The term "AVI video files" describes a type of video file that is widely used in popular media on the internet to transport audio and video content. It generally takes up less compression space when compared to other video formats. Furthermore, AVI files can be opened on a number of Operating Systems, including Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.
Similar to other video file formats, AVI files can become corrupt. They can get corrupted whether they are stored on a USB flash drive, memory card, or hard drive. None of the media players can play an AVI file that has gone corrupt. Nevertheless, you shouldn't worry because this article will assist you in fixing corrupted or unplayable AVI video files.
Let us first take a brief look at the AVI video format and the common problems associated with it before moving on to how to fix an AVI file.
An Introduction to AVI File Format
AVI, or Audio Video Interleave, is a multimedia container format developed by Microsoft. With a '.avi' extension, it combines video and audio data in a single file, offering flexibility akin to the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF).
Unlike more compressed formats like MPEG and MOV, AVI files tend to be larger, but they offer simplicity and compatibility across different platforms. Users can also opt for uncompressed AVI files.
Despite their size, AVI's simplicity and cross-platform compatibility make them popular for synchronized playback of various media. Now, what can make a popular video file like AVI become corrupted, damaged, or unplayable? Let's find out.
Possible Reasons Behind AVI Video File Playback Issue
The following are some of the commonly encountered issues related to AVI files that users complain of.
- Corrupted File: The most common cause of issues is a corrupted AVI file. This can happen during the download process, transfer between devices, or due to storage issues.
- Codec Issues: AVI files can use various codecs for video and audio compression. If the required codecs are not installed on your system, or if the codecs are outdated or incompatible, it can lead to playback problems.
- AVI file no sound: The absence of audio in an AVI file can result from a missing audio component or incomplete loading of the file. Hardware issues within the user's system could also contribute.
- Damaged Header: The header of an AVI file contains important information about the file, such as its duration and codec details. If the header is damaged, it can lead to playback issues.
- AVI file no video: Similar to the no-sound issue, the absence of video in an AVI file may be due to a missing video component or user errors during file editing.
- Audio-video sync issue: Lack of synchronization between the audio and video components is a common problem.
- Media Player Compatibility: Some media players may not fully support all variations of the AVI format. Using an outdated or incompatible media player could result in playback issues.
Methods To Repair Corrupted AVI Video File
Method 1: Repair AVI Video Files Using AVI Video Repair Software
As you can see, there can be so many issues making an AVI file corrupt or damaged. The good news is that all the above-listed AVI file issues can be fixed using a professional AVI video repair tool like - SFWare Video Repair.
To repair your corrupted AVI video files download the SFWare Video Repair software and follow the below simple steps:
- Install SFWare Video Repair Software on your computer.
- Open the software and use the "Add File" button to import the corrupted or unplayable AVI video file.
- Select a healthy AVI video file from the same camera or device using the "Choose Reference File" option.
- Click the "Repair" button to start the AVI video repair process.
- Wait for the software to complete the repair job, and once repaired, Preview it to assess the video quality.
- Once you are satisfied, Save the AVI video file to a location of your choice.
Method 2: Fix AVI Video With VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player, a widely-used open-source media player, incorporates a built-in feature designed to address file index-related corruption in AVI videos. If you're experiencing stuttering or freezing in your AVI video, which often signifies issues with the file index, you can attempt the following steps to repair the file using VLC:
- Launch VLC Media Player on your PC.
- Navigate to the top menu bar and click on "Tools."
- Select "Preference" and then go to "Input/Codecs."
- Opt for "Always Fix" in the "Damaged or Incomplete AVI file" section.
- Click "Save" to apply the changes.
Now, attempt to play your video again. The playback issue should be resolved after applying these settings.
Some Quick Tips To Fix AVI Video Files Issues
When dealing with severely corrupted AVI video files, using software like SFWare Video Repair can be your best option. However, there are less common situations when you might consider the following tips to repair AVI video files.
- Re-download the AVI file: If the initial download was interrupted, visit the source and download the file again to resolve syncing issues.
- Update Media Player: Ensure your media player is up-to-date for seamless AVI file playback. Consider using popular players like VLC, QuickTime, or others.
- Check Codec with Identification Tools: Use tools like GSpot, MediaInfo, or Video Inspector to identify and correct Codec issues in the AVI file.
- Update System Drivers: Resolve potential driver problems by updating video/audio drivers through the "Device Manager" tool in the Start menu.
- Scan Storage for Viruses: Scan the storage location of your AVI files with an anti-virus tool to eliminate potential corruption caused by viruses or malware.
Conclusion
You're all set! You should be able to fix your AVI files after following this guide. SFWare Video Repair can help you repair AVI files in a variety of situations without causing any problems.