Cant watch stream files with Windows Media Player

[mach04]

I have problems watching stream video files with my Windows Media Player (the latest version). I can watch the files that are already stored on my pc, but not the one that streams from the internet. I could watch such files but now for about 2 weeks I am having this trouble
Can anyone tell me how to fix this problem???
thanks in advance

 

[linney]

Have you tried System Restore to when it all worked?

Have you added or changed any security type software shortly before the problem?

Same problem, if you logon on as another user?

Some possible suggestions on Google.

http://groups.google.com/groups/sea...ing+problems+wmp+11+-vista+-audio&qt_s=Search

http://www.google.com/search?tab=gw&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=streaming problems+wmp 11 -vista -audio

A good site for WMP.

http://zachd.com/pss/pss.html#wmp11

Cant get streaming radio
thread779-1344009

mediaplayer 11
thread779-1342646

Anything in your Event Viewer? Cleaning out your Temp files and Temporary Internet Files might help?

 

[mach04]

Hi Linney,
thanks for the reply. I have read and tried almost everything you mentioned and read the following links too, but I am still having this problem.
I havent added any security software after I encountered this failure. And I dont use any password to enter my pc.

I can though play stream files where it requires Real Audio, but for WMP its impossible. Though I can play any other files that I have stored on my pc, or play a cd or dvd.
Now I have changed the WMP to version 9 and having still the same problem.

 

[linney]

If it is not a settings problem in WMP, then just maybe some third party program is interfering with WMP?

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

You didn't say whether you saw any errors in the Event Viewer, or if you logon on as another user. You might have to create a new user to test that last idea?

Some general things to try.

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[mach04]

1) I did ran the chkdsk and found no error.
2) I dont logon as adminstrator to pc as I am he inly user.
3) WMP doesnt show any error messages.
4) I have ran a total virus check and no problems were found.

I will read these articles and test them to see what it comes up.

 

[linney]

What Firewall are you using? If it is the built-in firewall try this.

Open Windows Firewall, click the Exceptions tab, and then select the Windows Media Player check box.

 

[SirBlack]

If all else fails, try downloading VLC Media Player at

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

It's a free download. Or if you want, read the review & download from:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,64558/description.html

VLC has opened not only everything WMP did but everything, so far, that WMP wont play.

Bob B-)

Remember, if you can't stand behind our troops, feel free to step in front of them!

 

[mach04]

Linney: I am only using the microsofts firewall. I tried to add it to the exceptions but it cant be added, I guess its because its part of windows programs so they trust its security.

SirBlack: I dont have trouble playing audio/video files with WMP, it just doesnt play any streamfiles on the internet.

 

[linney]

I would imagine it is added by Default when you use it on the Network.

Do you have an option on the Exception page to tick a check box that instructs the firewall to notify you when a programs tries to access the Internet?

In any case you should be able to add it manually. Were you an Administrator when you tried to add it?

I was able to add the wmplayer.exe file manually.

 

[mach04]

There is no option on the exception page to notify me when a program tries to access the internet.

I have now added WMP to the list of the firewall, but still does not play any stream files.

 

[linney]

I suppose you have rebooted since it was added?

See if this article helps? Look at what it says about Streaming, and look at Logging.

Troubleshooting Windows Firewall settings in Windows XP Service Pack 2

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357#appliesto

 

[mach04]

Yes I had rebooted the pc, its still not playing any stream files that support WMP. I have even changed the Windows firewall back to its originals settings and it hasnt helped either.

Is it possible in Windows to change the default player of stream files that I come across to some other players rather than WMP?
I dont have any problem with Real, but if the site has WMP then it doesnt run it.

 

[linney]

As an example only (might need some adaption on your part), have a look at the bottom of this page.

http://www.frogmistress.com/radio/connect.php

 

[SirBlack]

Another option to try is open up WMP, click on Tools -> Option -> Network and take the check out of UDP & see if that works.

Last ditch might be to uninstall & re-install WMP.

Bob B-)

Remember, if you can't stand behind our troops, feel free to step in front of them!

 

[mach04]

what I meant was that some places on the internet already use some default player to play their video files, and I was wondering if I could some how change some settings in Windows, in order to open another player which I have on my pc to play those files which are hosted at those sites.

 

[linney]

Look around here.

http://www.google.com/search?q=set+a+default+player+xp&rls=com.microsoft:

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=set+a+default+player+xp&rls=com.microsoft:

 

[mach04]

Thank you very much for your help, especially Linney. I installed AVG free version instead of Avast home version and all of a sudden it helped. Besides I installed and ran the AVG Antispyware and it detected some spywares, maybe one of them was the reason that had made the problem. Anyway the problem is solved now.
I hope this helps other to solve the same problem they might face. Once again thanks.

 

[linney]

Glad you worked it out.