BBC iPlayer download fails.

[rafiki]

I have BBC iPlayer and the BBC Downloads software is installed. However, when I select a programme in iPlayer to download, after confirming that the download software is installed and choosing to view in HD or SD I get an error pop-up telling me that there is 'no app installed to open this type of link (bbc-ipd)'. I have searched BBC Help and FAQ for a solution and searched online but can't find any solution. Has anyone else experienced this? I use a VPN. I have reinstalled BBC Downloads.

[El Cid]

Make sure iPlayer is the latest version, if not, update it.

Sid

[rafiki]

Should have said it's on my laptop Win 8.1 so not using an iPlayer app. The Downloads software is up to date.

[gerryh]

Not wishing to sound pedantic but, in Windows 8.1 terms, you are, or should be, using the iPlayer app.
Computer programs, in Windows 8.1 and 10, are called apps.
So Your system doesn't think iPlayer is installed
You could try re downloading it from BBC website.
Have you ever had it working on Windows 8.1?
Cheers
Gerry

[rafiki]

To view programmes I connect through my browser at bbc.co.uk/iplayer. It works fine, I use it almost every day. It's the downloads to BBC Downloads that don't happen. Never knew there was an 'app' for pc. I'll take a look. Thanks.

Oh, and no it doesn't think BBC Downloads is installed.

[rafiki]

Hmmm. Perhaps it's because when this Thinkpad arrived a few months ago with W8.1 installed the first thing I did was install Start8 to get rid of the awful new interface.

When I try to open the 'app' store to look for the iPlayer 'app' I get a gaudy green screen with the Windows logo on it which appears for a second or two and then disappears back to my normal (Win7) style desktop without opening the Windows store.

[gerryh]

You won't find it in the 3app· store.
You need to download from http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/install
Cheers
Gerry

[rafiki]

It's very confusing I know but that link is to BBC iPlayer Downloads which, as I say, I have installed and reinstalled to be sure. It is the link between the iPlayer and Downloads which does not work due to a link failure.

[gerryh]

Hi Brian
Sorry but I'm also getting confused
I think the sun has got to my one and only brain cell.
I do not have a VPN installed on my desktop PC at the moment so can't use BBC iPlayer on my desktop.
Perhaps someone else can help you.
If I have any ideas I'll post again.
Cheers
Gerry

[rafiki]

Thanks Gerry.

[gerryh]

Just got a VPN up and running.
Can view via iPlayer OK and can download OK.
Something strange is happening with your set up.
I'll carry on thinking.
Cheers
Gerry

[rafiki]

OK I've cracked it. For anyone else finding a similar problem go to C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\BBC\BBC iPlayer Downloads\ click on the file called Mimetype. When it asks how you want to open this file ignore the suggestions and select 'Other'. Navigate back to C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\BBC\BBC iPlayer Downloads\ and select BBC iPlayer Downloads.exe and click OK. Restart your browser and go to BBC iPlayer, choose a programme to download and, Hey Presto! it will begin downloading.

[gerryh]

Glad you got it sorted.
Sounds to me like the file association between the iPlayer download and the BBC iPlayer Downloads.exe program had got lost so it couldn't be played.
The downloads are .mp4 but can only be played by BBC iPlayer Downloads.exe and not by a normal mp4 player.
Could be interesting to know how the original file association got lost/ corrupted.
Have you recently installed a new mp4 player?
Cheers
Gerry

[rafiki]

I just took a look at the recent list in Revo Uninstaller. The only thing that might possibly have done it is a QuickTime update. But who knows!