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

Anonymous
2009-12-24T02:35:18+00:00

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.

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

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  1. Anonymous
    2009-12-24T18:36:05+00:00

    Bump.

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  2. Anonymous
    2009-12-24T23:18:32+00:00

    Hi zcd7,

    Welcome to Microsoft Answers!

    I would suggest you to make Windows Media Player as a default player.

    You can also change hardware acceleration and check.

    Try reducing (or turning off) video hardware acceleration by doing the following

    1. Open Screen Resolution by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, and then, under Appearance and Personalization, clicking

    Adjust screen resolution.

    1. Click Advanced Settings, click the Troubleshoot tab, and then click Change settings.

    Note that some video card drivers do not permit you to change settings.

    1. Move the Hardware acceleration slider toward Noneto reduce or turn off video hardware acceleration.

    For further information, visit the below mentioned link:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Play-an-audio-or-video-file-frequently-asked-questions

    You may also try these steps and check if it helps:

    1. Go to start and type in services.msc in the search box.
    2. Now scroll down to Windows Media Player Network sharing service.
    3. Right click on the service and select restart.
    4. Restart your computer and try playing a media file again.

    You can try these steps as well to fix the problem:

    1. Right click on computer and select Manage.
    2. Under the "System Tools" section, Double click "Local Users and Groups".
    3. Click "Groups" and then right click "Administrators"
    4. Click "Add to group..."
    5. Click "Add" and then select "Advanced".
    6. Click "Find Now", double click "Local Service".
    7. Click "Ok".
    8. "NT Authority\Local Service" should show up in the list now
    9. Click "Ok" and Close Computer Management and reboot.

    Regards,

    Afzal-Microsoft Support.

    Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  3. Anonymous
    2009-12-25T04:59:09+00:00

    "I would suggest you to make Windows Media Player as a default player" <-- it was the default until it broke and became unusable.

    "Try reducing (or turning off) video hardware acceleration by doing the following"  <-- problem happens on ALL files, not just video, tried this change for fun, didnt work.

    "2. Now scroll down to Windows Media Player Network sharing service. 3. Right click on the service and select restart." <-- no change, still same error.

    Trying the last suggestion now.

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  4. Anonymous
    2009-12-25T05:24:41+00:00

    Your last suggestion, adding Local Service to the admin group, also does not work.   Same server exection issue, same DCOM error in the event log.   

    Winamp and Windows Media Classic still work fine.....  

    Looks very much like Microsoft broke something in one of the last Media Center "updates".

    Any other ideas?

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  5. Anonymous
    2009-12-27T16:55:42+00:00

    Bump.

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