problem with WMP 11 in Vista

Question

On a new Dell XPS 700 with Vista from an upgrade CD (but clean installed), wmp 11 had been working fine for a while until recently it won't let me delete anything from its library. Also it will not add anything new into its library. In the "monitored folders" section I add a folder hit "ok" and nothing happens and when I reopen the box the added folder(s) is gone. Additionally sometimes wmp 11 runs now as a ghost program.

I recently downloaded some mp3 software, but I used system restore to go back to before I downloaded the software and I still have the problem. Everything on my computer is up-to-date. Anyone know how to fix my wmp 11?

Rick Barton

whyld4900 · Answer

That is part of the problem.  I would like to uninstall wmp 11, but that is not an option.  It appears that wmp 11 is part of Vista itself.

Rebel9 · Answer

Have you tried an uninstall and then a reinstall?

Rebel9 · Answer

Sorry - you're right. It's installed as a part of Vista and can't be uninstalled.

whyld4900 · Answer

It makes more sense to me to have wmp be an uninstallable program.

MyrtleBeachBear · Answer

I'm having the exact same problem...thought it was Urge, so uninstalled it...problem persists...in addition, sometimes WMP 11 shortcuts won't open the program...I have to reboot, then they open fine, but the problem with monitoring folders is still there...we really need help on this one!

whyld4900 · Answer

MyrtleBeachBear,   When your shortcuts will not open wmp it may be because wmp player is already running, as what I believe is called a 'ghost program'.  When wmp will not open by shortcuts open Task Manager (ctrl + alt + del) and open the Processes tab. Search for wmplayer.exe and if it is there just choose to End Process.  Then wmp should open from shortcuts.   That doesn't solve the library problem though.

MyrtleBeachBear · Answer

Does this allow the monitor folders dialog box to work...that is, folders don't disappear???

MyrtleBeachBear · Answer

Ah, thank you for that tip...never tried that, but will next time that happens!  Now, if you just had a solution to the library problem, I'd be set!!!  :smileywink:

whyld4900 · Answer

ok MyrtleBeachBear I think I have the answer...     It comes from Dale Preston: you might need to rebuild your database.   Check out this site = http://www.dalepreston.com/Blog/2007/03/windows-media-player-metadata-backup.html#rebuilding   Look at 'Rebuilding your Windows Media Player library database' and follow instructions.   It solved my problem, at least so far.   Hope it works for ya.

whyld4900 · Answer

Yes, the monitor folders works now.  Everything is back to normal for me, once I changed the name of my media player folder as per the instructions.  You change the folder name then your wmp will rebuild its songs (music) database and after a couple of minutes everything is like new.   I can add and delete from the library now.   As far as I can tell I have no more problems.

MyrtleBeachBear · Answer

It worked beautifully for me, too!  Thanks so much for finding that reference article...the guy is a genius!  I've kept his page in my favorites in case this happens again...and, btw, there was a file in my folder called Corrupt Database...if I'd known where to look before, I'd have seen it, but wouldn't have known what to do about it...:smileysad:

whyld4900 · Answer

It is great news isn't it?   Three cheers for Dale Preston!

FloridaJMC · Answer

I'm not having the same problems (yet) as some of you but I am having a problem with WMP11 when it comes to playing tracks of any format.  During the last 10-15 seconds of each track it starts skipping, or crackling, for about 3 seconds and it is driving me absolutely insane (especially when I'm belting out the good parts when no one is around to hear me sing and the song just stops).  I thought it was Napster, and only on downloaded songs, but when I used WMP to play CDs that I ripped it did the exact same thing, so it is definitely WMP.    I did notice on some other forums that other people are having this problem.  Unfortunately, no one has replied with a solution.  I've FAQ'd the heck out of this, and the only solution given to me by Windows was to update which, wasn't helpful.   Can someone PLEASE help me?!?!?!?!?!  (So I don't have to call Dell and sit on the phone because I really hate doing that) Thanks JMC

Butterfly Bug · Answer

I have the same problem and have been trying to be systematic about it. Most of the time tracks play o.k when selected from the library but I get the same sound problem - a break in sound exactly 20 seconds before the end of each track, regardless of track length. This happens if I drag songs to the playlist but I recently noticed that if I right-click to add them to the playlist they play o.k. It is driving me nuts and is becoming an obsession - someone please help!

Rebel9 · Answer

First, make sure you install the latest Sigmatel driver (Vista version - from Drivers and Downloads for your particular machine).   Then: From Control Panel, go to Sound. In the Playback Tab, select (click once) the Speakers/Headphones, click on Properties, Enhancements tab and put a check mark in 'Disable all enhancements'.

Windows General

problem with WMP 11 in Vista

Was this post helpful?