Windows Media Player does not support the codec used to compress the file.

Hi,

What is the file format of the video files that you are trying to play in Windows Media Player?

Windows Media Player cannot play the file. The Player might not support the file type or might not support the codec that was used to compress the file.

You might encounter this error message for one of the following reasons:

a)   The file type is supported by the Player, but the file was compressed by using a codec that is not supported by the Player.

b)   The file might have been encoded by using a codec that is not supported by Windows Media Player. If this is the case, Windows Media Player cannot play the file.

Windows media player will only play the files and videos only if it supports that file type.

Please refer the below article that gives you Information about the Multimedia file types that Windows Media Player supports.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316992

If the files are not supported by Windows media player then you need to use some third party player which supports that file format.

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE DISCLAIMER

Using Third Party Software, including hardware drivers can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Third Party Software can be solved. Using Third Party Software is at your own risk.

Refer the below link to know more about the codec.

Codecs: frequently asked questions

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Codecs-frequently-asked-questions

Azeez Nadeem - Microsoft Support

[If this post was helpful, please click the "Vote as Helpful" (green triangle) button. If it helps in resolving your issue, click "Propose As Answer" or "Mark as Answer" button. By proposing/marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]