My VCDs will not work, error message is enclosed...

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I have tried EVERYTHING! I have downloaded XINGMPEG, MediaPlayer 6.0, Sony player, PowerDVD, etc. I get this error message with most of these peograms when i try to run a .dat file:

"MMSYSTEM296 The file cannot be played on the specified MCI device. The file may be corrupt, or not in the correct format."

What can I do? I'm running Win95 (build 2) on a clone PII333, with a 24X CDROM. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-- Dan (superspi007@hotmail.com), April 16, 1999

Answers

I have had the same error msg. with Windows NT on a Pentium 166 system. I have been able to run the same VCD on another system running Windows 95. I have heard that sometimes pirated VCD's work on some systems but not others, so make sure you have originals. Also, it might be the video card, try installing another card and see what happens.

-- A. Roman (alexroman@home.com), April 17, 1999.

Go to see Question "Are new vcd .dat files different?" dated 02 June 1999. You could be having the same problem as I have had. Fortunately for me, the very clever "Lone Ranger" has all the answers. After getting the lead from him I surfed the net for SVCD, and now I am alot more wiser on this subject. Your problem could be that your .dat files are not the old type mpeg1 but recently "MADE IN CHINA" SVCD or even DVCD type. This type .dat files will not play on the PC computer.

-- Tomo (ong@worksafe.wa.gov.au), June 04, 1999.

Just lately, I found that if I put Scsi1hlp.vxd file in folder C: \windows\system\iosubsys\ and then do a reboot, I will be able to play most .dat files from a vcd placed in a rom drive. I use Xing 3.30 in Windows 98. However, "Nero" burning program may become unworkable. To use "Nero" program successfully again you may have to delete Sci1hlp.vxd file and do a reboot.

Hope this method also works for you.

-- Tomo (ong@worksafe.wa.gov.au), June 07, 1999.


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