Downloaded wmv's won't play on WMP10

[BillyBaloney]

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.

 

[Ghostrider]

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.

IIRC, there is a "streaming" audio codec or update that must be patched
into WMP10 (and WMP9). Attempt an update to download and install this
codec but be careful not to invoke a full WMP upgrade to WMP 11 (unless
you want this version).

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

WMP-specific newsgroup: microsoft.public.windowsmedia.player

 

[BillyBaloney]

Tried your suggestion and no luck with that. Maybe because it's not really a
streaming issue since the file is downloaded in full with the email or by
skype download.

But thanks for trying.