It's kind of odd to give an error message because there's nothing wrong with your version...
Try a virus scan.
Also, this isn't the XP forum, but close .

it wont start at all and ive tried several virus scans this sucks ive had to revert to using WMP6 can this topic be moved to an XP area?

Hi,
Try the stpes provided here..
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=831430

Hey there, not sure if you tryed or already fixed your problem but have you cleaned your Windows Registry?? dont know if it helps but it helped my friend with this same problem use the same program i gave him....if you didnt scan it 4 Registry Errors...

Registry Mechanic
http://www.pctools.com/downloads/rminstall.exe

Note:This will not clean ur whole Computer due to not haveing the full program.

well in ur case, try going to http://tinyurl.com/7dc5n
and search for : Registry Mechanic and find the correct name (you do not have to get the same verison) you can pick like 4.0 or something it will still work.

Hope this helps

http://tinyurl.com/7dc5n <<< are you sure this is safe? ever since i went to a crack site and got my computer infected i been advoiding those kind of sites.

Yes this is very safe Gouk262002, the actually website is www.CrackDB.com just go there and go to the right and you will see a search bar type in the program name and click search then it will bring up the results but pick the ones under the the site because like you just said some Crack sites are bad but i can go on them because im really not infected by them im protected by 2 programs McAfee 2006 & ZoneAlarm both full. and i also use the program im giveing you from PCtools. and it fixes my computer from all Windows Errors. (oh and when you say u was infected you was probly talking about Spyware and popups and things) SO i also have another good program from the same ppl PCtools its called Spyware Doctor check that out at they site www.PCtools.com anything you need let me know. and let me know if everything turns out good. (lol im only 16 lol is that odd??? JK)

Delete the WMP folder in program files. Then, uninstall the WMP format runtime. This might help...

how do you uninstall the format runtime?

Open Add/Remove Programs. If you have SP2, check the box labelled 'Show Updates'. If not, continue.
---For SP2---
Under the entry Windows XP - Software Updates, select Windows Media Runtime and click remove

---For non SP2---
Select Windows Media Runtime and click remove

Before reinstalling WMP, delete the folder 'C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player'