new to all this, help please.

[karlthesteeelrsfan79]

first off, hello. I'm new to the whole downloading scene, and my media player will not play my downloaded files. Anyone know why that may be?

I'm using a HP Pavilion Notebook if that helps...

Thanks..

[mountain_rage]

All videos need something called a codec to playback properly. These tell your video players how to play the file. One of the easiest ways to ensure you have the proper codec is to install a codec pack. Some people say that its overkill, I feel its required. Personally, I use K-lite Mega Codec Pack (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Mega_Codec_Pack.htm), but I'm sure others would work just as good or maybe better.

Alternatively you can use a video player that has all the codecs built in for proper playback. The most popular player for this purpose is VLC Media Player. (http://www.videolan.org/) Alternatives would be Kplayer (http://kplayer.sourceforge.net/) and Mplayer. (http://www.mplayerhq.hu/design7/news.html)

If none of these options work than I have a feeling the files are either copy protected or corrupt, in which case their is no solution.

[Drew Wilson]

I'll agree with the use of the VLC Player since that is what I generally use.

[roryeagray]

I would download the K-Lite pack and use the Media Player Classic that comes with the bundle. It has never failed me.

[thelastfreeman]

Attn people living in the dark ages. Get MPC-Home Cinema, best player on the net. I like it because of the little features like disable screensaver on playback(VLC and WMP has this but original MPC doesn't). Realalternative plugin lets me play .rm files certain *ahem* porn sites insist on using without using RealCrapPlayer. Did I mention you can fucking pause/play video by clicking anywhere on the screen? And it's standalone, no install packages like your other players.

Make the switch today. Your senses will thank you.