Windows 8.1 won't play MPEGs.....

[jonnie comet]

I have a new desktop running Windows 8.1 and Windows Media Player will not play my MPEG files.

I have had a Google and this seems to be a fairly common problem that involves missing codec/codecs. I’m now struggling to get a definitive answer as to where to download the exact missing codecs from.

I would rather update the PC than change the file format as I like to use Windows Movie Maker to create my ‘masterpieces’ ....I did try ‘Handbrake’ which converted the files to MP4 but the playback quality was poor.

I am one billion miles away from being wised up on computers, but I can follow instructions.........Anyone got a typical UKGSER ‘This is exactly what to do’ type answer ?

Thank you.....

 

[walrus]

Google vlc. Download and install. That should do it. Easier? Click here:

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html download and install.

right click on an mpeg, select open with, choose default player, find vlc.exe in program files. Job done, or should be.

 

[jonnie comet]

Google vlc. Download and install. That should do it. Easier? Click here:

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html download and install.

right click on an mpeg, select open with, choose default player, find vlc.exe in program files. Job done, or should be.

Many thanks for the reply.....

I did as you suggested and the vlc player does play the files, but they are 'converted' into a file that can't be used in Windows Movie Maker....

Thanks anyway, I do appreciate your input......

 

[walrus]

VLC doesn't normally convert files. As it happens I am just using Movie Maker to to edit some MP4s from a friends camera and I am playing them with VLC as I do so. There is no problem switching between movie maker and VLC. I think your original files are the problem which is why you couldn't play them originally. VLC has a reputation for playing almost anything you throw at it. Movie Maker is not so promiscuous.

 

[newboy]

+1 for VLC

Plays anything you can throw at it - without downloading masses of shiteware too

Never known it convert a file...

 

[Clive]

I'd suggest you first use GSpot http://www.headbands.com/gspot/ to identify the codec the MPEG is using. Then you should be able to work out which "codec pack" to find.

 

[jonnie comet]

Sorry for the late reply.....a few days away in 'The Dales' dragged me away from dicking around with computers....

Just to say thank you for the replies...plenty to go on now......Cheers gents....