Error Messages in Windows Media Player
Resolve error messages in Windows Media Player.
Answers refer to Windows Media Player 10, unless otherwise noted.
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Why do I receive an "Unknown error" (C00D11CD)?
This error usually occurs when another program or operating system component that is used by the Player encounters a problem, but unfortunately, doesn't communicate the nature of the problem to the Player. Because this generic message can be displayed in a wide variety of situations, there is no single solution.
The Windows Media Player team at Microsoft is investigating ways to improve error detection and reporting for problems caused by underlying programs or system components. We will provide more information about what causes these unknown errors in future columns, so keep checking back.
If you need immediate assistance, your best bet is to talk with other users who are also encountering this error by posting your question to the Windows Media Player Newsgroup. Remember to provide information, such as what version of the Player and the Windows operating system you are using, as well as what you were trying to do just before you encountered the error. If the error occurs when you try to use a particular file, Web link, or URL, include those details too. Many newsgroup experts, including Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs), columnists, top newsgroup participants, and some of Microsoft's own experts, are active in this newsgroup.
NoteIf you are not sure how to participate in a newsgroup, see Windows Media Newsgroups.
Why do I receive "Interface not registered" (80040155) when I try to burn a CD?
Files on your computer that Windows Media Player uses to burn CDs are no longer registered with Windows. Try reinstalling your current version of the Player—or installing a newer version—from the Windows Media Download Center to restore any missing file-registry settings.
To determine which version of the Player you have, in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, see article 190990, "How to determine the version of Windows Media Player."
NoteWhen you reinstall the Player, or install an upgraded version, the digital media files in your library will be preserved.
Why can't I rip CDs to MP3 format in Windows Media Player 10 (error C00D0FAA)?
Certain settings in the Windows registry may be preventing you from ripping your CDs to MP3 format. Often, these registry settings are left over from a previous installation of an MP3 Creation Pack. For example, in certain circumstances, the registry key value might not be valid if you used Windows Media Player 9 Series to rip CD tracks into MP3 format, and then you upgraded to Windows Media Player 10 later. To resolve the problem, do one of the following:
| • | Change the audio quality setting for ripping CDs. This option is the easiest to perform. However, it will not enable you to rip CD tracks into MP3 files that have an audio quality setting of 128 kilobits per second (Kbps). |
| • | Delete the value of the LowRateSample registry key. This option is more complex to perform. However, it will enable you to rip tracks into 128 Kbps MP3 files. |
To change the audio quality setting for ripping CDs
1. | In Windows Media Player, on the Tools menu, click Options. |
2. | On the Rip Music tab, in the Rip settings area, move the Audio quality slider to any setting other than 128 Kbps. |
To delete the value of the LowRateSample registry key
CautionIncorrectly editing the registry may severely damage your system. At the very least, you should back up any valued data on the computer before you make changes to the registry. For information about backing up and restoring the registry, see Windows Help and Support.
1. | Click Start, and then click Run. |
2. | Type regedit, and then click OK. |
3. | In Registry Editor, in the left tree view, expand the following subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Settings\MP3Encoding |
4. | In the right pane, double-click LowrateSample. |
5. | In the Value data box, delete the value that is displayed, and then click OK. |
6. | Close Registry Editor. |
Why do I get a "Secure storage protection error" (C00D277F) when I try to play songs that I purchased from an online store?
This issue can occur when you replace certain hardware components in your computer and then try to play a protected digital media file. Online stores typically sell files that are protected. The Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM) system maintains information that is based on the hardware configuration of the computer, and interprets the playback attempt as an unauthorized attempt to play the protected file on a different computer.
The resolution for this problem depends upon the version of Windows that you are running:
Windows XP (but not Windows XP Media Center Edition)
1. | Install the update described in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, article 89112, "Update for Windows Media Digital Rights Management-enabled players." |
2. | Install the hotfix described in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, article 910998, "FIX: An application cannot play WMDRM-protected content or acquire licenses to play new WMDRM-protected content." |
If you still encounter the error after performing these steps, in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, see article 891664, "The Windows Media Digital Rights Management system may not work if your computer hardware changes."
Windows XP Media Center Edition
Until a solution is available, you might be able to resolve the problem by restoring your computer to the original hardware configuration or to the original BIOS settings. For more information, in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, see article 891664, "The Windows Media Digital Rights Management system may not work if your computer hardware changes."
Why do I get the message "Install Windows Media Player 9 or repair your current installation" when I try to play my music?
You receive this message because files that are required by Windows Media Player 10 to function correctly were not upgraded when you upgraded your operating system to Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. To resolve this issue, in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, see article 884373, "FIX: Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 may not work correctly after you upgrade to Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005."
Why do I get the message "This software has not passed Windows logo testing" when I try to install the Player?
A number of issues can prevent the Player from being installed properly on your computer. For a full discussion of the issues and information about how to resolve them, in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, see article 822798, "You cannot install some updates or programs."
If you don't find the answer to your question in this column, be sure to check the Archive. Media Advice is not an official Microsoft Support channel. If you need immediate help for an urgent problem, we recommend that you visit Microsoft Help and Support.