tells me I need to install "Advanced Streaming Format", looking to download if possible

What, exactly do you think we can tell you based on this, besides, "Ok, go install it?"

You don't tell us version/distro of Linux, what you're doing to get this message, what program you're using, etc. We aren't going to guess.

Okay. Video not work on what version of what application, loading what video from where, on what operating system and version, running with what hardware under it?

WHAT told you to install "Advanced Streaming Format"?

Or at least post a link to the video/video page.

trying to view a .wmv format video I get msg that ASF is needed, if I right click on video and select VLC media player it will play, if Video is selected i get the msg @ ASF

You still don't tell us what version/distro of Linux, but from the screenshot, it looks like Ubuntu. Meaning that you need to install the restricted extras:
https://kipkis.com/Play_Wmv_Files_in_Ubuntu

2 members found this post helpful.

"Advanced Streaming Format" (ASF) is a Microsoft beastie that is basically a container for Microsoft media files such as .wmv , .wmv, etc.

You said that VLC can play ASF files, but your default video player doesn't.
Given that, why not just set VLC to be your default video player?

I've found mpv can play virtually everything
https://mpv.io/

What are you going to get in .ASF? M$ Propeganda?

I think not playing .ASF would be a feature of a linux video player, not a perceived lack.

Thanks for the feedback @ this ASF thing, I've been able to run videos using another source so ASF becomes a moot point, however if Ubuntu 20.04.4 ask me to download ASF and it's nowhere to be found it makes me question WTF

Did you not read post #6?? Install the restricted extras.

business_kid: we are here to *help* people resolve problems rather than berate them, as you have done in your post above.
(Oh, and by the way: you should probably learn how to spell "Propaganda" properly in your future posts.)

Since we're posting random irrelevant Chit Chat, what city of the Bay Area are you in? I'm in Fremont


Edit added: sorry moderators, I agree that this is a rule violation, and will not do it again.

P. S. I am curious if #6 solved the problem. There's a near infinite amount of Linux beyond just Unix that I want to learn, plus that Guru generally has superb wisdom.


Added a day later (since OP apparently has not logged in yet)

I forgot to say welcome to LQ!!! Sorry about the emotional negativity (LQ is a high quality place that rarely has bouts of this)
Also this reference to the famous catb 'how to ask questions' article (tho loooong) might be useful:
https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...8/#post6370966