cant play the mpg file

[MalcolmC]

Hi! Please help me. I can´t play a downloaded mpg file in my windows media. I have tried to correct it but with no result. It say something about that the video stream is no valid in Nero. I have all the update I needed.

thanks for helpin

[MalcolmC]

all I get is that media player is searching for codec bla bla.. I got the sound but no picture

[jonhildrum]

Do you have the proper codecs installed. Typically you would get those with a player like powerdvd or windvd.

[MalcolmC]

I have the latest divx codec installed but not powerdvd or windvd

[mteigen]

I have the same problem. When I open some of my .mpg files, windows media player starts searching for codec, cant't download codec and then plays only the sound. The funny thing is that I was able to watch these files earlier... Could it have somthing to do with a windows update installation? I'm totally clueless.

[Bel]

Most like this is your problem... Windows does not ship with a built in mpeg2 decoder, this is due to cost and licensing fees. It plays mpeg1 (vcd) fine, but not mpeg2 (svcd, dvd) without first installing an mpeg2 codec. The best way to do this is to install a software dvd player such as Windvd or Powerdvd. I believe there are also mpeg2 hacks out there which will play mpeg2, but I would avoid these if at all possible. Best advice is to buy or "find" Windvd or Powerdvd, install it and then you will be able to play Mpeg2 in media player.

[mhdrw_00]

I too have PowerDVD & WinDVD and my problem is the mpeg files plays on my home computer but not my laptop. A friend has basically the exact same laptop and his recognizes the file while my laptop won't(DVD drive says "NO VALID MEDIA"

[mteigen]

But even if windows don't have the mpeg2 codec, how come that I've already been able to watch the exactly same files.

[Bel]

mteigen,

Yeah, that is wierd. I suppose an update could have written over your codec. If the update was XP Service Pack 1, that's done some wierd things to my system probably gonna have to do a format and reinstall now... GROAN...

mhdrw,

Most likely your dvd drive can't read the recordable dvd. Nearly the same laptop doesn't mean it contains the same dvd rom drive, even if its the exact same model number. Computer manufacturers generally keep very low inventory stocked, and tend to purchase whatever parts they can get the cheapest. So, even if you have the same model you may not have the same dvd drive. Check in the device manager of both your computers and see if the model is the same. Even if it is the same, I'd say you're still SOL because if your computer says no media detected and the disc works on other drives, I'd say your computer is never going to be able to read it.