is it possible some codec files RUINOUS ? You should note. in general, the video that the avi file contain can be divx or XVID are types of avi files, therefore if you have only divx codec, you are not going to be able to play xvid files. Having said that....

1. Like I say earlier, please go download and install klite codec pack, it will be able to get you playing almost all common video file type there. I have not had problem playing back many video files including the mp4, h.264, avi (which include divx and xvid), wmv, mkv, just to name few unless the video is broken or conversion has issues or something that MEANS that video is garbage. I have not tested 3gp files only because i don't have 3gp cell phone to use those files with but I expect klite codec pack to handle them as well.

2. In addition, keep the divx codec you already have installed, and also install xvid codec; keep these stand alone codecs installed on pc to be sure if you ever need convert video to those type of files, you don't get a video output that has no PICTURE.

3. If klite codec pack, during installation, tell you something about disabling or uninstalling divx and or the xvid codec (the stand alone codecs) because it detect that klite codec pack already can handle those files, don't uninstall the divx or xvid but it is fine to disable. I don't remember exactly what the message said but it's something like that.

Once you do that, I am very very very certain that you will have almost no difficulty playing back almost all the major video file types if the video is not broken and also klite codec pack is updated routinely so you always can get it up to date and during installation of new version, it will ask if you want to uninstall old version to prevent problem or conflicts and say yes to it and life go on without problem.

Lastly, klite codec pack come with the media player classic, it is a very good media player and if it attempt to play a video file but video is broken or unplayable, error message of "cannot render this file" should appear in the media player somewhere near the playback button. But if you like window media player that is bundled with windows, then go for it, window media player will use the same codecs that the klite codec pack has installed to your machine.

Sorry this is kind of long message but if you try it out, I am certain you'll be a HAPPY video watcher like I am