Are you dealing with the annoying error message “Server Execution Failed” when trying to run Windows Media Player? Don’t worry – you are definitely not alone. Not only is it a common problem, but fortunately there are several things that can be done about it. In this blog post, we will discuss exactly what causes Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed error as well as provide tips and tricks for how to fix it right away. Read on and find out how easily you can get your Windows Media Player back in action!
What is a Server Execution Failed Error in Media Player?
The ‘Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed’ error occurs when the necessary Windows service fails to launch and can be incredibly frustrating for users. This issue could arise from a variety of causes, including malicious software infections, outdated drivers, or corrupt media files. As such, it may prevent users from playing their desired audio/video files which is why resolving this error quickly should be prioritized.
Why Does Server Execution Failed While Playing Video in WMP?
The ‘Server Execution Failed’ error in Windows Media Player (WMP) occurs when the player is unable to execute due to an issue with its running service. This fault might be caused by corrupt or missing files, conflicts with other programs, and errors within the Windows registry. Malware intrusions, outdated drivers and even third-party media player compatibility issues can all be culprits in causing this error. It’s understandably vexing when you cannot enjoy your favourite audio or video files as a result, but following some simple troubleshooting steps should help to resolve Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed problem!
What Causes Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed Error?
Windows Media Player, when unable to launch or play media files, displays the bothersome “Server Execution Failed” error. This can be caused by several factors including:
- Corrupted or Outdated Windows Media Player Files: When the files necessary for Windows Media Player are either damaged or outdated, then there is a high chance that the program will not launch correctly and may even struggle to play media.
- Incorrect Windows Media Player Settings: If the settings of Windows Media Player are not adjusted properly, it can result in a “Server Execution Failed” error.
- Third-Party Software Conflicts: Interferences from third-party software like antivirus programs or firewalls can cause Windows Media Player to malfunction, leading to the error.
- Malware Infection: Malicious software infestations can severely impair computers, often resulting in Windows Media Player glitches.
- Windows Updates: At times, updates to Windows can be incompatible with Windows Media Player and consequently produce the “Server Execution Failed” error.
How to Fix Windows Media Server Execution Failed Error?
Terminate the “wmplayer” Process
Eliminating the “wmplayer” process is one way to easily solve the problematic Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed error. Here’s how you can take care of it:
- End your Windows Media Player session, if you’re currently using it.
- Then access the Task Manager by simultaneously pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard.
- In the Processes tab, locate “Windows Media Player”. Once you’ve found it, right-click on it and then pick “End task” from the options in the contextual menu that pops up.
- Close the Task Manager and try opening Windows Media Player again.
Re-register DLL Files Through Command Prompt
If you are facing the notorious Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed error, then re-registering DLL files through Command Prompt can be an effective solution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
- To open the Power User Menu, press Windows key + X on your keyboard.
- Then pick either “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list to launch an elevated Command Prompt window.
- Enter the following instructions in the Command Prompt window, and press “Enter” at the end of each line:
- regsvr32 vbscript.dll
- regsvr32 jscript.dll
- regsvr32 wmp.dll
- By executing these commands, you will be able to reinstate the DLL files that are necessary for Windows Media Player to work optimally.
- After the commands have completed their task successfully, shut down your Command Prompt window and check if you can open Windows Media Player again.
Rename Windows Media File
You can improve the “Server Execution Failed” error by renaming your Windows Media Player files. Here’s how to do it:
- Please close Windows Media Player if it’s already running. Then, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open up the Run dialog box and continue with your task.
- Type in the following path and press Enter: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player
- This will open the Windows Media Player folder in the AppData directory.
- Locate the following two files in the folder:
CurrentDatabase_372.wmdb
CurrentDatabase_372.ns
- To swiftly modify the names of your files, simply right-click each and pick “Rename” from the pop-up list.
- To fix the issue, append “.old” to your file names (e.g., CurrentDatabase_372.wmdb.old, CurrentDatabase_372.ns.old).
- Once you have saved this change, close and reopen the Windows Media Player folder for optimal results!
Disable WMP Network Sharing Service
To fix the dreaded Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed error, try disabling the WMP Network Sharing Service! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it happen:
- Launch the Run dialog box on your keyboard by pressing Windows key + R.
- Type “services.msc” into the Run window and hit Enter to continue.
- To locate the “Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service” on your Services window, simply right-click the service and choose ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
- To disable the service in Properties, select “Disabled” from the drop-down menu within the Startup type option.
- If it’s active at present, simply click on the handy “Stop” button to cease its operation.
- To save the changes, click on “Apply” and then select “OK”.
- Finally, close the Services window and attempt to open Windows Media Player again.
Disable and Re-enable WMP
If you encounter the perplexing “Server Execution Failed” error while using Windows Media Player, a simple solution is to disable and then re-enable it. To do so, just follow these steps:
- To quickly open the Run dialog box on your computer, simply press Windows key + R. Afterward, type “appwiz.cpl” in the text field and hit Enter to continue.
- On the left-hand side of the Programs and Features window, select “Turn Windows features on or off” to begin.
- To deactivate the “Windows Media Player” feature, simply click on the plus sign next to “Media Features,” then uncheck the box next to “Windows Media Player”.
- Click on “OK” to save the changes.
- To reactivate the feature, return to “Turn Windows features on or off” and tick the box next to “Windows Media Player”.
- To save your modifications, click on the ‘OK’ button.
- Afterward, restart your device and give Windows Media Player another go!
Use Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
To get rid of the Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed error, using the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter is your best bet. Here’s what to do:
- To access the Settings app, just press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- Once you’re in, simply click “Update & Security” and then select “Troubleshoot” from the left-hand side of the page.
- Then click “Additional troubleshooters”.
- Now, scroll down until you find “Windows Store Apps”.
- Click on it and then hit the ‘Run Troubleshooter’ button to start it running.
- If any errors are detected, follow the on-screen directions in order to fix them. Afterward, reboot your computer and again attempt launching Windows Media Player.
Update Windows OS
Resolve the Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed issue by upgrading your Windows OS. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard and then head to “Update & Security.”
- Click on “Windows Update” from the left-hand side of the menu, and you’re good to go!
- To find the latest updates, simply click on “Check for updates” and wait while Windows searches for any available upgrades.
- If you locate any updates, press the “Download and install” button to initiate the update process.
- Follow the prompts on your screen to install any pending updates and allow time for them to finish.
- Once done, restart your device, then reopen Windows Media Player to see if it works as intended.
Add Windows Media Player to Antivirus Exception List
Correct the “Server Execution Failed” error by including Windows Media Player to your antivirus exception list. Here’s a straightforward guide on how you can do this:
- Access your antivirus software and navigate to the “Virus & threat protection settings” and click “Manage settings”.
- To create an exception, locate the “Exceptions” or “Exclusions” tab and click “Add or remove exclusions”.
- Now give the administrator permissions.
- Once you’re there, click on “Add an exclusion” button and choose “File”.
- In the “File name” field, enter the path to the Windows Media Player executable file – “C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe” and click “Open”.
- Apply all the changes you made to your antivirus settings and save them.
- Afterward, restart your computer to ensure that the new configuration is applied properly. Then open Windows Media Player to check if it works.
How to Temporarily Disable Windows Defender Antivirus Program?
If you need to temporarily disable Windows Defender Antivirus, here’s how you can do it:
- To open Windows Security, simply click on the Start menu or press the Windows key and type “Windows Security” into the search bar.
- Click on the “Virus & threat protection” option from the left-hand menu.
- Click on “Manage settings” under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section.
- Change the “Real-time protection” switch to the off position.
- A warning message will appear to caution you that disabling real-time protection could make your computer unsafe. To confirm this action, click “Yes”.
Restart wmpnetworksvc
You can easily fix the ‘Server Execution Failed’ issue on Windows Media Player by simply restarting the ‘wmpnetworksvc’ service. Here’s how:
- To open the Run dialog box, press Windows key + R on your keyboard. Then, type “services.msc” in the window and hit Enter to move forward.
- Navigate through the catalog of services and locate “Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service” or “wmpnetworksvc”.
- To restart the service, start by right-clicking on it and selecting “Restart” from the context menu.
- Finally, close the Services window and try opening Windows Media Player again.
Reinstall Windows Media Player
Need to fix the Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed error? Then reinstalling the application is a quick and easy solution. Here’s how:
- To access the application wizard, simply press Windows key + R on your keyboard to bring up the Run dialog box.
- Then type “appwiz.cpl” in and hit Enter for quick access!
- Search the list of your computer’s installed programs and find “Windows Media Player”.
- To uninstall Windows Media Player, simply right-click on it and select “Uninstall” from the dropdown menu.
- To remove Windows Media Player from your computer, simply follow the directions that appear onscreen. Once you are finished, make sure to restart your device for optimal performance.
- To open the Run dialog box again, press Windows key + R on your keyboard. Then, enter “appwiz.cpl” and hit Enter to begin!
- To access Windows features, click “Turn Windows features on or off” in the left-hand corner of your window. Once you arrive on the page, scan through and search for “Media Features”.
- To ensure Windows Media Player is installed, navigate to the “Media Features” option and tick the box next to it.
- Then select ‘OK’ and let the installation process finish..
- Restart your computer and try opening Windows Media Player again.
Add the Administrator Group to the Local Service
Solve the Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed error once and for all by adding the Administrator group to your Local Service. Here’s how:
- To open the Run dialog box, press Windows key + R on your keyboard. Once opened, type in “services.msc” and hit Enter to access it.
- Scroll down the list of services and discover “Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service” or its abbreviation, “wmpnetworksvc”.
- To adjust the Log On settings of a service, right-click on it and select “Properties” from the context menu.
- Subsequently, click on the “Log On” tab that would be present in the Properties window.
- To complete this step, click on the “This account” option and then select the “Browse” button.
- Afterwards, enter in “Administrators” within the designated field labeled as “Enter the object name to select” before clicking on “Check Names”. This will have verified that you have entered in your group correctly.
- To add the Administrator group to your Local Service, click “OK” and if prompted enter the administrator password.
- To save the modifications, click on “Apply” and then select “OK”. Afterward, restart your computer and open Windows Media Player once more.
Give your Local User Full Access to the User Folder
If you’re getting the “Server Execution Failed” error in Windows Media Player, simply give your local user full access to its user folder for an instant fix. Here’s how:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the following folder: C:\Users<username>
Note: Replace “<username>” with your actual username.
- To access the security settings of a folder, right-click it and select “Properties” from the context menu. Then click on the designated “Security” tab within that window to continue.
- If you wish to alter the permissions, simply click on “Edit”. To include a new user, select “Add” from the list.
- To verify your local username, type it in the “Enter the object names to select” field and press “Check Names.” Once you’re done with that step, click on “OK” to add the user’s name to the list.
- Select the user you just added from the list and check the box next to “Full Control” in the “Permissions for <username>” section.
- To save the changes, click “Apply” and then select “OK”. Afterward, restart your machine and give Windows Media Player a try once more.
Start your Computer in Clean Boot
To resolve the “Server Execution Failed” error in Windows Media Player, perform a clean boot on your computer to reset the affected settings:
- To open the Run dialog box, press Windows key + R on your keyboard.
- In the text field, type “msconfig” and hit Enter to launch it.
- In the System Configuration window, select the “Services” tab to reveal all services.
- Check off the box labelled “Hide all Microsoft services” in order to shield any Microsoft services from view.
- To disable all non-Microsoft services, click on the “Disable all” button.
- Afterwards, select the “Startup” tab to move forward.
- To launch the Task Manager, simply click on “Open Task Manager”.
- To disable each program at startup, right-click and choose “Disable”.
- Once you’ve closed the Task Manager, select “OK” in the System Configuration window. Reboot your computer and attempt to launch Windows Media Player once more.
Reinstall Java to Fix Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed Error
Reinstalling Java may not be the answer to fix “Server Execution Failed” errors in Windows Media Player, yet it’s always beneficial to make sure that your computer has the newest version of Java. Old software can often lead to issues and problems, so here are the steps to install Java:
- Go to the official Java website at https://www.java.com/en/download/.
- Click on the “Free Java Download” button.
- Now, click on “Agree and Start Free Download”.
- Download the installation file onto your device and, when finished, simply double-click it to start the setup process.
- To finish up the installation process, simply follow the directions on your screen. When you’re done, restart your computer.
Try To Play Your Media File On Different Media Player
Run SFC and DISM
Troubleshoot the “Server Execution Failed” error on Windows Media Player by utilizing System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM). These tools can help to fix any corrupted or absent system files that are creating this concern. Here are the steps to run SFC and DISM:
- For a fast access to the Quick Link menu, press Windows key + X on your keyboard.
- In the drop-down list, choose either “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
- To kickstart the System File Checker tool and start scanning your system for any missing or corrupt files, simply type “sfc /scannow” into your Windows PowerShell window, followed by entering.
- After the System File Checker scan is finished, enter “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” to begin DISM’s repair of any Windows image problems that could be causing your error.
- Once the DISM tool has completely scanned and fixed any issues, restart your PC to check if the “Server Execution Failed” error is now solved. If so, try launching Windows Media Player once more!
Avoid Proxy Server
If you’re facing the ‘Windows Media Server Execution Failed’ error, and believe it could be because of a proxy server, follow these steps to resolve the issue:
- To deactivate the proxy server, click on the Start button and navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
- Toggle Off the “Use a proxy server” option to disable proxy server.
- To access the Services window, simply press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box and enter services.msc before pressing Enter.
- Find the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service and click it with your right mouse button.
- Now, Reboot your device to apply all the new changes.
- Additionally, confirm that your firewall isn’t hindering the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service.
- If so, you’ll need to create an exception in your firewall settings for that specific service.
Disable Firewall
If you’re receiving the “Windows Media Server Execution Failed” error, it could be a result of your firewall settings. To fix this issue, turn off the firewall with these easy steps:
- To deactivate the Windows Firewall, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
- Then click ‘Firewall & network protection’ under “Protection areas”.
- Now, turn off both the public and private settings for “Microsoft Defender Firewall”.
- Now, Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard and open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” into the search bar, then press “Enter”.
- Locate the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service, right-click it, and select “Restart”.
- To check if the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service is functioning correctly, open it and attempt to share media.
How to Repair Mp4 Server Execution Failed Error With Software?
Repair Corrupted Video files in Joyoshare VidiKit
If you’re looking for an easy fix to repair MP4 “Server Execution Failed” error with video files, then look no further! Using Joyoshare VidiKit provides the simplest solution – here’s all you have to do:
- Launch Joyoshare VidiKit on your computer.
- To fix corrupted MP4 videos, click on the “Add File” button to upload your damaged files.
- Now, select the “Repair” button beside it.
- From the drop-down menu, pick a repair method like “Quick Repair” or if you want more control try “Advanced Repair”.
- Tap the “Repair” button to get started!
- Once the repair process is finished, preview your repaired video file with a simple click on the “Preview” button.
- If you’re satisfied with what you see, go ahead and hit that “Save” button to store it onto your device.
Repair the Video Using Stellar Repair for Video
Struggling to repair your MP4 file with the “Server Execution Failed” error? Don’t worry – Stellar Repair for Video can help! Follow these easy steps and you’ll be set:
- Open Stellar Repair for Video on your computer.
- Now, click the “Add File” button and select a repair approach of your choice; whether it be “Quick Repair” or the more comprehensive “Advanced Repair”.
- Now, simply click on the “Repair” button and wait for the repair process to finish. Once you’re done, preview your newly repaired video file by clicking on the “Preview” button!
- Once you’ve tried the repaired video file and are content with the results, hit ‘Save’ to download it straight onto your computer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Alternative to Windows Media Player?
VLC Media Player is a powerful, free, and open-source multimedia player that provides an excellent alternative to Windows Media Player. It supports many different audio and video formats so you can enjoy your media without any compatibility issues!
Why Does Server Execution Fail?
“Server Execution Failed” error messages can be caused by a range of issues, such as incorrect firewall settings, non-functioning third-party software, or damaged system files.
How to Fix MP4 File Not Playing In Windows Media Player?
If your MP4 file isn’t playing in Windows Media Player, you have three possible solutions: install relevant codecs, update the media player itself, or employ an alternative option such as VLC.
What Does It Mean When My Computer Says Server Execution Failed When Trying To Open A MOV File?
If you’re receiving a “Server Execution Failed” error when attempting to open a MOV file, this may be indicative of an issue with your media player or the corruption of the file. Fortunately, updating your media player and/or fixing the corrupted data should help resolve these issues quickly!
How Do I Stop Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed?
To stop Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed issue, you can try to reset your media player, disable any proxy settings or VPNs/firewalls in use and repair any corrupted system files.
How Do I fix Windows Media Player No Sound MP4 Video?
To fix the soundless MP4 video on Windows Media Player, you can upgrade or reset your audio driver, or modify the volume settings in the player.
Conclusion
To summarize, “Server Execution Failed” is a customary issue that may be encountered by Windows Media Player when attempting to play media. This fault can result from several causes, like corrupted system files or defective media player, and incorrect firewall settings alike. Fortunately though, there are numerous solutions out there for you to consider in order to mend this problem- such as resetting the media player itself; disabling proxy servers; stopping VPNs or firewalls; and repairing damaged files – so you can once again experience your favourite songs and movies without any impediments!