DVD May Not Play When You Open .ifo Files (299459)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Player for Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player for Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q299459

SYMPTOMS

If you open a DVD in Windows Explorer or My Computer and double-click on an .ifo file on the DVD, the DVD may not start or play. If DVD playback starts, it may be incomplete, the playback may not function properly, and some chapters may not be available.

NOTE: A compatible software or hardware MPEG-2 decoder is required for DVD playback.

CAUSE

The .ifo (and backup .bup) files contain menus and other information about the video and audio. The .vob files (for DVD video) and .aob files (for DVD audio) are MPEG-2 program streams with additional packets that contain navigation and search information.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, start a compatible software or hardware MPEG-2 decoder (player) or Windows Media Player with a decoder installed to view the full movie. This will ensure that all DVD video features are used properly.

MORE INFORMATION

Because a .vob file is a specialized MPEG-2 file, most MPEG-2 decoders and players can play them. However, any special features such as angles or branching can cause strange effects.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/29/2003
Keywords:kbprb kbui KB299459
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.