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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-01-06T10:03:02+00:00

    I also hit this problem recently, it appears to be limited to 64 bit OS attempting to run windows media player in 32 bit. The repro is not 100% but can become very close.

    After some newsgroup digging I came across another thread:

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

    This thread root causes the problem to a startup issues that can be worked around by disabling the UPnP Device Host service.

    • In the start button type services, to launch the services control page.
    • look for the service: UPnP Device Host, right click and select properties
    • On the general tab change the startup type from to Disabled
    • Click Ok, and reboot your PC

    NOTE: By disabling the UPnP service you may find that some device discovery operations stop working since they may depend on this service.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-12-25T18:40:05+00:00

    Hi Tim,

      I had the same issue and it is now fixed after trying out your steps, two magic commands. Thank you for taking time to post these.

      Here is my story.. I had to re install windows 7 after a hardware replacement and got into series of issues.

        (1) Windows Media player won't open. Trying to open a media file would give me an "Server execution failed issue".

        (2) Tried to put in desktop gadgets, they would come up blurry.

        (3) Buttons inside IE8 web pages won't work.

      I tried almost every solution on this post.

       - Clean boot, ran with only essential services .. Still same issue

       - Adding NT Authority to Local Administrator group. net localgroup "Administrators" "NT Authority\Local Service" /add

       - Clearing the WMP database files "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player"

    - Allowing Media player to pass thorugh the Firewall.

       Finally did the regsvr32.exe .. and all the 3 issues are gone.

       So, I cannot for sure say which one resolved it, but last one seems to be the key.

      The post belongs to ZCD7, so I can't flag is as an answer. Hope ZCD7 get an answer.

       Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

      Thanks and Regards

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-12-11T04:01:20+00:00

    bump...no solution yet.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-09-01T12:20:20+00:00

    I'd wish you luck with your Mac purchase, but it sounds like you really won't need it.  I guess Apple products are so solid they don't have help forums and they have a big red button with the words "Fix It" on the desk of the handful of employees in support.  When you call with a problem, all they have to do is hit the button and everything returns to normal.

    Sorry to see you go..

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  5. Anonymous
    2010-09-01T10:21:32+00:00

    Guess what ???

    That didn't work either !!!

    I've seen some really good prices on Apple products lately - and the reviews for their applications are really appealing as well. Looks like I will start to really consider switching to a nice shiny white desktop. 

    Sure I'm paying a bit more, but at least their stuff works - weighing up cost of an Apple product with the time spent trying to fix a core issue of why us mums and dads want a home PC - I've lost out big time on my Windows 7 purchase.

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