Windows Media Player - Intermittent error when trying to play media file-Server Execution Failed

Anonymous

Windows Media Player - Server Execution Failed

I'm currently running Windows 7 Ultimate, 64-bit version.

Just recently started receiving this error about 2 weeks ago. The first media file I open with WMP works fine. All subsequent media files, regardless of type, hangs for about a minute and a half then pops up an error.

Nice error box with a red X stop sign and then:

C:/path to the file I tried to run/name.extension of said file

"server execution failed"

Task manager shows WMP running in background, stopping the process does not help. Restarting explorer does not help either. Full shutdown/restart just restarts the cycle. First file works, then the rest don't. No time issues either, I can launch it, play songs all day, change songs at random, etc.. If I close it, then try to restart, I get the error. Does not matter how long I wait between closing and restarting. Does not matter what file is opened.

This error is in the event log at times corresponding to my "server execution errors"

The server {ED1D0FDF-4414-470A-A56D-CFB68623FC58} did not register with DCOM within the required timeout.

Also tried:

Control Panel, Programs, Turn Windows Features On/Off and disabled WMC and WMP.

Rebooted.

Went back, re-enabled both programs.

Rebooted.

Worked for about 10 minutes, then started back with the same error.

I have also tried all of the suggestions available here: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/troubleshooting-windows-media-player-in-windows-7 with no result.

I've ran 7 since the beta was first available and had zero issues with this. I did a clean install of the retail version when it released, and had no issues until now. I have not installed anything other than Windows Updates. Computer is clean, I've ran multiple malware/spyware scans and antivirus scans.

I've also tried the system file checker (SFC), which found nothing.

It's also interesting to note, Windows Media Player Classic works flawlessly.

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

131 answers

Anonymous

2010-04-02T10:04:45+00:00
Hi,

The only option left now is to do an inplace upgrade(repair installation) of Windows 7.

Follow these steps:
1. Start the Windows 7 and log on to administrator account.
2. Disable the 3rd party antivirus, firewall or any such security program. These may interfere with the repair upgrade installation of Windows 7.
3. Load the Windows 7 installation DVD into the DVD drive. Now click on the Run Setup.exe option in the Autoplay window from within the currently
installed Windows 7.
1. Next click on the Install Now button to start the installation.
2. Uncheck the “I want to help make Windows installation better” box. Following this, click on the “Go online to get the latest updates for installation”
option.
1. Windows 7 will search online to install any available installation updates.
2. Look for the I accept the license terms box and check it. Then click on Next.
3. Follow it by clicking on the Upgrade option. Now the installation of Windows 7 will begin.
4. After the final restart a blank screen appears.
5. Type in your Windows 7 product key number.
6. First uncheck the Automatically activate Windows when I'm online box at the bottom. After this click on the Next button.
7. Now click on the Use recommended settings.
8. Choose your Time Zone. Set the time and date setting and click on the Next button.
9. Click on the option for your computer's location to select the correct network location type setting that has to be applied for the location.
10. Now Windows 7 prepares your desktop to startup.
11. Now, ensure that you are not missing any user file.
12. In case some users files are missing copy them from the hidden protected operating system - C:$INPLACE.~TR and C:\WINDOWS.~Q folders.
13. Run the Disk Cleanup. For this click on the Clean up system file button. After this check the Files discarded by Windows upgrade box.
14. Refresh the Windows Experience Index (WEI) score.
15. Activate Windows 7.
Regards,

Afzal-Microsoft Support.

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2010-04-01T22:03:26+00:00

I started this thread on Christmas, and at this point, I highly doubt we'll have an answer by next Christmas.

Will keep bumping, so maybe MS will be ashamed or feel guilty for not answering.. or maybe it can serve as a warning to other MS customers that they will get no support here, so don't waste the time.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2010-03-31T21:57:57+00:00

So, Microsoft do you have an answer for our problme because so far all of those tips are not working and we still cannot use WMP12.

Or should I call Apple Tech Support?
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2010-03-31T19:48:07+00:00
Totally agree with you ZCD

I have given up with this inferior software - but it was purchased as part of their software pack (Windows 7).

I have purchased a full licence for someone elses product and I haven't had any problems so far (five weeks since paying for the licence).

I have no problem with any other part of Windows 7 YET but this bug makes Media Player unusable -

1. is the code a kludge or not?
1. will MS fix it or leave it as it is? YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE AND LIKE ALL GENIUSES WE APPEAR TO THINK ALIKE - Can't Fix it Won't fix it (sarcasm).
Diggers
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2010-03-31T04:00:38+00:00

O look, more time has gone by and still no reply from MS about the specific issue I opened the thread about. Wish I could get paid to totally ignore people.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments