Applies to these editions of Windows 7

Starter

Home Premium

Professional

Ultimate

Enterprise

Windows Media Player C00D11B1

Windows Media Player can't play the file.

Things to try:

  • Use Windows Update, or go to the sound device manufacturer's website to see if an updated driver is available.

  • Use Device Manager to check the status of your sound device.

    To check the status of your sound device

    1. Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Manage.

    2. In the left pane, click Device Manager.

    3. In the right pane, expand Sound, video and game controllers, and then look for the name of your sound device.

    4. Do one of the following:

      • If your sound device is listed but the icon includes a red "X," the device has been disabled. To enable the device, right-click the icon, and then click Enable.

      • If your sound device isn't listed, in the right pane, expand Other devices. If Multimedia Audio Controller appears in the list, right-click the icon, and then click Update Driver Software. Follow the on-screen instructions to find and install the driver software.

        If you aren't able to find and install the correct driver software, go to your computer manufacturer's or sound device manufacturer's website for further assistance.

  • If you don't have a sound device installed on your computer, install a sound device, and then try to play the file again. For details, go to your computer manufacturer's or sound device manufacturer's website.

  • If you're trying to play a file on the Internet, try again later. The server might be temporarily unavailable or there might be a network issue.

  • If you're trying to play an MP3 file that contains compressed ID3 headers, make a copy of the file, and then use a non-Microsoft ID3 tag-editing program to remove or reset the file's ID3 headers.

    The ID3 header is a portion of the file that stores the song's album information (for example, the song name, artist name, album name, and genre). This information is sometimes called a tag. After you remove the ID3 headers, Windows Media Player should be able to play the MP3 file.

    Warning

    Warning

    • Attempting to remove ID3 headers might damage the file and make it unplayable. Therefore, always make a copy of the file before you edit it.

    If this solution does not resolve the problem, the file might be corrupted.