PCTech Forums

I'm having real difficulty trying to find out how to resolve this problem with streaming content using Windows Media Player 9.

When I select a link to play streaming content, my Media Player launches for an instant and then closes almost instantaneously. No error messages appear.

I find no problems playing RealPlayer or QuickTime links it's just URL's which use Windows Media Player.

I've tried copying the link and then using the File > Open URL... command and this also crashes the player.

I have no problems when playing local content, it's just streaming audio and video which is causing the problem.

The Microsoft KB does not seem to list this error. Any ideas???

This issue can occur for any of the following reasons:
Direct Cable Connection or Virtual Private Networking is installed on your computer.
More than one modem is installed in your computer, or both a modem and a network adapter are installed in your computer.
The executable (.exe) file for ActiveSync 3.0 (Wcescomm.exe) is being loaded during startup.

On the Windows Media Player Tools menu, click Options.
Click the Performance tab. In the Connection speed box, click the appropriate setting.
You may want to set this speed to match the speed of your Internet connection.

Click Start > click Run > type “msconfig” (without the quotes) click OK
go to the startup tab and look for Wcescomm.exe or anything else about Windows Media Player,
uncheck them and close the msconfig window and restart your system

Thanks but none of those things you suggested seem to apply.

I can stream media through WMP 9 if I use another account, say the 'guest' account on my Win XP Pro but when I use my Admin login it simply starts the player for an instant and then closes without an error message being displayed.

I've tried loads of things, proxy settings, setting another player (WMP 6.4) to be the default player (this works) but when I then reset WMP 9 as the default player for streaming media such as .asx .mp3 and .mpg it still doesn't work. I also downloaded the WMP 9 codecs pack and the latest Windows updates.

It's not a major problem but I hate things that don't work (especially when I don't know why)!!!

Try looking in the "Task Manager" (Ctl / Alt / Del) "Processes" Tab.
Kill any processes referring to WMP or Real Player.
Now try running WMP.
If it's any consolation, my WMP9 has never functioned properly...ever.
brad

Thanks brad!

I ended P2PNetworking.exe in the Task Manager which I think is something to do with Kazaa. Works fine now. You've ended my 2 day headache!!! Thanks!

You're welcome.
Don't forget you need to disable it from restarting at startup in MSCONFIG.
You might want to Download / Install / Update / and Run: .
brad