Windows Media Player won't run

Question

Windows Media Player won't run

Anonymous

I've just upgraded to Windows 8.1. I prefer Windows Media Player 12 to the music app, but when I try to run Windows Media Player, the "Welcome to Windows Media Player choose initial settings" window pops up. Whether I choose recommended settings or custom settings, when I click "finish" the window immediately pops back up. I can't get further than this.

So far I've tried removing and re-installing WMP in Control Panel/Programs and Features/Turn off Windows Features. I've run the troubleshooter, which doesn't report any problems. I've deleted the Media Player folder as per some of the tech suggestions on here. I've added a registry string to run wmplayer.exe as System Administrator.

In searching for the problem on the internet I found a posting from one person who said Microsoft Tech support told her the problem was caused by a corrupt user account profile, and the tech created a new profile and migrated her files which fixed the problem. That is over my head, and I can't see how that would prevent WMP from getting past the initial settings screen. It only takes a second after clicking "finish" for the window to pop right back up, but if I do a quick screen capture, in that second or two in between there is a message saying "building windows media library".

Any suggestions on how to get WMP going?

Thanks,

Craig

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

3 answers

Answer 1

Anonymous

The troubleshooter didn't reveal any problems for WMP or the WMP library.

I've tried deleting the folder as per your suggestion, but the problem persists.

Answer 2

Hi Craig,

This issue might occur due to corrupt Windows media Player library on the computer. Corrupt system files might also lead to such scenarios.

If you haven’t tried running the Windows Media player library troubleshooter, run the troubleshooter and check if it helps. Follow the methods:

Method 1:

Follow the steps below to run the Windows Media Player settings troubleshooter as well Library troubleshooter:

a) Press Windows and X key and select click on Control Panel.

b) Click on Troubleshooting icon.

c) Click on View all on the left side panel.

d) Double click on Windows Media Player Settings.

e) Follow the onscreen instructions to run the troubleshooter. Also run the Windows media player Library troubleshooter.

Check if that fixes the issue. If not, check with the next method.

Method 2:

I would suggest you to rebuild the database and check if it resolves the issue for you. You can follow the steps:

a) Press Windows and R key together. Type the following command and hit Enter:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player

b) Select all the files in the folder, and then click Delete on the File menu.

Note: You do not have to delete the folders that are in this folder.

c) Restart Windows Media Player**.**

Note: Windows Media Player automatically rebuilds the database.

Check if you are able to add the files to the add player list. If not, proceed to the next method.

Method 3:

Follow the steps to further troubleshoot the issue:

a) Press Windows and R key together. Type the following command and hit Enter:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player

b) Select the Media Player folder, and then click Delete on the File menu.

c) Restart Windows Media Player.

Note: Windows Media Player automatically rebuilds the database.

Please let us know about the results. We will be glad to assist you further.

Answer 3

Hi Craig,

If the issue persists, I suggest you to create a new User account and check if it helps.

Create a user account

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-user-account

Please post back with the status of the issue and we will be glad to assist you further.

Share via

Windows Media Player won't run

3 answers