Microsoft KB Archive/299459

= DVD May Not Play When You Open .ifo Files =

Article ID: 299459

Article Last Modified on 1/31/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Media Player 8.01
 * Microsoft Windows Media Player 8.01

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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.

Keywords: kbui kbprb KB299459

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