With the correct codecs, QuickTime for OS X 9.2.2 should be able to play .avi files
or at least recognize them; if they are recognized and yet do not play, there is or
there was a software download to correct or change them so they'd play properly.
An .avi file may not be what is called a Real .avi file; so changing some of them
had been necessary in some cases, and of those .avi - like files, some do not
need to be changed to play in the last versions of QuickTime for OS 9.2.2.
There were downloadable extensions from places such as Doctor Divx 2
and 3ivx, to help the system handle .avi file types. I do not know if these
are still available or if there are other alternatives now. Also some had
suggested the use of some software but when I look, it no longer exists.
So perhaps someone out there who is using OS 9.2.2 or Before has
access to a workable answer, maybe some hold-out still produced?
I've done a few basic searches for .avi converter, etc; didn't see much.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂