Member Avatar for zack_rage

when i try to play video with an extension of .avi on win 98 os the media player displays errors which

undefined cannot play back the video stream: no suitable decompressor could be found.

the errors messages is
Unable to download an appropriate decompressor. (Error=80040200)

Cannot play back the video stream: no suitable decompressor could be found. (Error=80040255)

can you please help me with this problem!!!!!!
thanks!!!!!! :sad:

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Dani AI

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This thread shows the classic Windows 9x symptom where Windows Media Player reports it cannot find a suitable decompressor (the WMP download attempt and the 80040200/80040255 style errors are common). As correctly diagnosed, the root cause is almost always a missing or mismatched codec; ’s follow-up indicates a codec install resolved it. The notes below give a short, practical checklist to identify the exact problem and fix it safely on a Win98-era machine.

Start by identifying the codec inside the AVI: AVI is just a container and can hold many different video/audio codecs. Use a codec-identification tool (for example, GSpot or MediaInfo) to open the AVI and read the reported video/audio codec names and the FourCC. Trying the file in a standalone player that bundles its own decoders (for example, VLC) quickly shows whether the file itself is corrupt or simply lacks a local decoder.

When a missing codec is confirmed, install only the specific decoder from a reputable source. Avoid broad “mega” packs and bundled offers that can add unwanted software or overwrite working filters. On Windows 98, make a manual backup of important system files and registry settings first (Win98 does not include a built-in System Restore). If playback worsens after a codec install, remove the recently added codec via Add/Remove Programs before trying another.

If no compatible decoder exists for that old OS, or changing system codecs is too risky, transcode the file on a modern machine to a broadly supported format or use a modern player that includes its own decoders. The above explains why ’s diagnosis worked and why the simple codec install fixed ’s playback error.

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Member Avatar for Paddy

It sounds like you don't have the necessary codec to play the video file. Try this and report back:

http://www.divx.com/divx/download/ - Filesize is around 7 or 8 Megabytes

Beware though, there is an option during the installation of the codec to have a Google tool bar attached to your browser. If you don't want this installed be sure to keep an eye out for the option ;)

Good luck.

P.S Windows Media Player, in my own humble opinion, is a load of pooh. I recommend that you download Media Player Classic, which is a hacked version and is much better, plus it supports DVDs and such. You can get it here:

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Media_Player_Classic.htm - Filesize is around 1.5 Megabytes

You don't have to "install" this program, it just runs from wherever it happens to be on your hard drive ;)

Member Avatar for zack_rage

nice job men cheers for you bro THANKS A LOT :mrgreen:

Member Avatar for Paddy

You're most welcome my good man :)

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