Downloaded file but can't view!HELP!

[Jacottle12]

When I try to download movies using limewire usually it tells me connecting... and that's as far as it goes or it says needs more sources(even if there are 76) why is that? Anyways, I just downloaded the first movie that it would let me and it was in avi or w/e. I first tried to view it in iTunes-didn't work cuz it's not mov and I dunno how to convert. I tried WMP- it plays audio and the little drawings on the screen but no video. I tried Windows Media Center that's on my Vista OS and it says that there is some code that's needed in order for it to play. I searched on ur forums and found something about CODEC's but not sure what that is. I'm new to computers but am HAPPY to learn anything you can send my way.



My info(as much as I can think of):
Vista Ultimate
Limewire 4.12.11
Wireless internet off of DSL(I think)
I have a brickwall on my LW screen(I think that means Firewall)
and I have a Linksys 2.4 GHz router...HOPE THAT HELPS!need any more info just ask! plz help ASAP!

[birdy]

The files that sit connecting for ages & then get stuck needing sources forever are fakes Always check movie files with Bitzi before download...if a file has heaps of sources but no Bitzi rating, chances are it's a fake.

See the thread below for more info, tips & how to use bitzi.
Fake files showing up in search results

You might need codecs for your WMP. Try the codecs below.
Vista Codec Package v4.4.4 (freeware)

If that's no good, try the VLC player. It's free, has codecs installed & plays most things! Use the nearest mirror site for download.
VLC media player - Overview

[Jacottle12]

Still doesn't seem to work I downloaded the Vista Codec pack and it's now on my desktop but what do I actually do with it? I tried to view it through media center and WMP but it still says one or more codecs is needed and won't play and in WMP it still does the artwork....what do I need to do? plz help...I'm somewhat computer illiterate if you haven't noticed.

[muhctekdano]

Once you install the codec packs, the movies should automatically be playable (if the pack includes the codec you need).

Have you tried VLC player?

Here's what I do: I have a program called AVIcodec (it's free). Just drag and drop your movie into the AVIcodec interface. It will tell you the specs on the movie, including frame size, frame rate, video format, and audio format. It will also tell you whether or not you have the correct codecs installed. If you do not have the correct codec, AVIcodec provides a direct link to where you can download the codec from. This program isn't limited to AVI movies. It also does MPEG, WMV, etc.

AVIcodec, a free multimedia file analyzer

By the way, have you checked the movie with Bitzi to determine if it's a valid file?

http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...threadid=37676

Good Luck

Dan

[Jacottle12]

Thanks alot guys! You were a big help! It finally worked once I installed the Vista Codec pack. The only problem was my video had subtitles in Japanese. haha So all that trouble for nothing and now I can't find another one like that. Everytime I try to look one up on Bitzy it says it doesn't know anything about the file...is there a shorter way to find only approved files or is it just pretty much trial and error? Get back to me. Thanks again!