What to Do if Your Computer Does Not Load Media Files

Have you ever experienced playing a video you’ve downloaded but it won’t load?

Before you jump to look for a solution we must understand that Windows does not support the playback of every type of media file available, however, it does provide support for the most common types of media files.  Therefore, you need to verify that the media file you have is a supported.

Here are some lists of supported file format by Windows Media Player:

• Windows  Media formats file extensions: .advance streaming format, advance stream redirector (asx), audio video interleave (avi), waveform audio file format (wav), .wax, windows media audio (wma), .wm, windows media video (wmv)

• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) File name extensions: .mid, midi, .rmi (remote method invocation)

• Apple QuickTime, Macintosh AIFF Resource File name extensions: .qt, audio interchange file format (aif), .aifc, .aiff, .mov

• Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) File name extensions: m3u, mp2v, .mpg, .mpeg, .m1v, audio layer 2 (mp2), audio layer 3 (mp3), MPEG Layer Audio (mpa), .mpe, MPEG-2 Video File (mpv2)

• Unix File name extensions: .au, digital sound file format (snd)

Tips:  Windows Media Player supports files created with Apple QuickTime version 1 & 2 but no longer supports the real audio (ra), real media (rm), and .ram file formats.

After you have successfully identified the file format, you also need to consider whether the file you want to play is damaged or not. In Windows Media Player, play a different file that uses the same file name extension as the file that you were using when you received the error message. If the other file plays properly, then the original file you’re trying to play may be damaged.

Another thing you need to consider is if the operating system has audio capabilities. Here are examples:

• The computer does not an audio device

• The right audio device driver is not installed or it is disabled

• You might be using both Windows NT and Windows 2000 Terminal (this configuration has no audio capabilities)

• Windows XP terminal is configured not to play audio

Now we go to the possible solutions in resolving this issue:

• You can try to uninstall/reinstall Windows Media Player. After you have uninstalled WMP you need to restart your computer then reinstall it. Also make sure that you’ll download the latest version of Windows Media Player by visiting the Microsoft website.

• Verify if you have the correct Codec for the Media File or check if the Media File uses a codec that it is not installed.

• If Windows Media Player is corrupted or damaged then you can try to rebuild the database in a flash.

- Push the windows key and press R

- Copy & paste this path into the text box: %userprofile%\Local Settings\Application

- Erase all the files in this folder (exclude folders)

- To rebuild database, simply restart Windows Media Player. All the important database files will now be created again.

So there you have it, those are some of my work around and troubleshooting guide in case you are having trouble in converting your media files. Please feel free to add your own tips and tricks in the comments section.

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Article Written By: Rodrick Ting - Tech Support Engineer at SUPPORTrix