I've downloaded some avi video viles, but when I go to play them, I only get sound. I have Windows Media Player 10. Shouldn't I be able to play videos here? I have before (but not downloaded ones).

I've seen a lot of threads about codecs, but I am a computer beginner and I don't know what these are! If someone could please tell me step-by-step what to do to get these avi files playing that would be so helpful. I'm sorry I don't understand the other threads.

Thanks!

What you may need is a video file converter. Do you get a error message when it doesn't play? It might say; "wmp does not support the file or the codec to compress the file is not loaded". Or something like that. wmp does support avi files however some do not work I usually try to preview the file before I get it all the way down to see if it will play. I did download an avi to wmp file converter but it wants $29.95 to get rid of a nag it imports to the whole video. So Now I just preview. I have found that most avi files will play on wmp.

With all of the .avi files that I've encountered, they needed a divx codec. This site will allow you to download the codec for FREE! You'll see two types. Download the one with the blue background.

www.divx.com