Error message when you try to play a DVD on a computer that is running an x64 version of Windows Vista: "Windows Media Player cannot play the DVD because the disc prohibits playback in your region of the world"

Consider the following scenario:

• You have a computer that is running an x64 version of Windows Vista.
• You use Windows Media Player 11 to play a DVD that is set to a region that differs from the default regional setting of the DVD device.

In this scenario, you expect to be prompted with a dialog box that lets you change the regional setting of the DVD device to match the regional setting of the DVD. However, the dialog box is not displayed, and you receive the following error message: Note If you are running an x86 version of Windows Vista in this scenario, you do not experience this issue.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must have an x64 version of Windows Vista installed.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista, x64-based versions

To work around this issue, use Device Manager to change the DVD region code on the DVD Region tab of the DVD device properties.

You may also experience this problem when you run the 32-bit version of Device Manager (Devmgmt.msc) in the drive:\Windows\Syswow64 directory in an x64 version of Windows Vista. When you open the properties dialog box for the DVD drive in this situation, the DVD Region tab is missing.

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