Can't play mp4s on laptop

[Nat1986]

I have some mp4 files recorded on a Samsung phone that won't play on my laptop (Windows Vista). I'm sure I got them to play once before on a previous laptop but I don't know how I did it. When I try and open it with Quicktime or Realplayer I get a message saying it can't open it, or that there is an invalid sample description in the file.
Can anyone help?
thanx!!!

[kee-lo_]

Hi,

Try VideoLAN (VLC), it plays anything I throw at it.

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

[Nat1986]

Thanx 4 your help kee-lo.
I will try the vlc player, however I can't help but think that quicktime or realplayer should be able to play them as my friend has several mp4s that play on his vista laptop.
Does anyone know why there might be a problem with this type of file?
Any help appreciated, it's really bugging me!

[jumpsuit]

I think there are codec problems with mp4.

VLC should play them but if you want to try and play them in something else you will need a codec package like Vista Codec Pack

Remember to create a restore point before installing codec packs in case of any complications