avi file type problems.

Alright. I’m basically computer iliterate. Anways, my friend gave me a dvd-r (i think) with a very long video on it. The video is split in two parts and its an avi file type. But I can’t get it to play on my computer or in a dvd player. So I was wondering if any of you know how to make it work on a computer... and how to burn it so I can watch it through my dvd player. Any help would be great.

(and if it involves downloading anything... just explain all that. Because I worry about spyware and virus' and whatnot.)

Firstly, if you are on the Net(internet) you should have decent anti virus and anti spyware software installed on you computer. there are several free anti viruses and anti spyware programs out there.

Right, im guessing it is encoded to a different file format that your computer is unable to play. My primary guess is that you need the right codecs(a file that reg other files as readable) for it to play.

The most common avi files are encoded with divX or Xvid.
I will ashve to get back to you on where to download these codecs and others as well.

Once you have the right codec, you can convert the movie in nero vision to play in a dvd player.

LIFE’S A SHIT SANDWICH..EAT IT OR STARVE!

So basically if I download the right codec thing then I can burn the movie onto a dvd and watch it in a dvd player? I hope I’m understanding you correctly. And these are available for download?... Yes I do have good anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Thanks for your help... the links to download one of the moviecodec things would be great! Thanks, again!

That’s good to have an AV so you can download something with no problem. Go to this site http://www.free-codecs.com/ and download : All in One Pack,DIvX,Xvid,XP codecs packs and for sound AC3 filter. It’s good to have a decoder so FFDShow is a good one. Also on the same site are players like VLC and Media Classic work better than any Microsoft players. Copy your avi on your computer and open it with GSpot and find out if you have all the codecs for it and try to play it with VLC. For making a DVD to work on your standalone DVD player you need a video converter from avi to dvd, a dvd burner and a blank dvd-r and you’re in business. All the codecs and players are freeware so start downloading.

Thank you... but let me varify. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

I go to the website that you have provided me with. And download that package that you listed. And it won’t have any spyware of virus with it? Then open it on my computer... but what is GSpot? Does that come with what I’m downloading. And whats the video converter? Please explain. But other than that I can just burn it to a blank dvd.

Ok seems like you’re very good with computers. At least go to this site http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/ and read the guides and the terms if you want to make dvd’s. So far you have an antivirus software on your computer if you download a file after that before opening the file click right on the file and check for viruses. About spywares Google for a spyware remover and from time to time check your computer with, that’s what I do. A good one is not for free but you may find freewares. GSpot is a video analyzer and if you open an avi file with it you can find out if the file work on your computer and if you have all the codecs for it. Good Luck.