VLC = "Use Windows Media Player"

Hi all!

I downloaded a DVD Rip of Funny People. It’s a .avi file. When I open it in WMP it says unable to play. When I open it in VLC, it shows the length of the video as 4 seconds and shows “Use Windows Media Player”... anyone have any ideas?

Yes, the media file is DRM protected.

The reason it wants you to use WMP (Windows Media Player) is because in Windows media player it would by default give you a pop up to pay for the license.

The license is required to play the media file.

You can either search google or another search engine for DRM removal tools.

That’s IF it’s actually DRM instead of a fake file.

My default action for files like this, would be an instant delete, and over-writing.

If it’s not DRM, then it’s a file that’s FAKE. Meaning, it will direct you to another site VIA pop up and you’ll have to download some “codec” from their website, that MAY potentially contain malicious software, in other words an infected file.

Reason 1, why I delete files like that.

Now you tell me. Now do ya know of any malicious software removal tools?

I got the same problem, for twice. I am frustrated. As I found out, it is the 2nd type, that the file invides me to download a virus. How can I change this one to a normal one which worth so many time used to download it.

see guys,i dont know any technical method to remove but i can give you a idea to avoid this type of file in future, when you download .avi file if it is big size ,u can do one thing when it reach upto 45-50% try to open it on vlc player,it iwll show the same tim if it is “use windows media player” file, now atleast you can stop the download and start with another similar file,thank u all for helping other people,if this is helpful reply to adineshpareek@yahoo.co.in

look guys,i dont know any technical method to remove but i can give you a idea to avoid this type of file in future, when you download .avi file if it is big size ,u can do one thing when it reach upto 45-50% try to open it on vlc player,it will show the file,and if it is same type of file “use windows media player” , now you can stop the download and start with another similar file,atleast you save your balance time,thank u all for helping other people,if this is helpful reply to adineshpareek@yahoo.co.in

I got that a few times too... redirects you to some “credible” site to dl a codec but in fact ends up being a worm... make sure to get a good anti-virus with online protection. I use Avast and i’m happy with it.

Got it too. But the page was tested by for instance McAfee and Norton, and was ranked safe. But when I downloaded the codec-update it just errored on executing.

thank you very much death_666, it realy helped me and saved me time trying to read the video