A movie or video file with the extension .mov is a format used by Apple's Quicktime program. To get Windows Media Player to be able to play the file, you need to install code to your Windows Media Player or convert the file. If you decide to search for another alternative, beware of software solutions that say they're free, but do not offer all of their functionality unless you spend $20 to $30 on a upgrade or a full license.
3ivx Code
Video of the Day
Step 1
Open a browser. Go to the 3ivx website. 3ivx is a codec that will allow you to play your .mov file in your Windows Media Player.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Create an account by clicking the link on the left side and following instructions, then go back to the 3ivx store page.
Step 3
Click the "3ivx MPEG-4 5.0.2 Decoder" link. Scroll down and click the "Add to order" button. Pay for the software with a credit card by clicking the "Checkout" button. The software was $7.95 in 2010. On the next page, enter your ID and Password in the fields if you are not logged in to the site.
Step 4
Download and install the 3ivx codec software.
Step 5
Restart your computer.
Step 6
Open your Windows Media Player. Click "File" in the main menu bar. Scroll down and click "Open."
Step 7
Find your .mov file, highlight it and click the "Open" button.
.MOV to .WMV software
Step 1
Save your .mov file to your desktop since this is the easiest place to find files.
Step 2
Open a browser and go to the .MOV to .WMV website
Step 3
Click the "Download" button. Download and install the software. Your computer will prompt you through the process. You will be asked where you want the software installed. Typically, you want the software installed on your "C:" Drive.
Step 4
Open the "movtommv" software. Click the "Add MOV Video" button. A dialog box will open. In the dialog box, browse for your .mov file.
Step 5
Hit the "Convert MOV to WMV" button. The software will ask you to create a folder where you want the converted file to be stored. The software will start to convert the file.
Step 6
Open Windows Media Player. Click "File" in the main menu bar. Scroll down and click "Open." Browse for the converted .mov file. Highlight it and click the "Open" button.
QuickTime Alternative
Step 1
Save your .mov file to your desktop since this is the easiest place to find files.
Step 2
Close your Windows Media Player.
Step 3
Open your browser and go to the After Dawn website.
Step 4
Click the "Download QuickTime Alternative by clicking here" link.
Step 5
Click the "Download" link in the right side. During download and installation of the software, your computer will ask you whether you want to remove Quicktime from your system and to review what is being downloaded to your machine. It is up to you whether you want Quicktime to be removed.
Step 6
Put a check mark next to every component when the dialog box prompts you during installation. Click the "Next" button.
Step 7
Click the "Finish" button on the last screen of installation.
Step 8
Restart your computer.
Step 9
Open Windows Media Player. Click "File" in the main menu bar. Scroll down and click "Open." Browse for the .mov file. Highlight it and click the "Open" button.