How to Troubleshoot Windows Media Player 11 on a Dell PC

by Amanda Kondolojy
Enjoy your favorite media content with Windows Media Player 11.

Enjoy your favorite media content with Windows Media Player 11.

computer image by michele goglio from Fotolia.com

Windows Media Player 11 is one version of the standard media player included with Windows. Media Player 11 features a sleek interface, compatibility with hundreds of portable media devices, and the ability to play back all popular media formats including WMV, MPEG-4, and AAC formatted files. If you are having trouble with Media Player 11, there are some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.

Step 1

Close down all other programs. Media Player 11 is a resource-intensive program that demands a considerable amount of RAM and virtual memory. If you are running other demanding programs, such as an Internet browser or video editing tool, try closing these down and then using Media Player 11 again.

Step 2

Check the file path. If you have recently moved a file or deleted a shortcut, Windows Media Player 11 may be trying to open the file from its previous location. Use the "Search" function to find the file's most recent location, and then use the Windows Media Player 11 "Open" menu to browse for the file using its current file path.

Step 3

Disconnect any non-supported device. If you are trying to use Windows Media Player 11 to manage a peripheral (such as a portable media player) and it does not have the Windows "PlaysForSure" logo, then it is not supported and may cause the system to lock up. Unplug the device, close Media Player 11 and then try again.

Step 4

Re-register system files. If you get an error message that says "An error has occurred", it means one of more of your system files has been corrupted. Close Windows Media Player 11. Click the Start menu and type "Run." Click the icon that appears. Type "regsvr32 jscript.dll" and press the "OK" button. Once these files have been restored, re-open the "Run" dialog box and type in "regsvr32 vbscript.dll" and press OK again. Restart your computer and try using Windows Media Player 11 again.

About the Author

Amanda Kondolojy has been writing professionally since 2007 and currently writes full-time as a staff contributor at "Cheat Code Central." She also contributes regularly to her Disney-themed blog, Adventures in Pin Trading. Kondolojy holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science from George Mason University.

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