Previewing Audio and Video Files 

I get a media file preview screen telling me to download and install a media file codec. What is this and why do I need it?
A codec is a small “compression-decompression” program which allows you to watch videos or listen to music of a specific format. File Restore will automatically preview most media file types. However, as there are many different multimedia formats there will be instances where a valid codec is not currently installed on your computer. If a valid codec is not installed then you will be prompted to download and install a codec pack. Once the codec pack is installed you will be able to preview the deleted or lost media file.

What file types will the codec pack enable File Restore to preview?
File Restore will automatically preview most audio and video file types. If, however, a valid codec is not currently installed then the codec pack will enable File Restore to play previews for the following multimedia file types: 3GP, AAC, AC3, APE, AVI, DivX, 3ivx, DAT, h.264, x264, AVC, Nero Digital, DTS, FLV, FLAC, HD-MOV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, M4A, MPC, MP3, MP4, MO3, MOD, MKV/MKA, MTM, OFR, TTA, OGG/OGM, S3M, Vorbis, VOB, WavPack, ATRAC3, XviD, XM, WV, UMX and many more video and audio file types.

How do I install the codec pack?
If the audio or video file codec is not pre-installed, File Restore will display an “Audio & Video Previews Available” graphic. The media file codec is required to display previews of some audio and video file types. Click the “Audio & Video Previews Available” graphic to directly download the codec installer. To commence the download, select either Run, or a destination path to save the codec pack installer file to. Once the download has completed, double click the Preview_Codec_Pack.exe file. This will now install the codec pack. Once the codec pack is installed you will be able to preview the deleted or lost media file.

Where can I find further information regarding the codec pack?
Further information regarding the codecs, installation, etc., is available on the PC Recovery web site.

I have installed the codec pack but the file preview now says that the file may be corrupted or no valid media codec is available. Is the file still recoverable?
File previews have a maximum file size of 20MB for certain file types. If the file size is greater than this, the file may not preview. If no valid codec is available, or the file is corrupted, the file will not preview. If no preview is available, it is recommended that the text preview is reviewed for recognisable data. The file condition status will also help to determine the potential for a successful recovery.

My audio or video file preview stops before the end. Will File Restore recover the entire file?
Yes. File Restore will only preview the first 20MB of an audio or video media file type. The entire audio or video file will, however, be recoverable.

Why do I get a media file preview telling me that a file is protected by iTunes Digital Rights Management?
If a file has been purchased from the Apple iTunes store then it is protected by Apple’s Digital Rights Management. iTunes purchased files can only be played by Apple media players.