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bruceeandersonFlag for United States of America

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How do I fix WMP?

My WMP11 ver. 11.0.6001.7000 was fine and played all of my internet radio station streams.
Something changed and it will no longer play streaming WMV files.  This is the error message: "Windows Media Player cannot play the file. The Player might not support the file type or might not support the codec that was used to compress the file."  It does still play WAV files and some WMV files.  WMP->Tools->Options->Player "Download codecs automatically" is, and always has been, checked.
How do I fix it?   If I need to reload it, how do I "uninstall" it.  If I need a codec, which one and what is the website?  
Avatar of Brad Groux
Brad Groux
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You are probably trying to play a video file that is encoded with a codec that isn't installed by defualt, such as Divx. You can try the K-Lite Codec Pack below that has all kinds of codecs included or you can download just the Divx codec drom Divx.com.

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_lite_codec_pack.htm
Avatar of bruceeanderson

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I just downloaded the full package from your suggested link (klcodec400f.exe).  It suggested I uninstall any previous codecs; I did so.  I then took the installation with all of the defaults.  Now when I try to play a radio station, the webpage comes up "Navigation Canceled" with a "Refresh the page" button. That gives me a File Download dialog window.  The message in the window reads"The file you are downloading cannot be opened by the default program. It is either corrupted or it has an incorrect file type. As a security precaution, it is recommended that you cancel the download." It is trying to download a .ASX file.

Codecs, how they work with WMP, what is stored where, how they show up in the Registry, I don't get any of it.  Maybe I need the basic basics.  Do this, do that, you're done, sit down.
What radio station? Was it working beforehand? .ASX should be recognized by WMP as it is a valid Advanced Stream Redirector. Are you sure the video stream is working? The codecs I gave you were based upon you saying you were view a .WMV, I am not sure if they work with .ASX files. Does the radio station you're trying to listen to/view have a FAQ section? You may need to check there to see exactly what Codecs you need. The ones I gave you are a collection of audio and video compression codecs.
Several radio stations, all currently working on other workstations here.  The problem is in this computer.  
My Registry has HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT->.asx->OpenWithList->wmplayer.exe  
 Maybe WMP needs to be reinstalled.  If f that is possibl, how is it done?.  There is something very basic wrong here.  This is a difficult problem.  FYI, hHere is a radio link I use.

http://wm-eon.vitalstreamcdn.com/live_eonwmss_vitalstream_com_mapleton-kpig-fm-fast-3?WMNoDataTimeout=10000

Avatar of Merete
Usually your problem happens when a newly installed program hijacks those
file types for itself.
Is this Vista or XP?
FIX: Windows Media Player 11 cannot play WMV files that contain multiple video streams (Vista)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947403
Start here when Windows Media Player is not working how you expected.
http://support.microsoft.com/search/default.aspx?query=FIX%3A+Windows+Media+Player+11+cannot+play+WMV+files+that+contain+multiple+video+streams+xpsp2&catalog=LCID%3D1033&spid=&mode=r&lsc=0

If the problem lies only using web sites.
Makie sure all the settings in WMP 11 are correct as the internet version in IE7 uses the same settings
Are you running IE6 or IE7 in xpsp2?
Have you checked the Internet Options -> Programs Tab -> Set Programs
portion of IE7
try these too,
go to start all programs>at the top>set program access and defaults.
Click on Microsoft Windows you will see a list of included programs including wmp 11.
apply and ok

Make sure wmp is closed and all other programs are closed first.

Did you install or update Nero recently.
Any other software installed recently to do with audio or video?
Apart from the that codec pack which I dont recomend simply on the grounds it asks you to remove your native codecs so it has full control.
Have you updated yoru video drivers?

Often times codecs can be found by installing MPC/ VLC and Divx players these cover all the necessary codecs. From DVD mpeg flash quictime and even wmv.

Run ccleaner and delete all your cookies and internet history temp files
http://www.ccleaner.com/

The best way to repair WMP is with a system file checker
Run a system file checker go to start run type in sfc /scannow you will need your xpsp2 setup disc.

Have you considered a system restore?
there are some sample wmv here at Microsoft to help you test your WMP and find what the problem may be.
Information about the Multimedia file types that Windows Media Player supports
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316992

Did you attempt to uninstall WMP at any time as it has 2 components, WMP 11 and WMP runtime

try all these and then we can continue from there.
If all fials still try a spyware scan.
We have covered a lot of the most common problems.
Good Luck

OS is Vista Ultimate, SP1, IE 7.0
Video driver is NVIDIA v. 7.15.11.7516 date 05/02/2008, signed MS Windows Hardware Compatible.
The attached file is the dump WMP gives from Help->About->Tech Support Info.  If you are familiar with this, I would appreciate knowing if anything jumps out at you.
Thank you.  If there is a way to just uninstall WMP and then install it, clearing out all previous bits and pieces, I would do that in a heartbeat. I don't care why it doesn't work; ,my priority is to have this problem behind me.  I am not looking for exotic; I just want the plain MS default standard installation.
Support-Information-for-Windows-.doc
If there is a way to just uninstall WMP11 and then install it<  as far as I know WMP11 cannot be uninstalled from Vista as it is integrated with windows.
 work around to repair WMP 11 running a system file checker
Go to Start tab then the ball in the Run>type in command
In the command prompt, enter sfc /scannow  press enter

 or running a repair re-install of Vista just like you would in xp.
Another option  as a last resort  only and the system file checker did not fix it,
is to delete the WMP 11 player from control panel programs and features
install wmp 11 over on top.
http://www.windowsmedia.com/mediaguide/Downloads
scan your system for spyware.

Please explain why you said this>>I just want the plain MS default standard installation.
Did you attemp to remove WMP or install another version?
You could try creating a new user account with full privilages if you have not damaged the regestry.
Merete
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scrathcyboy
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What is and where is the newer version of WMP?  My installation is ver. 11.0.6001.7000
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/AllDownloads.aspx

You might have the latest version for download.  Service pack updates and fixes also include WMP updates in some cases.  If you are having problems with 11, consider going back to 10 --

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/10/default.aspx