# Possible to remove codecs from Windows 8.1? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 24, 2016, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-remove-codecs-from-windows-8-1/760792 "2016-07-24T19:02:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2016, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-remove-codecs-from-windows-8-1/760792/1 "2016-07-24T19:02:57Z")
I bought a game and it is (apparently) conflicting with existing codecs (I don’t know why, but apparently this game has always had this problem). The troubleshooting instructions are to remove the existing codec(s) and re-install the game. However, from searching the MS website and googling how to do it, I either get a method that doesn’t match what I see on my screen, or else MS seems to be saying it isn’t possible to delete codecs. Of course I can return the game and get a refund, but I would like to actually be able to play it. Suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2016, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-remove-codecs-from-windows-8-1/760792/2 "2016-07-24T19:15:00Z")
You should probably Google and/or post more specifics. Usually game name + error message or name of codec. Windows codecs are all over the place, some of which come with the operating system, others of which are installed in completely different places/manners from other applications. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2016, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-remove-codecs-from-windows-8-1/760792/3 "2016-07-24T19:21:36Z")
Bit more detail might be handy? Windows 8.1 plus “a game” really isn’t a lot of info. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2016, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-remove-codecs-from-windows-8-1/760792/4 "2016-07-24T19:59:05Z")
I was able to find 5 video codecs and 5 audio codecs by searching, but no way to remove them. The instructions from the website just say to “uninstall your codec pack, re-install the game, install a different codec pack if needed.” I have written them for further information but I don’t expect anything before tomorrow. The game is Civilization II Call To Power 2. I used to play a version of this game several OS’s ago, and I seem to recall having problems with the codec even then. I don’t know why they insist on a video format (or whatever it is) that is incompatible with Windows standard codecs. As I mentioned in the OP, I did Google this and also checked the MS help site, and got contradictory information, which was unhelpful in both cases. I was hoping someone here would have some clue. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2016, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-remove-codecs-from-windows-8-1/760792/5 "2016-07-24T20:03:31Z")
Did you try installing the Indeo codec? [Problem with movies in CTP2 - Apolyton Civilization Site](http://apolyton.net/showthread.php/188405-Problem-with-movies-in-CTP2). In my experience it’s more likely that your system just doesn’t have a usable codec rather than another codec interfering with it… Or try deleting the videos from the folder? You lose the videos (for wonders, intro movie, etc.) but should be able to play the game. Or maybe give FreeCiv a try: > **[Freeciv.org - open source empire-building strategy game.](http://www.freeciv.org/)** > > Freeciv is a Free and Open Source empire-building strategy game inspired by the history of human civilization. The game commences in prehistory and your mission is to lead your tribe from the Stone Age to the Space Age. More info on getting Civ 2 to run, also mirroring the Indeo codec information: > **[Civilization 2](https://www.play-old-pc-games.com/2013/12/09/civilization-2/)** > > Play Civilization 2 on your modern PC. 32 or 64 bit, Windows 7 and 8. Revisit this classic God game today! Forget anything Microsoft has to say on this topic. They’re terrible at application-specific help for third party programs. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2016, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-remove-codecs-from-windows-8-1/760792/6 "2016-07-25T03:24:18Z")
I agree that the problem is more likely that you are missing codecs. And I agree that you should try FFDshow before the original old codecs. FFDshow has been updated a lot more recently. That said, if you do wind up having to delete codecs, you can just delete the files. MSinfo32 will tell you the name and path. Move the file somewhere else, and restart your computer. But, if you only have five codecs, chances are they are only the ones built into Windows. So you probably will not have to remove any of them.