Video problems on Computer...

[Ironhead]

Here is my problem.
I watch a lot of videos on my computer. Mainly using VLC. I download TV shows and movies. Torrent files are the major way I get them.
I usually watch them on VLC then delete them.
Most are avi files HDTV or Xvid files.

Up until about a week ago everything was great. Now when I play them the videos will stop part way through and freeze. Also get pixelated.
The audio does not seem to be effected.

It only happens when I play something I download. When I play Dvds I have made from these downloads or DVDs I buy there are no problems.

Is this a driver problem? Do I need to re-install something.
I have never seen this before. Could it be codec files.

Thanks for your help.

 

[mercyshooter]

Yes, updating your codec files definitely helps. But you must also update the program that you play your files.

 

[bartendr]

I have found some of the new versions of VLC a little buggy, I use an older version, its 0.8.6 I think. It causes me alot less problems.

 

[threepeat]

Try playing the downloaded files through Windows Media Player or Zoom Player or DivX Player and see what happens. That will isolate whether your problem is just with the VLC Media Player or not.

Updating your codec file is a good suggestion, though it's a mystery why it would suddenly stop working if it was playing fine before.

In order, I would try:
1) update your codec pack. I personally like CCCP codec pack, which you can Google and advertises itself as the only codec pack you need. I haven't found anything yet it doesn't play.
2) uninstall and reinstall VLC Media Player
3) scan your computer for viruses. You may have picked one up, especially during a download.
4) update your video card drivers
5) format your hard drive and reinstall Windows