Laurent,
The codec isn't in the file. The codec is a module you need to install on your computer to play the file. It's an add-on to your mediaplayer, so to say. Different file formats use different codecs.
Windows Mediaplayer tends to download needed codecs automatically from a Microsoft site, if they are available. But it might be different for other media-players.
So all you've got to do is:
(a) Find out which codec you need. It could be mentioned in the error message you receive, or otherwise you should ask the webmaster of the site where you downloaded your video from. He should know.
(b) Find out where to download (or buy) that specific codec for your specific mediaplaying program.
(c) Install it following the instructions from your mediaplaying program.
I might add that there are many obscure codecs used in (illegal) downloads you can make from unclear sites with p2p-programs like Kazaa or Limewire. If it happens to be such a file, you won't get any support here. But I thought it would be in accordance with the forum policies to explain to you what a codec is.
Happy viewing!
Kees
hi my name is laurent sixtooth
i download avideo file when i try to play it my player says it has something to do with codec.how can i remove codec and play it in any computer.
thanks

Chowhound
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