VirtualDub - XVID Codec Missing

I have an AVI file which I successfully converted from flv format to avi/mpg format using avs Video Converter (v.6) [trial version].

I can play that file with Windows Media Player (v.11).

I want to rip the sound track from the avi/mpg file using VirtualDub 1.7.8 (Build 28346). But I cannot get VirtualDub to open the file. The error message is:
"Can't locate decompressor for format 'xvid' (unknown). VirtualDub requires a Video for Windows (Vfw) compatible codec to decompress video. DirectShow codecs such as those used by Windows Media Player, are not suitable."

I downloaded and installed a XVID codec (that I downloaded from http://www.xvidmovies.com/codec/), and VirtualDub still gives me that error message, and refuses to open my files (I tried avi, and I tried mpg - same error encountered).

Need help on the following:
(a) What have I done wrong ?
(b) Is the codec a right one ?
(c) Is there any special 'place' (folder, etc) inside Windows XP (Home SP2) that I should put my codec so that it can be shared by other programs ?
(d) How can I get VirtualDub to open that avi/mpg file.

Try this converter.

Virtual dub mpeg2 might handle that.
http://www.videohelp.com/tools/Virtualdub-MPEG2

Thank you, TRAIN.

I downloaded and installed K-Lite Codec Pack 4.4.2, renamed the file into mpg, and it worked (AVI is still giving the same error - at that time I did not receive your reply yet).

Then, after installing the MPEG-2 plugin as you recommended, AVI works !
(The plugin v.3.1 readme says it is applicable to VirtualDub 1.8.1 and later only - but I have 1.7.8, it works too).

You're Welcome and Glad to read the good news. THANKS for posting Back.


Now you are set up to extract single pictures out of those .avi's too. :D

If you can use VirtualDub you are light years ahead of me. I find it incredibly frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! :mad:

Slow down and go slowly until it falls in place.

Plenty of tutorials out there.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...rials&aq=f&oq=

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Slow down and go slowly until it falls in place.

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Train: Thanks for trying! :) I looked at several of the tutorials and my opinion has remained unchanged. Trying to use VirtualDub is like starting over with PCs at ground zero.

Everything is so convoluted. Based on many of the tutorials I watched, there are no recommended codecs included as part of the package. So you have to download and install all this other stuff, adjust many settings to something other than the defaults, and on and on.

IMO, VirtualDub is definitely not for anyone wanting to work on a handful of videos per year (IOW, the average user shooting home video.) This is a serious, many hours long commitment in learning and experimentation.

Which leads to a question... Is there anything out there that's free and easy to use for the average Joe (or HAN ;) ?) While VirtualDub may be a good free app, it's far from easy to use! (IMO, Windows Movie Maker can't qualify here. I can't remember it ever running on any PC I've tried it on without it crashing.)

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Is there anything out there that's free and easy to use for the average Joe

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This freebie has been recommended...

http://www.erightsoft.net/SupCk2.html

fink: I have used SUPER as a transcoder and it does indeed work pretty well (I prefer Internet Video Converter http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/int...converter.html over SUPER though.)
My troubles stem from trying to use VirtualDub for file editing. (The original poster was trying to separate the sound from a video with it.)