Article ID: 926239 - Last Review: August 23, 2007 - Revision: 3.2

Windows Media Player 10 may close unexpectedly on a Windows XP-based computer

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SYMPTOMS

You install Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 on a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP. A beta version of the Windows Media Format 11 runtime is already installed on this computer.

When you try to use Windows Media Player 10 to play a file that is protected by Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM), the following symptoms may occur:
  • Windows Media Player 10 closes unexpectedly.
  • You receive an error message that states that you do not have a license for the file.
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CAUSE

This problem occurs because the Windows Media Player 10 installation replaces files that are part of the beta Windows Media Format 11 runtime installation. Therefore, the Windows Media Format 11 runtime installation does not enable Windows Media Player 10 to play files that are protected by Windows Media DRM.
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RESOLUTION

To troubleshoot this problem, follow these steps:
  1. On the computer that is experiencing this problem, install Windows Media Player 11.

    The following file is available for download from the Microsoft download center:

    Collapse this imageExpand this image
    Download
    Download the Windows Media Player 11 package now. (http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/9/5/0953e553-3bb6-44b1-8973-106f1b7e5049/wmp11-windowsxp-x86-enu.exe)
  2. Individualize the DRM component for Windows Media Player. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Connect to the Internet.
    2. Obtain a new DRM-protected file, and then play this file in Windows Media Player 11. If you are prompted to upgrade a component of Windows Media Player, click Upgrade.
  3. If you want to play DRM-protected files in Windows Media Player 10, follow these steps:
    1. Disconnect all portable music devices and all portable video devices that are connected to the computer.
    2. Click Start, click Run, type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK.
    3. In the list of programs, click Windows Media Player 11, and then click Remove.

      Note Do not remove the Windows Media Format 11 runtime program.
    4. Click OK, and then follow the instructions in the Setup Wizard to remove Windows Media Player 11.
    5. Restart the computer.
    Note If you disconnected any portable music devices or any portable video devices in step 3a, you may reconnect these devices to the computer.
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STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
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MORE INFORMATION

For more information about how to install Windows Media Player 11 and about known issues in Windows Media Player 11, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/11/readme.aspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/11/readme.aspx)
For more information about Windows Media DRM, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/drm/faq.aspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/drm/faq.aspx)
For more information about individualization for Windows Media DRM, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms867216.aspx (http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms867216.aspx)
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
  • Windows Media Player 10
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional N
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition N
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