Error Message: No Combination of Filters Could Be Found to Render the Stream (Error=80040218)

After you upgrade Windows Media Player, you may receive the following error message when attempting to play audio or video:

This issue can occur if the Quartz.dll file is damaged or missing.

Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
To resolve this issue, rename the Quartz.dll file in the Windows\System folder, and then download and install Windows Media Player again:

1. Rename the quartz.dll file. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
2. In the Named box, type quartz.dll, and then click Find Now.
3. Right-click the Quartz.dll file, and then click Rename.
4. In the Named box, type quartz.bak, and then click OK.
   
   
5. Download and install the Windows Media Player installer file, from the following Microsoft Web site:
   http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/ (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/)
6. Test to determine if the issue is resolved. If it is not, use Registry Editor to remove the following registry key, follow steps 1 through 5 again, and then test again:
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Media Type

For additional information about troubleshooting Media Player errors, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: