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
    2010-03-10T21:50:13+00:00

    Hello zcd7,

    Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Answers Site. 

    To better assist, please see the questions below:

    ·         Are the media files all located on the local PC or on an external drive? If the media files are located on an external drive, please relay the make and model.  You may also verify that the media files are in a Windows Media Player monitored folder.   

    To add a folder to be monitored by Windows Media Player, please see the link below:

    Add items to the Windows Media Player Library

    ·         Also, to verify does the issue still occur while performing a clean boot? In addition, you may also try disabling the antivirus software temporarily if installed and then check the issue. 

    Please also relay if the issue occurs with only mp3 files or additional media file types.  If so, please relay the media file types and if the issue occurred prior to installing an additional codec package. 

    You may also view the thread below with a similar issue:

    http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itpromedia/thread/a962e386-d8e6-496d-9f97-754019d504d3

    If the issue persists, you may view also view the below thread which includes additional steps to help troubleshoot the issue.

    http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itpromedia/thread/f690ff23-c486-47e7-acd4-ee6187613ae8

    Thank you,

    Mary

    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-03-08T23:00:30+00:00

    Hello Gemdarwen,

    Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Answers Site.

    To better assist, please relay if the same issue persists after trying the steps above provided by Afzal on Monday, January 18, 2010 9:54 PM.

    Also, please relay the format of the video files and if they are on the local PC.

    You may also verify that the Windows Media Network Sharing Service startup type is set to Automatic.

    Please relay the answers to the questions above so that we may provide further assistance.

    Thank you,

    Mary

    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-03-08T09:29:38+00:00

    Hello !!! - Anyone ???

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-03-04T09:48:25+00:00

    I too have just started receiving this same error - "Server Execution Failed" - when trying to watch home movies captured from a handy cam.

    Up until tonight I've had no problems, having had Windows 7 Ultimate Retail installed for abuot 2 weeks now.  The first video file runs OK, but then the second one fails with the error.  I try it a third time and it works again ok.  Appears to be happening every 2nd or 3rd viewing of a video file.

    The only change made to my PC was last night when I finally setup Windows Media Centre.  Prior to this I hadn't bothered (was too busy playing with my new Samsung LED TV).  Anyway after reading this post and reading suggestions about "other applications" possibly the problem I thought I'd try and access the same video files via Windows Media Centre. 

    I can access and ply each video file without fail.  Even replaying the same file over and over again.  But as soon as I go back to Explorer and run under WMP - "Server execution failed" messages start up again.

    Could it be something to do with the way Windows Media Centre interacts with the files ???

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  5. Anonymous
    2010-02-22T09:25:38+00:00

    Another update, Event Viewer states the folowing instances of the above error:

    2 in the last hour (WI-FI network on)

    4 in the last 24 hours

    23 in the last 7 days

    Be aware that I am not using WMP all day and every day but this appears to be a big issue.

    I have not had the pop-up window since Saturday.

    How can a commercial software program using a database KEEP ON CORRUPTING IT?

    Regards

    Diggers

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