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
    2010-01-06T22:50:13+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for visiting Microsoft Answers!

    Sorry for the late reply. Try these steps and check if it helps.

    1. Right click "Computer".
    2. Click "Manage".
    3. Under the "System Tools" section, Double click "Local Users and Groups".
    4. Click "Groups" and then right click "Administrators".
    5. Now click "Add to group..." and click “Add”.
    6. Click "Advanced" and then click on "Find Now".
    7. Now, double click "Local Service" and then click "Ok".

     "NT Authority\Local Service" should show up in the list now.

    1. Click "Ok", close Computer Management and reboot.

    You may also try this:

    Open a command prompt as an “Administrator” and type in the command mentioned below and press enter.

    net localgroup "Administrators" "NT Authority\Local Service" /add

    Also clear the Windows Media Player database. To do this, follow these steps:

    1. Exit Windows Media Player.
    2. Click Start, click Run, type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player, and then click OK.
    3. Select all the files in the folder, and then click Delete on the File menu.

    Note: You do not have to delete the folders that are in this folder.

    1. Restart Windows Media Player.

    Note: Windows Media Player automatically rebuilds the database.

    If this does not resolve the problem, clear the Windows Media Player database cache files. To do this, follow these steps:

    1. Exit Windows Media Player.
    2. Click Start, click Run, type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft, and then click OK.
    3. Select the Media Player folder, and then click Delete on the File menu.
    4. Restart Windows Media Player.

    Regards,

    Afzal-Microsoft Support.

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

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-01-08T05:05:52+00:00

    "net localgroup "Administrators" "NT Authority\Local Service" /add" <- this has already been suggested and tried.   It didn't work this time either.

    I've already deleted and rebuilt the database.  That was in my initial post.   Did it again as suggested, didn't work either. 

    The only thing that works is to copy over all my MP3 files from my backup drive.  Then WMP works great... until it starts eating them again.   Maybe you should focus on WHY it's corrupting the files in the first place.   We already know why the files won't play, its because they are corrupt...

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-01-12T04:06:48+00:00

    BUMP.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-01-14T01:05:56+00:00

    BUMP.

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  5. Anonymous
    2010-01-14T13:25:48+00:00

    Hey zcd7, i too am searching for an answer to this problem. my media player will play all songs and movies perfectly for about 1/2 a day after you restart the computer, then the server execution failed comes on. then last week it work all week??? then after a reset worked 2 days. now back to an hour or two. have pretty muched tried everything i could find searching w/google. sorry no help just wanted to get my case out there as well.

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