.avi files no longer playing in either VLC or QuickTime since upgrading to Catalina? Keeps indicating they all need to be repaired. Any fixes?

Hi photogkeiran,

Re: Any fixes?

Sometimes opening a file in the upgrade of the app in which it was created prompts an option of updating that file.

QuickTime would normally play .avi files.

Apple support has an article online:

"If an audio or video file doesn't play on Mac"

Says:

"Older or specialized media formats might not work in your app,

because the format requires software designed to support it. 

If that happens, your app won't open the file or won't play back its audio or video."

The Complete article: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201290

You might want to open VLC app, and check for updates of the app.

The latest seems to be Version 3.0.16

Perhaps upgrading may help with viewing your .avi files ?

All the best :-)

VLC is very forgiving on files with (minor) errors, and should play the same files as before Catalina.

If VLC gives errors on a file, then the file is probably faulty, not the app or the OS.

If VLC offers to “fix”/“repair” a file, then let it do so, preferably on a copy. It may add some indexing to assist in timing.

Try converting with HandBrake. That’s probably the easiest, with its nice presets.

There are various Video-converters available in the App Store.

and

Here's a review article that discusses various free video-converters for older . avi files on .

https://videoconverter.wondershare.com/convert-avi/free-avi-converter-on-mac.html

Sorry I have no experience with any of these video-converters ... so am unable to recommend any of them.

Let's see if anyone else in the community will post a recommendation.

An older version of QuickTime, eg QuickTime 7, could possibly help with playing your files,

however it is not compatible with versions of macOS released after macOS Mojave.

(Some of us do keep two QuickTime versions active on our older (unsupported macOS) Macs.)

QuickTime 7 is still available for download ... if there is a compatible Mac on which to install it.

https://support.apple.com/kb/dl923?

All the best :-)

Thank you for sharing your helpful experience and tips here, Urquhart1244,

Grateful for your having added your viewpoint in this discussion.

Thank you too, to photogkeiran for your kind response, in letting us know you solved the issue.

Cheers :-)