Article ID: 919747 - Last Review: June 14, 2006 - Revision: 1.1

Error message when you use Windows Media Player 10 to play media files from the Internet in Windows XP: "Windows Media Player cannot play the file"

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SYMPTOMS

When you use Windows Media Player 10 to play media files from the Internet on a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer, you receive the following error message:
Windows Media Player cannot play the file. If the file is located on the Internet, connect to the Internet. If the file is located a removable storage card, insert the storage card.
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CAUSE

This issue occurs if the network settings are not correctly configured in Windows Media Player 10 and in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Correctly configure the Windows Media Player network settings. To do this, start Windows Media Player, and then follow these steps:
    1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Network tab.
    2. Click to select the HTTP check box, and then make sure that the Multicast, UDP, and TCP check boxes are cleared.
    3. Click Apply, and then click OK.
    4. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Player tab.
    5. Click to select the Connect to the Internet (overrides other commands) check box, click Apply, and then click OK.
  2. Correctly configure the Internet Explorer network settings. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Internet Options, and then click the Connections tab.
    2. Make sure that the Never dial a connection option is selected, and then click OK.
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
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Keywords: 
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