All of a sudden I can't play music on my Windows media player. A window pops up saying WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER HAS STOPPED WORKING (A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available)

What crap is this. Are they trying to get me to download Windows 11. No thanks.

Anyone have this happen to them?

You can Google Windows Media Player where you can find support if you need it.

This used to happen to me a few years ago. Don't remember what I did to fix it, but I think I had to reset preferences somewhere.

Everett,

Don't fret!

Have you re-booted your PC? That fixed about 90% of these kinds of problems..

If that doesn't work, maybe re-install WMP fresh?

Or perhaps go to "uninstall programs" and see if, when clicking WMP it shows an option to "repair" as well as uninstall.

If everything you try fails, you may be forced to "roll back" your PC to a time when WMP was working correctly. I don't have Windows 10, but if you left click "start" in the lower left hand corner and then type in "restore" you will probably see an entry for "restore system to an earlier time." Left click that and choose "open system restore." Then choose "next" and there should be a list of system restore points. You want to find one that shows a time that is before your WMP went bad, highlite that entry and choose "next" and it should be self-explanatory from there. Just make sure you don't roll it back too far, cuz although it will leave your own files alone (audio, video, folders, etc), it will uninstall any software or Windows Updates that were installed in the interim.

But before you put yourself through that, consider downloading a free and legal media player, at least to have as a backup if WMP fails. There's some really good ones out there that are constantly updated. I use the VLC Media Player, it's kind of ugly, with orange cones as icons, but it's a great piece of software.

If you do download it, be aware that in the process of installing it, you will hit "next" once or twice and then arrive at a menu of things you can leave alone or uncheck. If you don't want your file associations to change you can uncheck "audio files," and "video files" --but if you want the ability to just, say, click on your audio file and then have the VLC player play it, you'll need to leave at least the audio file associations alone. The audio files icons will change into orange cones, and you can just click your files to have VLC play them. If you don't want to have VLC associated with your audio files, uncheck "audio files" under file associations. Once installed, you will just need to drag your files into the VLC player for them to play, or browse for them with the player.

I don't have the latest version, and in my version they don't try to add a google tool bar or anything, but just read carefully if you arrive at another menu, before it's actually installing, recommending you add some tool bar or what not, and then make sure you set it so that it won't do that, either unchecking or checking a box, as the case may be.

This would take you to the download page. I don't think Brian would want me putting the actual .exe file here, but it will be the blue icon that says "download VLC." I've used it for three or four years. It's safe and plays every type of audio and video and is constantly updated, and is legally free.

http://www.videolan.org/

Whatever you do, just go slow..

I hope something in here was helpful for you.

Mike

Do you have recording program open? Sometimes, a recording program "takes over" your sound and WMP, YouTube, etc. will not work. Close the recording program and restart WMP and see if it works.

Thanks for all the tips. Some of them I've already tried without success. I do have several other players that I can open my own files and play but when I want to listen to YouTube, I don't have the option to listen by any other player only WMP. I have to figure out the problem with WMP or figure out how to make another player my main player. I'm not good with computer so this could be a problem. If worst comes to worst I'll call my teck guy.

Hi Everett:

I don't care for... or trust Windows Media Player. I hope you will be able to find a good alternative. Personal preference plays a big part in this selection. As a prolific songwriter, your catalog of music should not be exposed in it's entirety to the Internet. I recommend keeping your catalog on a non-connected PC... or on a massive memory stick salted away in a safe or safety deposit box.

Our music is being stolen every day and you are the only defender of your catalog. Apple is just as bad if not worse about invading your privacy and computer system.

See if you can find a course of instruction about music management and how to navigate the ever changing computer system jungle in order to protect and control dissemination of your own creations of music. Your Tech Guy may be your best alternative as long as he/she understands your objective(s).

When it comes to the Internet... don't let your guard down or blindly trust 99% of the companies or programs we encounter every day.

Best of luck, ----Dave

Hey guys, I got it back. Had to get my tech guy involved though. It took him a while, it was the first time he ran across this problem. Thanks for all your help.

I hear you Dave. For a long time I was cautious about showing my music. But getting old now and just hoping someone will enjoy what I have written. Especially my Gospel songs, if it blesses someone, good, if it leads them to accept Jesus a Saviour, great. My reward will be in Heaven.

Just want to add to Michael's recommendation for the Videolan player

It is bar none, the best out there and it is open source. I have used it for several years now. And as long as you get it from their web site, Michael gave you the link, there will be no crapware added onto it.

And Youtube videos actually play in your browser....I use Chrome

Videolan has also been my primary video player on both Windows and Linux for over 10 years now.

Hey EV, on a side note. that's a really good photo of you on the avatar... good switch there...

Thanks Brian, that picture was taken a number of years ago, when I was in my prime. Not going to say how many years ago.LOL