Help with Windows Media Player

302 LX Eric · 03-17-2004, 10:42 AM

Everytime I click on a video link within a thread, I get this message from my Windows Media Player 9...

"The source filter for this file could not be loaded."

It's error code 80040241 which explains that WMP 9 only plays certain types of formats. However, the formats that I'm trying to play though the link (wmv, mpeg, etc) ARE supported by WMP 9. So, I think it may be some sort of codec issue, but since I'm not a computer expert I thought I'd see if you guys have any ideas?

BTW - this all started when I upgraded to WMP 9 from a previous version.

Thanks in advance!
E

StangFlyer · 03-17-2004, 11:10 AM

It might be because you are trying to download Real Media files and play them with it (.RM files). If that is the case, you'll have to install the free real one player. Otherwise, the videos that are in windows media format should play fine.

302 LX Eric · 03-17-2004, 05:23 PM

Nope, they're not RM files. Mostly .wmv files which should work just fine.

I'm having this problem on other boards too, not just MW - hence the posting in BOL as this is not soley related to MW.

I've been through Microsoft's wonderful help center and have performed all 6 steps in the order in which they give all to no avail. This included, things such as uninstalling WMP, re-installing it, downloading their codecs, downloading DigitalX, ensuring that the file types were compatible with WMP, etc.

At the end of their help session for this error code (80040241), it says the following: "Troubleshooting "8004" and "8007" error messages can be especially difficult because the component might encounter a problem and not indicate to Windows Media Player what specifically went wrong. As a result, Windows Media Player might not be able to display an error message that provides a clear description of the problem or a potential solution."

How typical of MS to NOT provide you with the solution or even an idea as to where one might exist.

Thus, I was forwared to the crappy MS message boards where I posted a message about my error in hopes that an 'expert' will grace me with his/her presence and actually give me some solid advice. What's even more typical is that I performed a search on the MS message board for my error code and found a plethera of people with my exact issue. The really sad thing is that of the 50 different threads I read, the same 'Microsoft WMP - MVP Expert' responded with almost the same answer everytime: "You must be trying to play a file that is not supported by WMP". Note that nearly all posters were frustrated with this 'expert' as they all were trying to play acceptable WMP file formats and stated this repeatedly.

I love Microsoft!

E

Skyman · 03-18-2004, 03:13 AM

You should get the k++ kazaa lite codec pack, has almost every codec you could want to play videos with. I have it at work email me if u want it.

Skylerd@ojaipcpros.com

03-17-2004, 10:42 AM	#1
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	Help with Windows Media Player Everytime I click on a video link within a thread, I get this message from my Windows Media Player 9... "The source filter for this file could not be loaded." It's error code 80040241 which explains that WMP 9 only plays certain types of formats. However, the formats that I'm trying to play though the link (wmv, mpeg, etc) ARE supported by WMP 9. So, I think it may be some sort of codec issue, but since I'm not a computer expert I thought I'd see if you guys have any ideas? BTW - this all started when I upgraded to WMP 9 from a previous version. Thanks in advance! E __________________ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 40,750 miles 331 cu. in. / Tremec 3550 / BFG Drag Radials 12.22 @ 114.31 mph - w/1.89 60'

03-17-2004, 11:10 AM	#2
StangFlyer Founder Join Date: Jun 1995 Location: Michigan Posts: 19,326	It might be because you are trying to download Real Media files and play them with it (.RM files). If that is the case, you'll have to install the free real one player. Otherwise, the videos that are in windows media format should play fine. __________________ StangFlyer 1991 Mustang GT - Supercharged 377 Stroker 2000 Ford Lightning - Project Lightning Hauler Media Center Gallery - View my member photos

03-18-2004, 03:13 AM	#4
Skyman I need 110mph Trap Speed! Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: So, CA Posts: 4,315	You should get the k++ kazaa lite codec pack, has almost every codec you could want to play videos with. I have it at work email me if u want it. Skylerd@ojaipcpros.com __________________ 2001 BMW M3 6spd 12.79@108 RIP ---- 1993 Notch w/ 98 4V 4.6 Fasttt... -1989 Saleen Mustang #406- 12.32@109 -1999 Black Cobra Coupe- JBA Shorties, Bassani Cat-X, Magnaflow 3", Pulleys, 85mm Pro-M, Ported Intake, Soild Rear w/ 4.30s, Tubular Front End, X2C arms, 13lb batt, few others.

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03-17-2004, 05:23 PM	#3
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	Nope, they're not RM files. Mostly .wmv files which should work just fine. I'm having this problem on other boards too, not just MW - hence the posting in BOL as this is not soley related to MW. I've been through Microsoft's wonderful help center and have performed all 6 steps in the order in which they give all to no avail. This included, things such as uninstalling WMP, re-installing it, downloading their codecs, downloading DigitalX, ensuring that the file types were compatible with WMP, etc. At the end of their help session for this error code (80040241), it says the following: "Troubleshooting "8004" and "8007" error messages can be especially difficult because the component might encounter a problem and not indicate to Windows Media Player what specifically went wrong. As a result, Windows Media Player might not be able to display an error message that provides a clear description of the problem or a potential solution." How typical of MS to NOT provide you with the solution or even an idea as to where one might exist. Thus, I was forwared to the crappy MS message boards where I posted a message about my error in hopes that an 'expert' will grace me with his/her presence and actually give me some solid advice. What's even more typical is that I performed a search on the MS message board for my error code and found a plethera of people with my exact issue. The really sad thing is that of the 50 different threads I read, the same 'Microsoft WMP - MVP Expert' responded with almost the same answer everytime: "You must be trying to play a file that is not supported by WMP". Note that nearly all posters were frustrated with this 'expert' as they all were trying to play acceptable WMP file formats and stated this repeatedly. I love Microsoft! E