Most Searched
File Extensions

.FLV Files

The .FLV file extension refers to the Flash Video format that is utilized in preparing presentation videos for streaming on the Internet. The .FLV file can automatically play, directly from the web page, without the need to install any plug-ins or stand-alone media players.

Video files have become a very popular media content found on various web pages either for information or entertainment purposes. FLV is considered streaming video, because it allows playback of the entire video over the Internet without the need to download the entire file.

Most common advantages that have added to the popularity of .FLV files include:

  • Flash can handle various tasks for a wide variety of users

  • Flash files can be viewed with any web browser with a flash player plug-in

  • Flash files have relatively small file size

  • The small file size allows viewing even on slower connections and older computer systems

  • Various video formats can be converted into Flash formats

Some of the disadvantages of the .FLV files include:

  • Flash content creation can be time consuming and often expensive

  • They do not help in site optimization

  • Dial up connection users may experience a long waiting time

Common Problems With .FLV Files

A common problem experienced with .FLV files is the failure for the video file to playback properly in the browser. This is sometimes caused by a wrong or corrupted configuration file for the supported MIME type. In order to set up the IIS support for the .FLV it has to be defined under the Properties menu of the IIS and associated with the correct application.

The second potential cause of playback problems, both on your local machine and off the Internet server, relates to the .FLV version you have installed on your local system. Older versions, with dated encoders, often do not contain the meta tag time signatures required to play the more recently created .FLV video file. If the encoder you have installed is out of date you need to process the .FLV file through what is generally known as a "time-fixer" which installs the correct file information within the .FLV file and allow it to play properly.

Anytime you download from the Internet there is a security risk. You are encouraged to take every precaution before opening files of this type even if it was delivered or e-mailed by a trusted source.

A second causes of playback problems is having the wrong file associations because of corruption due to damage within the Windows Registry. If you are unable to launch your applications or your computer is experiencing problems booting up, experiencing general system crashes or a general slowdown then you may be faced with a known problem with .FLV files and the Windows Operating System - a malfunctioning or corrupted Windows Registry. Fortunately most file extension-related errors can be easily resolved by running a Windows Registry Optimizer which cleans the Registry and repairs many of these types of problems. These programs also tend to keep the Windows Registry working efficiently, speed up the PC or laptop and generally keep the computer functioning smoothly.

Security Threats with .FLV Files

Since .FLV files are shared over the Internet and often downloaded from online sources, there is always the risk of contracting a virus which has been imbedded inside the .FLV file.

There are two malicious codes (knows as "worms: that have been identified as being real threats linked to the .FLV file type:

  • Archivarius.A – which spreads using P2P networks and infects as many computers as possible by replicating itself utilizing attractive filenames in shared directories to deceive P2P users to think that the files are actually safe

  • P2PShared.C – is another threat that spreads via P2P file sharing applications and infects connected computers by corrupting icons and displaying pop-up messages on the client’s screen

A simple firewall and anti-virus application may not be enough to provide full system protection against privacy threats that are commonly bundled with files that are transmitted through the Internet that can appear to be legitimate but which when installed proves to be impossible to detect and remove without the use of an anti-virus or a spyware removal utility . It cannot be discounted that .FLV files (depending on the integrity of the source) may camouflage some malicious codes that can remain virtually undetected without these programs running on the client computer system.

Due to the large amount and varying types of threats that are on the Internet, if you are frequently connecting to these networks you are advised to be fully equipped with the correct security packages to deal with any of these ever-increasing threats. Anti-virus, and anti-spyware, applications can help to protect your computer system from being a victim or a carrier of security threats. Having good privacy controls, anti-spam and data recovery tools are also a must-haves.

 

Featured Software

REPAIR and OPEN
unknown files
with FileCure!