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We use our Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit PC as a Media PC.

If it matters, it is the Asus EB1501. A little slow, but it works.

In an effort to get .MKV files to play, I installed Shark007's codec pack. The .MKV files play now.

I got my hands on a few good .AVI files yesterday, and we were going to watch those. Microsoft shows >> HERE << that .AVI files are supported, so my guess is something in Shark007's pack changed something that was working before.

I really hate having to constantly fight these codecs, especially on something that is supposed to be a HTPC where the mouse and keyboard are never touched and Media Center is running 100% of the time.

Does anyone know of a good solution?

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You should list the specs of the AVI file. It will help narrow down the factors. Shark's Settign panel has an analyze a file button on the Save Settings page. – surfasb Dec 23 '11 at 20:21

3 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

Try this one my friend. 'Tis what I always use and I find it extremely functional allowing me to use Media Player for all my stuff :)

http://download.cnet.com/Windows-7-Codec-Pack/3000-13632_4-10965840.html

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I've used that one before and lost my audio. That's when I went to Shark's pack. +1 for the suggestion, though. – jp2code Dec 23 '11 at 18:09
up vote 1 down vote

I recommend to use K-Lite Codec Pack. It has it's own classy player and a lot of codecs.
Plus it's free.

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Seems like I used K-Lite a while back and had good results with it. Let me give it another go. – jp2code Dec 23 '11 at 18:10
No, that did not work. Media Player Classic, which K-Lite installed, is able to play the AVI files so I know they are OK. Media Center and Media Player can not play these files. – jp2code Dec 23 '11 at 18:39
@jp2code That's odd. I was able to play some formats without video but with sound. I will try for my self K-Lite Codec Pack. – Roberts Dec 23 '11 at 19:00
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@jp2code I need to play *.MKV file too :D – Roberts Dec 23 '11 at 19:06
1  
@jp2code Well I have downloaded and installed the K-Lite codec pack and it seems to work fine on my Windows XP – Roberts Dec 23 '11 at 19:12
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up vote 0 down vote accepted

My only solution was to reformat and reinstall Windows.

The second time around, all I installed was the HAL media splitter. It is old, but only one component. It has been installed and running since about a week after posting this question, and has had no major problems. (All audio isn't great, but it works)

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