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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.
This issue is still not resolved. I would appreciate a follow-up. Dropping a canned cut & paste response, then never coming back to check whether it worked or not is unprofessional at best. It would be nice to be able to use the software I paid for. It's a shame when FREEWARE works better, is more reliable, and has superior tech support.
Bump.
Bump.
I spoke too soon. WMP is now giving the same "server execution" error on MP3's that were previously working. I'm really not going to be happy if it just corrupted all my files again.
Again, Winamp and Windows Media Player Classic play these corrupted songs FINE.
Just found this article, its dated, but seems to describe what I just encountered on the supposedly "fixed" retail version. I wonder if it has been really fixed, or if this is still a problem. Interestingly enough, most of the songs that I found to be corrupt, had very large tags......
http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/01/warning-wmp12-beta-could-corrupt-your-mp3s.ars
The corruption issue occurs every time that metadata is edited in an MP3 file that already contains lots of metadata in the file header; several seconds of audio at the beginning of the track may be lost permanently. Specifically, any information that causes the header size to exceed 16KB will trigger the loss. In Windows 7 Beta, Media Foundation programming interfaces perform metadata editing of MP3 files, so the problem can occur when MP3 files with large headers are played back in Windows Media Player or Windows Media Center, as well as when metadata for an MP3 file is edited by Windows Explorer (including album art, artist, album name, track, and several other tags).
