Windows Media Version 7

[kelbrit]

Downloaded Windows Media Version 7. Works ok sometimes. Other times when I click on a web site to watch a video the following appears on screen "MMSYSTEM281 This file could not be played. Check the filename or install a driver that supports this type of file" This happens on more than one site. I searched the MicroSoft site to no avail. Any suggestions?
Thank you.

[Fisherman]

Here's a few suggestions, Kelbrit.

http://www.google.com/search?q=MMSYSTEM281+This+file+could+not+be+played&btnG=Google+Search

[reghakr]

Are you using Win95 by chance? It doesn't work on Win95.

maybe you missed this:

Error Message: MMSYSTEM281 This File Could Not Be Played

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 95

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
When you try to play a MIDI (.mid) file, .avi file, or .wav file, you may receive the following error message:

MMSYSTEM281 This file could not be played. Check the filename or install a driver that supports this type of file.

CAUSE
This behavior can occur for either of the following reasons:

The proper entry is not present in the [mci extensions] section of the Win.ini file for the type of file you are trying to play.

There is an incorrect Media Control Device association for the file type you are trying to play.

RESOLUTION

Proper Entry Not Present in the Win.ini File
Make sure that the [mci extensions] section exists in the Win.ini file, and that the proper entries are present. For example, .avi files are played using the AVIVideo MCI device.

The following is a sample [mci extensions] section:
[mci extensions]
mid=Sequencer
rmi=Sequencer
wav=waveaudio
avi=AVIVideo

Incorrect Media Control Device Association
To correct this error, remove and then reinstall any devices that are not working correctly. To do so, follow these steps:
In Control Panel, double-click Multimedia.

On the Advanced tab, double-click the Media Control Devices branch to expand it.

Click the device that is not working properly, click Properties, and then click Remove.

When you are prompted to verify that you want to remove the device, click Yes. Click OK when you are notified that the device has been removed and when you are notified that the changes will take effect when you restart Windows 95.

Repeat steps 3-4 to remove any other devices that are not working correctly. When you are done removing devices, click OK to close the Multimedia Properties dialog box.

In Control Panel, double-click Add New Hardware.

Click Next, click No, and then click Next.

In the Hardware Types box, click Sound, Video, And Game Controllers, and then click Next.

In the Manufacturers box, click Microsoft MCI.

In the Models box, click one of the drivers you removed in step 3, and then click Next.

Click Finish.

If you need to install another device, click No when you are prompted to restart your computer, and then repeat steps 6-11.

When you are done installing devices, click Yes when you are prompted to restart your computer.


MORE INFORMATION
This behavior usually occurs with files associated with Media Player. Because several file types are associated with Media Player, the [mci extensions] section of the Win.ini file is used to determine which MCI device Media Player should be used.

reghakr

[kelbrit]

I should have mentioned I am using Win 98, do I still try what you suggested?

[kelbrit]

Thanks that gave me a lot to work with. I do not have an un-zipping program, could that be the problem? If that is so Power Archiver used to be free any suggestions for a freebe?

[kelbrit]

Did some more reading. I do not have an un-zipping program. Could that be my problem? MMSYSTEM281 seems go pop up at times with I am downloading. Power Archiver used to be free any suggestions on a free program?
Thanks

[reghakr]

No, you don't NEED an unzipping program, although you'll be lost without it if you download a .zip file from the internet.

I checked my [mci extensions] on my Win98 machine and I do have those entries, plus another 40 items listed.

You can locate PowerArchiver version 6 by doing a search in any search engine.

reghakr

[kelbrit]

I went to powerarchiver.com downloaded a free un-zip version. So far that did the trick. I am playing midi's I could not play before.
Thank you for your time.

[kelbrit]

I went to powerarchiver.com. Downloaded the free latest un-zipping program. Am now able to play midi's I could not play before.
Thank you for your time.