check the preference "filter .htm/.html files" to cut down on a lot of irrelevant results).

If you're new to the gnutella network, you'll get lots of exercise jumping up and down, so have fun.

[warren2003]

Thank you for the reply stief. You nailed it. The files I have are only around 400K....

I appreciate your help.

Warren

[stief]

Lucky guess. Thanks for the reply, though. Maybe that will help others. Thanks too, for the details you provided. Your post was clear, showed you'd done some homework and tried the best troubleshooting first. Cheers.

[Den13Den]

I have the same trouble as Warren. I download form Limewire but the music doesn't play. I tried a few mp3 players including my itunes (I'm on a Mac system 10)
the files are 5 or 6 megs ..when I view filesize in the players playlist it says 1k but when I do "get info" it gives file size as 5 or 6 megs..and download time confirms this.
going slowly nuts with this......help

[Lord of the Rings]

Could be spammed fake/corrupt files.

Try playing them with either of these players: (a) Vox :: The Lightweight Music App for Mac OS X :: AleNofx (plays almost every audio type you could think of), or/& (b) VLC (which is predominantly a video player but plays most audio types you will come across). If the files do not play with either of those players, then unfortunately they are fake files.

There's a few different type of fake files. (i) One are deliberately corrupt, (ii) the other are files linked with advertising links or viruses. Virus thread: Typical virus spam file sizes - Make a note of them (click on blue link to see). Gives an idea of file sizes to be wary of when you see them.

For the deliberately corrupt files, see mp3 Bit-Rates Versus File Sizes (click on link). This is a technique that's not so easy to learn to recognise. But comparing bitrates & file sizes is a major trick to discovering which ones are spammed corrupt files.

From your description, they sound like fake files. Probably have windows viruses imbedded or links to the internet that take you to some site to download a codec which is actually a virus, else just gives an advertising link. If you tried to play them in QuickTime, they might just do that, attempt to connect you to the internet. Don't do it. Vox & VLC will do not read internal hyperlinks within a file so you're safe there.

[Den13Den]

Lord-
Thanks a lot for the reply. The files are most probably corrupt or fake like you said. Now I can even get LimeWire to work at all.
I tried downloading another app but just one thing after another.
The players you suggested seem very good so thanks for those..
I'll keep plugging away.
D13D

[Lord of the Rings]

Tell us what's happening with LW & we will try to help solve your problem.

If it won't open, try deleting the LW preferences folder whilst it's closed; Deleting LW Preferences folder in OSX

[Den13Den]

Lord-
I guess it may have been a version problem -I downloaded a new LW app (I'm running 10.4.11 but I got the LW version for 10.1..the higher version did not seem to work. .but it say's I have a limited connection or some such thing..I am trying to test it by asking for "easy" music to find but it is taking forever.one search brought back only four results for "***" by *** and they are all T3 or faster downloads -I tried one and it was downloading at 1kb per sec.!!! I have DSL.
13D

[Lord of the Rings]

yes I've experienced the same from T3 so called speed setting users recently. People can set whatever speed setting they desire in the older version LW & that caused problems.

I'd suggest you replace your old gnutella.net file. Try the one in my attachment. Use your Finder File menu options for Open with Bom Archive opener to open it. Then drag & drop the gnutella.net file into your LW preferences folder.

'One' problem with the earlier version LW's. Anything below LW 4.14 will not be able to connect with the later versions 4.18 or higher.

If you wish, I do have a version of LW 4.16 basic you can use. I have it already uploaded. Simply send me a PM & I will send you the link. I actually generally use LW 4.16 but the pro version. Not that it makes a dramatic difference. But perhaps helps me in my seeking the rarer files.