Fake avi or not? How to check without opening the file?

[cornelius]

Hi,

I got this problem several times and finally I always had to reboot my PC.

When I start a downloaded avi file the MediaPlayer stuck, the PC start using CPU resources up to 100%. I start the Task Manager to stop all the no responding application, but it does not help. The CPU ussage is still remains up 100%. I tried to delete the avi file from the harddisk, but the Windows Explorer reported there is access violation, it is not possible to delete it. I got only one choice to get rid of this situation by rebooting the PC.

I tried to use GSpot to check the avi before playing it, but I got the same problem and the PC stuck again.

Question: Is there any software available which can decide the given avi file is a real avi or some kind of fake?

I use the Windows XP Professional SP1.

Thanks in advance.

BR,
Cornelius

[canadateck]

Do other AVI's play Ok? Maybe you have a Codec problem,have you did aything to your PC Latley?Updates?Install New Software/Codecs?

[redwudz]

That's one of the chances you take when downloading from unknown sources. I would run a thorough antivirus scan on the file before trying to play it. There are trojans and malware disguised as videos out there. You may be lucky all you had to do is reboot.

Also, try a different player, such as VLC Media Player. It has less issues as it uses internal codecs. It may still lock up at times with a bad file, but usually Task Manager can end it without resorting to a reboot.

[Jeremiah58]

When I had the similar situations, it usually turns out that the avi is corrupted and can not be repaired.
Only one part of the avi could be read and that is the reason why explorer uses a great deal of CPU trying to read the rest of the file.
Try to open the file in Virtualdub to see what happens, but generally, I suggest to get rid of it and forget about it.

[cornelius]

Thanks for the answers, but let me clear something.

I am looking for a software, a kind of tool or player which can check an avi file without using any of the installed codecs of XP, and can decide that this avi file is fake or not.

Why I need it? Because I think some of the codecs I installed long time ago stuck when I try to play or check a fake avi file with the Gspot or MediaPlayer.

Yes, some kind of player would be OK if it does not use any of the installed codecs of the XP.

I have to delete the fake file, it is not a question. But I would like to be sure without hanging up my PC that this file is wrong and I would not take a view in the normal way e.g. MediaPlayer.

I really hope I was exact enough!

[redwudz]

I use AVIcodec most of the time to check a unknown video file. Gspot occasionally if I need more info. I don't recall when using either one having them totally lock up my system enough to require a reboot. Maybe it would happen if I tried to render the file in Gspot? Then that could point to a codec problem.

If you have a codec problem, you might try DXman or Codec Sniper to clean them up.

[Jeremiah58]

Yes, some kind of player would be OK if it does not use any of the installed codecs of the XP.

That was already suggested in redwudz post:
VLC Media Player
"It has less issues as it uses internal codecs. It may still lock up at times with a bad file, but usually Task Manager can end it without resorting to a reboot."

[celtic_druid]

Disabling MS's buggy thumbnail shell extension might stop the 100% CPU usage.

Personally I prefer mplayer over VLC.

[jimmalenko]

If a file gives you this many problems it's generally not worth it. Cut your losses, retain your sanity and jettison this file into that dark cosmos known as "Recycle Bin".

You may have to go into Safe mode to delete the file.