I get the same probs Exact same error message Windows XP SP1 gk .28.5.2 codec 1.4 It seems its something to do with the source file (in my case an mpeg2 captured off digital terrestial tv) If i click exit the encoding continue like it never had a problem. Does your rip have errors in it cos using the same software i can encode normal movies ie DVDs fine and DS9 which ive been encoding is fine so i dont know JEREMY:(