I have WinXP Home Edition, SP2.

If I receive a wmv file, through an email or skype for example, and try to
play it by double-clicking the file I get the following error message:

"Windows Media Player cannot play the file. If the file is on another
computer, verify that you are connected to the network. If you typed a path,
verify that it is correct. If the problem persists, the server might not be
available."

If I save the file to my hard drive it plays fine in WMP10. In the past I
tried changing the file association to one of several players I have and if
I recall correctly the only one that worked at the time was VLC player. The
others displayed an error message but not the same one as WMP. They too
would play the file if it was saved to my computer. I prefer to use WMP for
wmv files.

Any suggestions on how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Re: WMP10 won't play downloaded wmv files. by zachd

zachd
Thu Apr 24 15:22:27 PDT 2008


What email program are you using?

This kind of thing can happen when there's a custom protocol handler in the
client that the player doesn't understand - WMP can't connect to your mail
to play the file -- the mail app should hand WMP the file locally already.

--
Speaking for myself only.
See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
--
"BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:OJXARt$oIHA.4904@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>I have WinXP Home Edition, SP2.
>
> If I receive a wmv file, through an email or skype for example, and try to
> play it by double-clicking the file I get the following error message:
>
> "Windows Media Player cannot play the file. If the file is on another
> computer, verify that you are connected to the network. If you typed a
> path,
> verify that it is correct. If the problem persists, the server might not
> be
> available."
>
> If I save the file to my hard drive it plays fine in WMP10. In the past I
> tried changing the file association to one of several players I have and
> if
> I recall correctly the only one that worked at the time was VLC player.
> The
> others displayed an error message but not the same one as WMP. They too
> would play the file if it was saved to my computer. I prefer to use WMP
> for
> wmv files.
>
> Any suggestions on how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated.
>
>



Re: WMP10 won't play downloaded wmv files. by BillyBaloney

BillyBaloney
Fri Apr 25 18:38:02 PDT 2008

I'm using OE6.

But that wouldn't explain why it does the same thing with a skype download,
would it?


"zachd [MSFT]" <zachd@nomailplz.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:eUzztmlpIHA.548@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>
> What email program are you using?
>
> This kind of thing can happen when there's a custom protocol handler in
> the client that the player doesn't understand - WMP can't connect to your
> mail to play the file -- the mail app should hand WMP the file locally
> already.
>
> --
> Speaking for myself only.
> See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
> rights.
> --
> "BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:OJXARt$oIHA.4904@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>I have WinXP Home Edition, SP2.
>>
>> If I receive a wmv file, through an email or skype for example, and try
>> to
>> play it by double-clicking the file I get the following error message:
>>
>> "Windows Media Player cannot play the file. If the file is on another
>> computer, verify that you are connected to the network. If you typed a
>> path,
>> verify that it is correct. If the problem persists, the server might not
>> be
>> available."
>>
>> If I save the file to my hard drive it plays fine in WMP10. In the past I
>> tried changing the file association to one of several players I have and
>> if
>> I recall correctly the only one that worked at the time was VLC player.
>> The
>> others displayed an error message but not the same one as WMP. They too
>> would play the file if it was saved to my computer. I prefer to use WMP
>> for
>> wmv files.
>>
>> Any suggestions on how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>
>
>



Re: WMP10 won't play downloaded wmv files. by zachd

zachd
Fri Apr 25 18:48:07 PDT 2008


I don't know type of URL it's giving the player. Check the command line
handed to the player using a tool such as process explorer.

It would seem to definitely explain the problem with a skype download if the
download isn't actually a download but rather a link...

--
Speaking for myself only.
See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
--
"BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:OBKSs4zpIHA.1240@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> I'm using OE6.
>
> But that wouldn't explain why it does the same thing with a skype
> download, would it?
>
>
> "zachd [MSFT]" <zachd@nomailplz.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:eUzztmlpIHA.548@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>
>> What email program are you using?
>>
>> This kind of thing can happen when there's a custom protocol handler in
>> the client that the player doesn't understand - WMP can't connect to your
>> mail to play the file -- the mail app should hand WMP the file locally
>> already.
>>
>> --
>> Speaking for myself only.
>> See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
>> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
>> rights.
>> --
>> "BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
>> news:OJXARt$oIHA.4904@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>I have WinXP Home Edition, SP2.
>>>
>>> If I receive a wmv file, through an email or skype for example, and try
>>> to
>>> play it by double-clicking the file I get the following error message:
>>>
>>> "Windows Media Player cannot play the file. If the file is on another
>>> computer, verify that you are connected to the network. If you typed a
>>> path,
>>> verify that it is correct. If the problem persists, the server might not
>>> be
>>> available."
>>>
>>> If I save the file to my hard drive it plays fine in WMP10. In the past
>>> I
>>> tried changing the file association to one of several players I have and
>>> if
>>> I recall correctly the only one that worked at the time was VLC player.
>>> The
>>> others displayed an error message but not the same one as WMP. They too
>>> would play the file if it was saved to my computer. I prefer to use WMP
>>> for
>>> wmv files.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions on how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>



Re: WMP10 won't play downloaded wmv files. by BillyBaloney

BillyBaloney
Sat Apr 26 15:10:06 PDT 2008

These are all downloads including the skype files.

One interesting note. I have WMP10 as the default player for mpg files. I
just recently downloaded an mpg and WMP played it without any problem. So it
will open mpg's but not wmv's.


"zachd [MSFT]" <zachd@nomailplz.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:u8CKR%23zpIHA.3960@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>
> I don't know type of URL it's giving the player. Check the command line
> handed to the player using a tool such as process explorer.
>
> It would seem to definitely explain the problem with a skype download if
> the download isn't actually a download but rather a link...
>
> --
> Speaking for myself only.
> See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
> rights.
> --
> "BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:OBKSs4zpIHA.1240@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> I'm using OE6.
>>
>> But that wouldn't explain why it does the same thing with a skype
>> download, would it?
>>
>>
>> "zachd [MSFT]" <zachd@nomailplz.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:eUzztmlpIHA.548@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>
>>> What email program are you using?
>>>
>>> This kind of thing can happen when there's a custom protocol handler in
>>> the client that the player doesn't understand - WMP can't connect to
>>> your mail to play the file -- the mail app should hand WMP the file
>>> locally already.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Speaking for myself only.
>>> See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
>>> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
>>> rights.
>>> --
>>> "BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
>>> news:OJXARt$oIHA.4904@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>I have WinXP Home Edition, SP2.
>>>>
>>>> If I receive a wmv file, through an email or skype for example, and try
>>>> to
>>>> play it by double-clicking the file I get the following error message:
>>>>
>>>> "Windows Media Player cannot play the file. If the file is on another
>>>> computer, verify that you are connected to the network. If you typed a
>>>> path,
>>>> verify that it is correct. If the problem persists, the server might
>>>> not be
>>>> available."
>>>>
>>>> If I save the file to my hard drive it plays fine in WMP10. In the past
>>>> I
>>>> tried changing the file association to one of several players I have
>>>> and if
>>>> I recall correctly the only one that worked at the time was VLC player.
>>>> The
>>>> others displayed an error message but not the same one as WMP. They too
>>>> would play the file if it was saved to my computer. I prefer to use WMP
>>>> for
>>>> wmv files.
>>>>
>>>> Any suggestions on how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>



Re: WMP10 won't play downloaded wmv files. FIXED for now. by BillyBaloney

BillyBaloney
Sat Apr 26 21:14:41 PDT 2008

In checking the file association it did show WMP as the program to play wmv
files. However, it also showed that the "default" program would be the GOM
player.

The button options would normally be "Change" and "Advanced". Instead they
were "Change" and "Restore" where "Restore" would change it to the GOM
Player. IOW, I had no way to edit the settings for WMV files.

Soooooo, on a hunch I uninstalled the GOM player. The association is still
WMP10 but it now plays downloaded email and/or skype wmv files. And the
Restore button has changed to Advanced.

I haven't a clue what the GOM player did to mess up the wmv downloads but I
thought I would explain how I fixed the problem in case someone else may
have the same issue or knows what happened to create the problem in the
first place.


"BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:%23R9OLp%23pIHA.2292@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> These are all downloads including the skype files.
>
> One interesting note. I have WMP10 as the default player for mpg files. I
> just recently downloaded an mpg and WMP played it without any problem. So
> it will open mpg's but not wmv's.
>
>
> "zachd [MSFT]" <zachd@nomailplz.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:u8CKR%23zpIHA.3960@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>
>> I don't know type of URL it's giving the player. Check the command line
>> handed to the player using a tool such as process explorer.
>>
>> It would seem to definitely explain the problem with a skype download if
>> the download isn't actually a download but rather a link...
>>
>> --
>> Speaking for myself only.
>> See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
>> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
>> rights.
>> --
>> "BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
>> news:OBKSs4zpIHA.1240@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> I'm using OE6.
>>>
>>> But that wouldn't explain why it does the same thing with a skype
>>> download, would it?
>>>
>>>
>>> "zachd [MSFT]" <zachd@nomailplz.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>> news:eUzztmlpIHA.548@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>>
>>>> What email program are you using?
>>>>
>>>> This kind of thing can happen when there's a custom protocol handler in
>>>> the client that the player doesn't understand - WMP can't connect to
>>>> your mail to play the file -- the mail app should hand WMP the file
>>>> locally already.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Speaking for myself only.
>>>> See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
>>>> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
>>>> rights.
>>>> --
>>>> "BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:OJXARt$oIHA.4904@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>I have WinXP Home Edition, SP2.
>>>>>
>>>>> If I receive a wmv file, through an email or skype for example, and
>>>>> try to
>>>>> play it by double-clicking the file I get the following error message:
>>>>>
>>>>> "Windows Media Player cannot play the file. If the file is on another
>>>>> computer, verify that you are connected to the network. If you typed a
>>>>> path,
>>>>> verify that it is correct. If the problem persists, the server might
>>>>> not be
>>>>> available."
>>>>>
>>>>> If I save the file to my hard drive it plays fine in WMP10. In the
>>>>> past I
>>>>> tried changing the file association to one of several players I have
>>>>> and if
>>>>> I recall correctly the only one that worked at the time was VLC
>>>>> player. The
>>>>> others displayed an error message but not the same one as WMP. They
>>>>> too
>>>>> would play the file if it was saved to my computer. I prefer to use
>>>>> WMP for
>>>>> wmv files.
>>>>>
>>>>> Any suggestions on how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>



Re: WMP10 won't play downloaded wmv files. by Neil

Neil
Tue Apr 29 15:18:44 PDT 2008

As you've noticed, OE is a bit of a dud as far as doing email stuff
goes - and that saving the attachment to the hard drive generally
works for WMP I'd stick with that routine because in most cases it
produces the best results.

HTH
Cheers- Neil

On Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:10:06 -0500, "BillyBaloney"
<BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote:

>These are all downloads including the skype files.
>
>One interesting note. I have WMP10 as the default player for mpg files. I
>just recently downloaded an mpg and WMP played it without any problem. So it
>will open mpg's but not wmv's.
>
>
>"zachd [MSFT]" <zachd@nomailplz.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>news:u8CKR%23zpIHA.3960@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>
>> I don't know type of URL it's giving the player. Check the command line
>> handed to the player using a tool such as process explorer.
>>
>> It would seem to definitely explain the problem with a skype download if
>> the download isn't actually a download but rather a link...
>>
>> --
>> Speaking for myself only.
>> See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
>> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
>> rights.
>> --
>> "BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
>> news:OBKSs4zpIHA.1240@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> I'm using OE6.
>>>
>>> But that wouldn't explain why it does the same thing with a skype
>>> download, would it?
>>>
>>>
>>> "zachd [MSFT]" <zachd@nomailplz.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>> news:eUzztmlpIHA.548@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>>
>>>> What email program are you using?
>>>>
>>>> This kind of thing can happen when there's a custom protocol handler in
>>>> the client that the player doesn't understand - WMP can't connect to
>>>> your mail to play the file -- the mail app should hand WMP the file
>>>> locally already.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Speaking for myself only.
>>>> See http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html for some helpful WMP info.
>>>> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
>>>> rights.
>>>> --
>>>> "BillyBaloney" <BillyBaloneyl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:OJXARt$oIHA.4904@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>I have WinXP Home Edition, SP2.
>>>>>
>>>>> If I receive a wmv file, through an email or skype for example, and try
>>>>> to
>>>>> play it by double-clicking the file I get the following error message:
>>>>>
>>>>> "Windows Media Player cannot play the file. If the file is on another
>>>>> computer, verify that you are connected to the network. If you typed a
>>>>> path,
>>>>> verify that it is correct. If the problem persists, the server might
>>>>> not be
>>>>> available."
>>>>>
>>>>> If I save the file to my hard drive it plays fine in WMP10. In the past
>>>>> I
>>>>> tried changing the file association to one of several players I have
>>>>> and if
>>>>> I recall correctly the only one that worked at the time was VLC player.
>>>>> The
>>>>> others displayed an error message but not the same one as WMP. They too
>>>>> would play the file if it was saved to my computer. I prefer to use WMP
>>>>> for
>>>>> wmv files.
>>>>>
>>>>> Any suggestions on how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
------------------------------------------------
Digital Media MVP : 2004-2008
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/mvpfaqs