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

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

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2010-04-04T23:54:23+00:00

    Like I'm seriously going to reinstall ("repair") my Windows installation.   All I can say is stall tactic.  This will not work, can not work, and you know it won't.   Yes, let's have everyone who has a problem that you can't figure out just keep reinstalling Windows until it goes away..    Now that I put it like that, it really sounds quite silly.   Makes it sound like you have a super shitty operating system too, if it takes 42 reinstallations to get a good install.   I mean heck, if it won't even work right on a clean install (you did read my original post didn't you!)  then one has to wonder if it was even actually ready for release.

    I did rather enjoy this line, in fact, I'm still laughing so hard I can barely type.

    "Uncheck the “I want to help make Windows installation better” box"

    Kindly elaborate on that statement...   Is Windows so perfect you do not need feedback to make it better ( I mean obviously it's perfect!! ), or do you just seriously not want any feedback because its all bad???  Either way LOLZ.....

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2010-04-05T12:38:55+00:00

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2010-04-05T22:13:09+00:00

    Not sure if this will help you or not, but it fixed my laptop so far, so here goes...

    I have a Gateway, AMD Turion64HT, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, Windows 7 Ultimate OS.

    Everything was going fine from my clean install, using AVG Free 9.0, Spybot Search & Destroy and TuneUp Utlilities.

    4-4-10 I installed DivX bundle (player, codecs, ect..) Shortly aftwards I started having the "server execution failed" message and WMP would hang, or not open at all. Pretty much all the problems you guys have discussed, other than the file corruptions, least I don't know of any corruptions, not a tech, so bare with me...

    Anyhow, after reading all your thread and trying all the suggestions, nothing worked. So, I did a system restore. Oddly enough I was only offered 2 restore points, one from an AVG update, and one "automated". I chose the farther back one, the "automated" one after reading about the suggestions that AVG might be a contributing problem.

    Well, it also wiped out my instalation of DivX and all its goodies. Low and behold, my system works perfectly now. I have tried many of the exact same files I could not play before, they play perfectly now.

    Conclusion: Either AVG, DivX or some "virus bug" was the cause. By doing the system restore, it's kind of hard to tell which of the 3 was the true cause. I am going to do AVGs update, then try playing media files, then DivX again and I will let you know what happens and if the problem returns and if so, after which program changes.

    Boogity

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2010-04-05T23:03:36+00:00

    Ok, did AVG update, ran full computer scan then tested system on many varities of media files, all seems ok at this point.

    Loading DivX again, got my fingers crossed...

    Boogity

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2010-04-08T11:48:37+00:00

    Let me add myself to the list of people having the same problem. Its very strange that the problem was there for so long and microsoft choose not to  fix it. I guess for them 10-15 people having the problem does not call for a solution.

    Although my problem is fixed for now. I did an uninstall and reinstall of WMP 12.

    Click on

    Control Panel

    Then click on Uninstall Programs or Programs and Features

    Then click on the Left Side "Turn Windows features On and Off"

    Uncheck the whole Media Features (Windows DVD Maker, Windows Media Center, Windows Media Player)

    Press OK and then restart, WMP 12 would be gone. Now do again as above but this time check "Media features" It will the install again. Restart not required. Click on Start, All Programs, Right Click Windowds Media Player and Pin it to taskbar.

    And I hope it works.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments