Error Message: Video Not Available, Cannot Find Decompressor (138261)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q138261

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to play an .avi file in Windows 95, an error message similar to the following may be displayed in the playback window, with diagonal lines in the background:
Video not available, cannot find 'vids:cvid' decompressor.
The exact text of the error message may vary, depending on the type of compression that was used to compress the file. In particular, the "cvid" portion of the error message may be replaced by "rt21" or "msvc."

CAUSE

Video compression is not installed in Windows 95.

RESOLUTION

Install video compression by following these steps:
  1. In Control Panel, double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
  2. Click the Windows Setup tab.
  3. Click Multimedia, and then click Details.
  4. Click the Video Compression check box to select it, and then click OK.
  5. Click OK.
NOTE: If the .avi file you want to play was not compressed with compression software that is compatible with the compression software included with Windows 95, the resolution described above may not resolve the problem. To play an .avi file that was compressed with third-party compression software, contact the manufacturer of the compression software to obtain the codec necessary to decompress the file.

MORE INFORMATION

Video compression is installed when you use the Typical or Portable option in Windows 95 Setup, but is not installed if you use the Compact option. The files that are associated with video compression are:
  • Iccvid.dll
  • Ir32_32.dll
  • Msrle32.dll
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/17/2000
Keywords:KB138261
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