Member Avatar for eternalimage

Please help...I am running vista home and it won't play any media files in wmp, winamp, etc. I have tried several different programs and none work. Video files will play for 5 seconds and then stop. Error message says file could not be available, proxy settings, etc. Any clues?

  • 2 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 120 Views
  • 2 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by PcPro12

Dani AI

Generated

reported media playback stopping after a few seconds with a message mentioning proxy/settings; was right to prompt a location check. Below is a short, prioritized troubleshooting checklist and a few targeted fixes that were not covered in the thread.

First, quick checks (fast and non-destructive): copy the media file to the local Desktop and open it with a player using built-in codecs (for example, a portable player). Use the players File > Open dialog rather than double-clicking to avoid mistaken network or streamed paths. If the error mentions a proxy, check Internet Explorer -> Internet Options -> Connections -> LAN settings (WMP and many players follow those settings). Try Safe Mode with Networking or a clean boot to rule out third-party filters, firewall or antivirus interference.

If basics fail, try these diagnostic/repair steps as administrator: run System File Checker and repair disk errors, then reset network stack if needed.

sfc /scannow
chkdsk /f C:
netsh winsock reset

For Windows Media Player problems specifically: stop the "Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service", then rename or move the Media Player database and DRM cache so WMP rebuilds them on next launch (paths use %localappdata%, e.g. %localappdata%\Microsoft\Media Player and %localappdata%\Microsoft\DRM). Caution: removing the DRM folder can remove licensed content; back up first.

If playback still dies after a few seconds, focus on drivers and filters: update GPU and audio drivers, uninstall any codec packs or DirectShow filters you installed recently, and test under a new Windows user account. Use Event Viewer (Application logs) to capture specific error codes before attempting an OS reinstall. As a last resort, consider a repair install or full reinstall once files are backed up.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for PcPro12

check to make sure the file exists, and if there is more to the error message please write the whole error message down

Member Avatar for eternalimage

THanks I just reinstalled vista and all seems to be ok so far

Member Avatar for PcPro12

well, that works too :D

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.