Error when trying to play audio files: Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is stored

Anonymous
2010-04-19T17:15:17+00:00

Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct.

Hope someone can help on Win 7 64 bit, music is sored on an external usb2 Hard drive.... I've had no issues until today when the message in the title appeared next to each track, together with a little red X.

I've already deleted the library database as suggested in some of the forums, also disabled Media as a Win 7 feature rebooted and then re-activated it.  I've also unplugged the external and rebooted that as well, I'm also getting the same error with a cd in the cd drive as well.

Can anyone help?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video

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Anonymous
2010-04-20T16:44:53+00:00

Hi,

You may get this error for any of the following reasons:

The file is currently in use. Close the file, and then try again.

You do not have permission to access the location where the file is stored.

Follow these steps to grant full permissions to the folder where the files are stored:

  1. Right click on the folder on the external drive and click on properties.
  2. On the property window, click Security tab.

3. Now click on Edit and then click Add.

4. Now type everyone in the box and click OK.

5. Then check Full control check box.

6. Click on Apply and then click OK.

You may also try the below mentioned steps:

  1. Click on Start.
  2. Go to Control Panel.
  3. Select "SOUND".
  4. Double click on speakers.
  5. Click on advanced tab and then uncheck enable audio enhancements.

Regards,

Afzal-Microsoft Support.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-02-21T07:02:08+00:00

    still the Problem is same .....i have changed some Permissions in security advanced Tab now i forgotten the method .....Please Help Me

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-01-19T15:32:17+00:00

    Jack: how exactly are you opening the video files?

    What do you mean when you say that your PC has changed all the files to audio files?

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-01-15T02:37:37+00:00

    I have the same error message but it is with video files. I have shared the drive, folders, and the file itself. I still get the same message. This is for AVI, WMV. Somehow my PC has changed all the files to Audio files. I have no idea how that happened. Any help would be great. Thanks.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-12-07T19:00:41+00:00

    sailor41072: you're changing the security properties of an entire folder and it only applies to a single file? That doesn't make sense.

    Also, what exactly happens when you try the procedure on multiple files? Do you get an error message?

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