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Each video file, whether MP4, MOV, or AVI, has a header that includes metadata about the video. This metadata includes the file’s name, size, the creation date of modification, video resolution, and so on.
Suppose the header of an MP4 or MOV video file becomes corrupted or damaged; in that case, the video will be unavailable or unusable in Windows Media Player, VLC media player, or any other media program. It may also display error messages, such as the file cannot be loaded and the file cannot be played.
Before we begin explaining the ways of fixing MP4 and MOV file headers using different methods, let?s first examine several causes of video header damage or corruption.
What causes video header corruption?
File header corruption can have a variety of causes, most of which are comparable to the causes of any other type of file corruption. Still, there are also some specific reasons why an mp4 or video file might get damaged. Here are the common causes of video header corruption:
- File system corruption: Videos or other items on a storage device are stored in a manner that is only readable by a file system. As a result, the file system controls the data saved on the disk. Therefore, the video saved on the storage device becomes corrupted and unavailable.
- Interruptions during transferring or editing video: An MP4 or MOV file might corrupt due to unexpected interruptions while transmitting or editing the video. As a result, make a backup before editing or transferring the critical footage.
- Virus infection: Most viruses target files and system data as they enter your system. These viruses have high tendencies towards corrupting data and rendering them unusable.
- The video suddenly terminated: Unexpectedly terminating video while playing due to power surges or system reboots while playing an MP4 or MOV file saved on the external device connected to Windows or Mac might corrupt and render the video file unreadable. The easiest way to play any video saved on an external drive is to copy it to your PC and then use a safe media player.
How do I repair the video header of MP4 and MOV files?
1. Use Stellar Repair for Video
If the video header is corrupted, you can try to restore it with Stellar Repair for Video, the best repair application available. In addition to restoring file headers and metadata, Stellar Repair for Video addresses problems with file formats and the video itself.
It also solves playback issues such as stuttering, flickering, out-of-sync, choppy, jerky, truncated, grainy, frozen, or blurry video. You will need to hit a few buttons before the automatic repair procedure begins and repair the mp4 file header. You will not require any expert advice or support.
- Download and install Stellar Repair for Video from the official website.
- Launch Stellar Repair for Video software and in the first window, click on Add file.
- Here, you can browse and select the video or MP4 file you want to repair using Stellar Repair for Video software and then select Repair.
- Wait patiently as the software repairs your file.
- After the process, you can preview the repaired file or run the Advanced Repair process.
- Click on Save Repaired Files to save the video files.
- If you select Advanced Repair, a window will appear asking for a video sample. The video sample needs to be recorded by the same media capture device with which you captured the damaged video. Choose Next.
- Click Browse, then choose the necessary Sample file from the list of options. Finally, select Apply to use the sample file you’ve chosen to fix all the corrupt video files.
- After you’ve added the sample video, click the Repair button. A dialog window titled Repair process completed displays after the process. Click OK.
- Click Save Repaired Files. A dialog box appears with options to save repaired files at the source or a different location if you want to save the file somewhere else.
2. Scan the file with your anti-virus program
If you’re lucky, this easy approach will fix the mp4 header. If the file has been corrupted by malware or a virus, you can use a reliable anti-virus tool to repair it. You may use Windows Defender or a third-party solution from McAfee, Norton, Avast, AVG, or others. Scan the storage location where the MP4 file is stored or the file itself to remove any virus.
You can use the steps below to scan a file using Windows Defender:
- To check individual files or folders, right-click on them, and select Scan with Microsoft Defender.
- When the scan is finished, you’ll see the Scan options page, which will show you the results.
3. Change the hex code
The MP4 header is saved as hexadecimal codes. If the code is modified accidentally or by a third-party program, it might ruin your video. Use any free hexadecimal editor to see and update the MP4 header information.
Note: For this method, you will need professional help, or you should be familiar with hexadecimal coding before making significant modifications to the file.
How do I keep my videos safe from header corruption?
Preventing file header corruption is much easier than fixing it after corruption. Try these workarounds given below.
- Scan your hard drive for damaged sectors regularly.
- Avoid manually changing the format or headers of your files.
- Try not to add it to any internet video format converters.
- Avoid shutting off your computer while the video is still playing.
- Only use trustworthy media players to play MP4 files.
- If you are unfamiliar with hexadecimal coding, you should not edit the MP4 header components.
- Consider saving a backup in a secure area if you have an important video.
- Maintain an active anti-virus program to ensure your PC isn’t infected with malware.
Conclusion; Metadata and header repair in less than a minute
As you may have noticed, some ways, such as manually changing the hex code for header repair, require special knowledge and expertise. However, everyone can fix their MP4 and MOV headers by using Stellar Repair for Video. Therefore, you should try installing and utilizing Stellar Repair for Video before anything else.
The chances that Stellar wouldn’t be able to fix your issue are low, so the first fix will probably completely repair your file. But remember to back up the file after the repair process so you will not face the same problem again.
FAQ:
Can I use any other video repair application than Stellar Repair for Video?
You can, but there is no guarantee that you won’t risk your PC getting infected with viruses or malware. Stellar Repair for Video is a safe and secure application that only repairs your files. Other applications may collect your data or even leak them online.
What if Stellar Repair for Video can’t repair my videos?
Then the software will recommend advanced repair, which uses a sample file to repair the files. The sample file should be a video from the same recording device with which the corrupted video has been recorded. The software will then use the information from the sample video to repair the header of the severely damaged file.
How do I make sure that I’m paying for a good service?
You can download Stellar Repair for Video for free and use its demo features to ensure that the software will repair your files. For example, the demo version will repair up to 20 percent of the total size of the video and then show you the preview.
