Vista - Media Player Malfunctioning

I'm using Vista Ultimate x64 (switched from 32-bit version), and it's worked pretty well. However, windows media player has been malfunctioning. Whenever I open it up, it will play for a few seconds then the window fades gray and I get an error. After I open it up again it works fine. This is just really annoying and a little disturbing. Any help on getting it fixed?

There is a lot than can cause this crash, as with all types of software.

Have you completed a Windows Update?
Do you have all the latest x64 drivers for your hardware? (BETA drivers shouldn't be used on a production system)
Are you using 32-Bit or 64-Bit Codecs (Vista Codec Package Homepage)

I just installed x64 Vista, so I've downloaded all the latest drivers. I'm using the 64-bit vista codec package. Maybe I should try using the 32-bit version?

Have you set WMP 64-Bit as the default player (as opposed to the normal 32-Bit version)?

Try this little experiment, if possible. Take one of the media files that produces this error to another Vista PC and see what happens there. If you get a crash, then the media is corrupt.

Have you done a Windows Update yet?

I have run Windows Update, and its not just a few files that cause the crash, any media causes it.

Also, I am running the 64 bit version of WMP. The error will come up even in 32 bit version.

Open a Command Promt as an administrator (Start->All Programs->Accessories->Right Click "Command Prompt", Select "Run As Administrator".

In the command window, type SFC /scannow to run System File Checker. That may repair the problem. If the problem persists, then boot from your Vista DVD and perform a Repair Install.

Have you checked your Audio and Display drivers yet?

Sorry it took so long to reply. I ran the SFC command like you advised, and it said there was nothing wrong. Its just as well though, WMP stopped acting up, but now IE 7.0 is doing the same thing as WMP. Its usually when I open a new tab.

I've tried it all myself. How would one do a Repair Install? I sure do't want to re-install the entire OS...just WMP x86 & 64.


In the command window, type SFC /scannow to run System File Checker. That may repair the problem. If the problem persists, then boot from your Vista DVD and perform a Repair Install.

Hi guys,

This topic may help you with some infomation about 32bit and 64bit media codecs... Vista Codec Pack - 32bit & 64bit Media Player Codecs

Steven

Here's a trip for you.

I'm running Vista Home Premium 64-bit and everything was running well. I upgraded my processor from an AMD X2 5000 to a Phenom 9850. Now, any time I try to start Windows Media Player, It loads, I see the library for a second before it hazes over and I get the "Windows Media Player has quit working" window. It happens any time I try to start WMP and sometimes just when I boot my computer and suddenly I get the "WMP has quit working" without even starting it. I can't even use Windows Media Center without it locking up.

I ran that SFC. It reported that some files were corrupt and created a log, but when I try to view the log I get the "You don't have permission to view this" window. Yes, I verified that I am running as an administrator.

I tried loading the 64 bit Codec, but I'm beginning to wonder. I read above where you speak of 64 bit WMP and 32 bit WMP, I don't see a WMP (64 bit) like I see Internet Explorer (64 bit). Does that mean I'm only running WMP 32 bit?

Also, Any attempt to download and re-install WMP will not run. I keep getting the "Your version is newer than what you are trying to install" warning and then it quits.

Am I doomed to re-install Vista (repair)?