Can't open .avi file

hackprevent said:

I just identified the file via format factory !! Didn't expect it to be .rar
Now the problem is I don't have the password to extract it

Then you are stick unless the owner of the file gives you the password.

Just convert it to .avi. That probably gives you the least quality loss. But if you want to be sure it works in Windows, use .wmv

And if you installed that codec pack, get rid of it asap.

Last guess here: Try streaming the file in vlc and converting the running stream in the vlc playlist window. I've seen the 1k file before and it's an artifact of my not fully understanding how vlc works. So, I try different ways until the file converts.

A 942MB shortcut is unlikely.

An incomplete download is possible - you could try downloading it again.

That's about all I have on this one. Good Luck

Bill

hackprevent said:

yes, and it seems VLC or WMP are the viable options since I don't know what the file's true format is
It keeps converting into 1kb file despite numerous tries using vlc .

VLC conversion never worked for me either. That's why I am using Freemake or Format Factory.

Freemake can convert more odd codecs but Format factory has more function - e.g. you can crop a video or boost the audio, etc.

Thanks whs - here are the links.
Freemake | Best Freeware Alternatives To Paid Video Software
Format Factory Home Page - Free media file format converter

whs said:

Stay away from those damn Codec packs. They are nothing but trouble. I have seen many cases where they bricked the OS.

I can't really vouch for Win7 Codec Pack and Codec Pack AIO, but CCCP I have used for YEARS without trouble and plays back all formats needed with MPC-HC.

Clashing codec packs can indeed cause issues (hence, install them one at a time), but bricking an entire OS? Might have involved other kinds of stupidities.

@hackprevent:
If you can, could you give a link to the file? Let's have a look and we'll see if I can successfully play back with my machine. I also have a video converter here (not free though), maybe I can try fixing it for you. :)

I don't really want to argue about codec packs. Just stay away from them if you want to keep a running system. The only person I trust for codecs is Shark in Canada. This man knows what he is doing. The rest is just a jumble of stuff from many unknown sources.

http://shark007.net/

I actually only trust one codec pack as I can vouch for its worth, first-hand. CODEC packs are essential if the user wants to play back a myriad of file formats. Shark007 does recommend the Windows 7 Codec Pack posted earlier.