AVI file freezes my computer screen

[alicefred]

I have a pretty new desktop computer, but for some reason my computer screen randomly freezes whenever I watch AVI files on VLC Media Player. All other programs/apps are running smoothly and flawlessly. Does anyone have the same problem? I am not good with computers so can't figure out the reason behind this problem. Can anyone point me in the right direction and help me to fix it?

Thanks..

[The Scientist]

When you say the screen freezes, what exactly do you mean? Whole PC locks up? Need to re-boot? Screen is just unresponsive? Need to CTRL-ALT-DEL to end player task? Or it is very jerky? Maybe plays OK, but stops/starts?

1. Do the same problems occur when you play your AVI files using a different player?
2. Do you have any codec packs installed?