Why is this audio file being silenced?

July 9, 2007 2:34 PM

AAC file possibly getting blocked by overprotective Windows. What can I do about it?

Asking for a friend who says this:
"I downloaded an AAC file that is a recording of some streamed music. A minute into the 3 minute file, the audio goes completely silent. I thought there was something wrong with the recording process when I found out that others who have downloaded the same file can hear the whole thing. When I tried to open a copy of the file a friend sent me over MSN Messenger, Windows (XP SP2) told me it had decided the file was dangerous and blocked it. Can Windows be silently deciding some part of the file is bad for me, and removing the data from that point on? What can I do about hearing the audio on this file like everyone else?"

posted by copperbleu to computers & internet (1 comment total)

It's highly unlikely that windows will alter your file. Possibly your AV software would try to "clean" it? Do a simple file compare to see if it changed.

If you want to get around MSN blocking file transfers, just zip the file up.

It's more likely that the player you are trying to use to play the AAC file doesn't completely support it. Try a different player?
posted by mphuie at 4:14 PM on July 9, 2007