I downloaded an avi. movie from a bit torrent but when i go to play it it says i need a windows codec but i already have windows media player what do i do?

sounds funny anyway i know when i want to watch a movie thats all i want to do. dont want to be download any software or anything... anyway please download vlc player ( http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ ) this will play almost anything u throw at it...it just works period. it sounds like a virus but i would need some more info make sure ur antivirus software is up to date and please run windows update and also make sure all third party applications are up to date.

You need to download a viewer for avi files

I assume you are using the Windows Media Player to play the .avi formats on your OS Windows PC?

If this is the case, you do not have the necessary "codecs" to play the .avi files. Download & install the latest codec package ie K-Lite Mega Codec Pack or K-Lite Codec Pack @ http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Mega_Codec_Pack.htm

Hope it helps.

GOM Player includes many codecs (XviD, DivX, FLV1, AC3, OGG, MP4, H263) Along with different media format such as AVI, MPG, MPEG and DAT, GOM Player also supports streaming Windows media format (WMV, ASF, ASX).

Possible Reason:

* Ensure that you have downloaded a genuine version and not a broken file, which is likely to miss some codecs, GOM is a FREE media player with popular audio & video codecs built-in. So you won't need to install separate codecs for most videos. For those videos that require a separate codec, GOM Player will find one.

* Without the appropriate codec, you'll be prohibited from playing AV files/the codec for which the file you are playing is missing (playback error), which prompts you to "Find Codec" screen. In the case you need other codecs, the 'Find Codec' popup will assist you in searching for the correct codec to play your file. If you didn't find any: first reason is likely to be the issue.



Fixes:

*Search Result will be shown on a new internet page. Once youve found it, simply download and install to watch the AV files.

I'm sorry that you're having trouble playing your .AVI files. I recommend using GSpot (free download at http://download.cnet.com/GSpot/3000-2248_4-10381198.html) to identify the necessary codec, then search with Google to find and download the missing codec.
Alternatively, I highly recommend the VLC player, which has been able to play everything I've fed it, without issue. It's also a free download (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/).

Try downloading VLC media player or GOM player.They are free.
You can also try installing either k lite mega codec pack (free) or All-in -One Codec packs.Is it just a problem with this movie??Do you have problems playing other avi files??

Download and install klite codec, it will solve your problem
download link below

http://extabit.com/file/27b4gacux0str/

convert your downloaded video.to see the movie you downloaded or try another video software like K-Lite Codec Pack and others

Search freeware on Google and find an AVI codec file to download and install. Then reboot and try again.

download VLC player, it is free, plays all movies
http://vlc-media-player.en.softonic.com/download