M2V file icon

M2V File Extension

MPEG-2 Video

What is M2V file?

M2V is a file extension commonly associated with MPEG-2 Video files. Files with M2V extension may be used by programs distributed for Mac OS, Windows platform. M2V file format, along with 546 other file formats, belongs to the Video Files category. Users are advised to use RealPlayer software for managing M2V files, although 11 other programs can also handle this type of file. RealPlayer software was developed by RealNetworks, Inc., and on its official website you may find more information about M2V files or the RealPlayer software program.

Programs which support M2V file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support M2V files. Files with M2V suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with M2V extension?

Problems with accessing M2V may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with M2V extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install RealPlayer software

Install software to open M2V file Problems with opening and working with M2V files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with M2V files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select RealPlayer or one of the recommended programs (for example, Winamp, Windows Media Player, Creator NXT Pro) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading RealPlayer installed is by going to developer’s website (RealNetworks, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update RealPlayer to the latest version

Update software that support file extension M2VIf you already have RealPlayer installed on your systems and M2V files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that RealPlayer cannot handle files with M2V may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using RealPlayer.

Step 3. Set the default application to open M2V files to RealPlayer

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate M2V files with latest version of RealPlayer you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Associate software with M2V file on Windows

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

  • Clicking the M2V with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
  • Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
  • Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where RealPlayer is installed, check the Always use this app to open M2V files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button
Associate software with M2V file on Mac

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

  • From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with M2V extension, select Information
  • Open the Open with section by clicking its name
  • Select RealPlayer and click Change for all...
  • If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with M2V extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the M2V is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper M2V file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

Check M2V file for viruses
1. Verify that the M2V in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the M2V file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. M2V file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the M2V file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic M2V file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the M2V file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the MPEG-2 Video file.

4. Check whether your system can handle RealPlayer

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with M2V extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with MPEG-2 Video file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with M2V files affecting older versions of given software.

Conversion of a M2V file

File Conversions from M2V extension to a different format
File conversions from other format to M2V file
Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the M2V file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on M2V file.

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