Can't play RAM Files

[howie789]

I have some old video files (RAM- I think it stands for Real Media) that I was able to play on my old Windows 98 computer - but now in Vista - I can't. I use the MPC-HC player, and it states "Cannot Render the File". What does that mean? How come my old system was able to play the vid, and now in my new system, it can't? I could not bring up the files using the VLC or the regular WMV video players either. Is there a quick-fix without having to download or purchase a program? A novice here. TY.