Cannot embed .avi file into powerpoint 2013, missing codec

Question

I just got a new compiter with Windows 8 and updated Office to 2013. I attempted to embed .avi files into powerpoint 2013, but said I was missing the right codec. The movie plays in windows media player.  I had already installed real player, divx and ultimately had to use a random codec pack from K-Lite for the movies to play. Unfortunately, there is a line through the movies. Moreover, they are not backwards compatible with Office 2007 which is what is running at work. It just looks like a still image.

Anyone else having this problem? Anyone have any other codec packs I can download?

Thanks

Answer 1

I am also working in radiology and ran into the same problem recently when I had to present on a small meeting. Naively I assumed that Powerpoint 2013 must be superior to 2010 (both products are installed in their 32-bit version on my Lenovo Ideapad 13), but then NONE of the videos worked under my presentation. Powerpoint 2013 made me look like an idiot.

Now I am preparing my next talk for an international meeting. As a matter of policy, I only use uncompressed avi-files for my videos, uncompressed, so that they can be shown on any meeting on any equipment - but no, Powerpoint 2013 does not show any avi. I had to go back to Office 2010 and everything works like a charm.

I must say, I am very disappointed indeed. This bug must be fixed!

Answer 2

Hello Raul,

1. If Office suite installed as 32 bit or 64 bit?
2. Did you following the instructions mentioned in KB link 291879 to play the video files in Windows Media Player?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291879

Note: The instructions mentioned in the link is to play media clips by using Windows Media Player

The previously specified error occurs when you try playing the following types of video file in PowerPoint as specified in KB982954 &  KB982689:

• MPEG-4 video (*.mp4)
• MPEG-4 audio (*.m4a)
• QuickTime Movie (*.mov)
• MPEG-2  

I suggest you to follow the instructions mentioned in KB 291879 to play media clips by using Windows Media Player and verify the result.

Answer 3

Hello Daniel,

I uninstalled K-Lite codec.

I made windows media player my default media player.

The error message that comes up is "Powerpoint cannot insert a video from the selected file. Verify that the necessary 64-bit codec for this media format is installed, and then try again." "Does this help".

I was able to insert a .wmv file into a powerpoint presentation though. Unfortunately all of my videos are .avi and none of them work.

Answer 4

Hello Daniel,

Thanks for replying.

1. I have real player as my default media player, but I can change it back to Windows Media Player
2. None of my .avi files from work, I am a radiologist and get images from a radiology workstation, seem to work. My work computer is running Windows XP 64 bit. It is an older computer but is owned by the imaging company and cannot upgrade it.
3. The error no longer shows up after i downloaded K-Lite. But to my best recollection "This file cannot be played, missing 64 bit codec." I will uninstall K-lite and see if the error code pops up again and I can repost.
4. I have not tried *.wmv files and am currently at work. I will try when I get home tonight.

Thanks again for your interest and help.

Answer 5

Hello Raul,

Provide additional information:

1. Which is the default media player? Is it Windows Media Player or something else?
2. Are you unable to play any *.avi files in PowerPoint 2013?
3. What is the complete error about the missing codec?
4. Are you able to play *.wmv files in PowerPoint 2013?

Try inserting the video file as a media player object and verify the result:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291879

Reply with necessary information for further assistance.