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
    2010-02-04T05:35:56+00:00

    Bump.

    Wow, do I only get one cut & paste MS response a month here or what?

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-02-01T23:06:29+00:00

    Please do NOT move this post or merge it.   The issue we have is NOT the same.  This issue is NOT related to other software.  The problem is WMP opening, editing, and ultimately corrupting the MP3.   If this thread gets merged, Microsoft will be able to more easily continue to deny they still have serious issue with WMP.   I have already tried a "diagnostic startup", as well as running SFC ( from my initial post) neither of which did exactly SQUAT to fix this problem.  THE ONLY thing that has worked to date is to completely REPLACE the corrupt MP3 files with a known working backup.   WMP then plays correctly until it corrupts them again.  

    On a side note, disabling legitimate software, that has been written to MS spec, in order to make an operating system work correctly is not a valid solution in my book.  This indicates to me that the operating system, and ultimately Microsoft is to blame.   I also have a sneaking suspicion that if Microsoft could firmly lay the blame on somone else for this they would have gladly and vocally done so by now.  Their silence indicates this is a known WMP issue, most likely similar or even the very same to the one I referenced earlier in this thread.   WMP is busted, MS needs to acknowledge, then fix it.

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-01-29T16:22:15+00:00

    Moderators,  please merge with

    http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7music/thread/ecc08c3b-d445-48c2-b07d-9df48500434f

    zcd7...please check the small reports I've placed in the last couple of days.  I know the clean boot is a pain, but I've had some success in the past few days.  Perhaps if we cross reference apps, we might see something?

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-01-29T15:24:16+00:00

    BUMP.

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  5. Anonymous
    2010-01-28T13:33:29+00:00

    BUMP.

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