From time to time there can be problems with playback on the Windows Media Player. The purpose of this short article is to provide some brief information on dealing with problems relating to playback on the Windows Media Player. (More information on the Windows Media Player can be obtained from the manufacturer.)
Most of the time, playback issues in Windows Media Player 9 are caused by one of the following problems:
* Corrupted media. Corrupted media can cause irregular playback such as missing audio or video, abrupt ending, or skipping.
* Damaged codecs. Codecs are software programs that compress and uncompress audio or video data. Damaged codecs can cause problems such as missing audio or video, unusually fast or slow playback, or distortion in the video (such as lines).
Because both of these problems can cause similar symptoms, you must know how to isolate one cause from the other.
Because each file format can be compressed by using a variety of codecs, try to play multiple files of the same format; some that use the same codec as the problem file and some that use a different codec. Try playing a completely different format media file.
To troubleshoot local playback in most scenarios, try to identify the difference between the files that play correctly and the files that do not. If you can play some file types, but you cannot other file types, a codec may be damaged. To test playback, use a file that you know is good. For additional information about supported Windows Media Player multimedia file formats, and to download known good sample files to use for troubleshooting, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 316992 Windows Media Player multimedia file formats.
If the known good file plays correctly, your file may be corrupted or the codec may not be supported.