Member Avatar for Syntax_Error

Hello


When I try to open up a *.wmv file i get the following error.

Error: Windows Media Player has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

I have tried codecs which usually help to fix this type of problem.

I have also tried installing WMP v11, which installed fine however I still got the same message.

I have also registered a wmpui.dll file however I still get the error as listed below.

Here is a screen shot of the error:

[IMG][/IMG]

If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards


Syntax_Error

  • 3 Contributors
  • 7 Replies
  • 320 Views
  • 12 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Syntax_Error

Dani AI

Generated

Short summary and next steps based on the thread: since confirmed the same WMV files play on another machine and @iamthwee’s Winamp test works, the problem is almost certainly local to Windows Media Player on that XP profile (corrupt WMP library, a bad DirectShow filter/codec or a per‑user setting), not the WMV files themselves. ’s copy/test step was the right quick diagnostic.

Practical troubleshooting (in order):

  • Force WMP to rebuild its library database (this fixes many crash-on-play problems). Exit WMP and stop the Windows Media Player processes, then open:

    %userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Media Player\

    Back up then delete the *.wmdb files (or move them elsewhere). Restart WMP and allow the library to rebuild.

  • Check Event Viewer for the faulting module to pinpoint a bad codec/filter. Run:

    eventvwr.msc

    Look under Application for the crash entry and note the “Faulting module” name. If it’s a third‑party .ax or .dll, uninstall the associated codec pack or filter (via Add/Remove Programs) or remove that filter.

  • Test whether the problem is per‑user: create a new Windows user account and try WMP there. If it works, the original profile’s WMP settings are corrupted.

  • Repair system files: from an Administrator command prompt run:

    sfc /scannow

    (Windows XP may require the XP CD.) Also create a System Restore point before doing registry or program-folder changes.

One more note about the folder you asked: the player binary and program files are in

C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\

Do not just rename that folder as a primary fix — it leaves registry entries pointing to missing files. If the above steps fail, use a proper uninstall/repair or Microsoft’s WMP troubleshooter/repair process rather than a manual rename. If time is short, continuing with Winamp (or VLC) is a reasonable, stable workaround.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for caperjack

corrupt file maybe ,have you tried copying it and opening it on another computer

Member Avatar for Syntax_Error

Hi caperjack

Thanks for your reply.

I have tried the file on another PC and it works fine.

This error is happening with many different *.wmv files that I try to open with WMP v10.

Any other thoughts?

Member Avatar for Member #46692

Corrupt windows media player perhaps.

Try opening the same file with winamp, it's free to download.

http://www.winamp.com/

Member Avatar for Syntax_Error

Hi

Winamp works a treat! I think it may be a good alternative to WMP.

However I would still like to find out how to fix WMP as I would like to know what has caused the problem.

Member Avatar for Member #46692

My guess is one of you windows media files is corrupt. When you're installing WMP version two you're prolly just overwriting some of the files.

But the corrupt file might still be there causing you pain. Normally I'd say go to control panel and uninstall it. But windows media player is different because it is part of microsoft xp?

Other than that all I would suggest is doing a system restore to a much earlier time. Maybe that might roll back WMP to its original state.

Member Avatar for Member #46692

And yes winamp is a great alternative to WMP, it supports wonderful skins and nice opengl renderings.

(you really must download this plugin)

Some screenies

Member Avatar for Syntax_Error

Hi

Thanks for your assistance.

I think that you are right about having a corrupt file in WMP.

As I cannot uninstall it from the Control Panel do you or any one else for that matter know where the program folder is in Windows XP Pro for WMP?

I think that I'll rename this folder, once I find out what it is, and then reinstall WMP to see if that helps to replace the corrupt file.

BTW thanks for the Winamp plugin links.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.