I’m trying to open.mov files created in the early 2000s with a M3 MacBook Pro using Sonoma OS. Most of the files are unreadable in QuickTime. What is the solution?
MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.6
Thanks for your response. I have tried VLC, but despite using it successfully in the past, it is not working for the files in question. Has something changed in the new OS that is affecting QuickTime and VLC?
Assuming no file corruption, not being able to play old videos is typically because a player no longer supports the audio/video codecs or containers used.
If you can manage to open the file in the VLC interface at all, then you may be able to choose "Window" menu > "Media Information..." > "Codec Details". Finding the codecs used is the first step. Then at least you can look for a reputable player that supports the needed codecs.
I would recommend the extremely useful and trusted VLC Player as a media player that can deal with just about any codec that you may encounter: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/
Opening old .mov files on new MacBook
