WMP11 wont stream

[wayneyg]

Firstly, sorry if this is the wrong place to post.

I have Windows Vista Home Premium and noticed that when i view a website with video clips Windows Media Player 11 says 'Ready' and doesn't do anything. You press play but nothing happens. In order to view the video i have to manually download the clip. Is this to do with WMP11?

Cheers for any help

[Krispy Kritter]

May have to do with the type of file you are trying to watch. For example, mpg and avi files often have to download completely before they will play, they don't stream.

[wayneyg]

This happens on any site which streams video or audio clips via WMP11. I can see it downloading in the bottom left habd corner but when it says 'done' nothing happens, even when you press play.

[Krispy Kritter]

What type of files are they? Do you have the proper codecs installed?

[wayneyg]

Probably not but i've downloaded all the codecs i can find.

[wayneyg]

They are .wmv files and is the same for any site that streams media

[gll99]

I'm on XP but I had to adjust my browser security settings to play online video using the wmp plugin. Sorry I can't recall exactly what I did.

Another possibility is a software firewall that blocks a needed dll. If you originally disallowed it, it may not prompt you again. If you have one of those like Zonealarm, close your browser, disable the firewall and re-open the browser just to see if you can stream the video.

If you are using IE try Firefox and I'll bet that works. until I fixed IE, I had no trouble when I switched to Firefox. Once I got all the needed plugins (as prompted) it worked with no fuss.

[wayneyg]

I'm on Firefox but IE7 does the same thing.

I've not got Zonealarm and have switched off the Security Center.

Maybe i'll look for some more WMP pluggins

[Krispy Kritter]

First, I would verify the exact type of file you are downloading that isn't working. There are many types of streaming video.

Then, I would ensure you have all of the latest patches/updates. If that doesn't work, you could try installing the WMP codec pack (found at M$). Lastly, you could try performing a fresh install of WMP11.

[gll99]

Firefox will prompt you to download the needed plugins ie... flash, wmp, rm so I suspect that either your browser security settings or firewall are the problem. Since both browsers don't work, I lean towards your multiple firewalls being the most likely cause.

Maybe that Mac / PC commercial about Vista's "Allow...Deny" is not so farfetched.

[wayneyg]

First, I would verify the exact type of file you are downloading that isn't working. There are many types of streaming video.

Then, I would ensure you have all of the latest patches/updates. If that doesn't work, you could try installing the WMP codec pack (found at M$). Lastly, you could try performing a fresh install of WMP11.

The files are .wmv's but i've noticed that it's the same if a website is streaming mp3's.

I've downloaded as many codecs i can find for WMP11 and have also tried a fresh install of WMP11

[wayneyg]

Firefox will prompt you to download the needed plugins ie... flash, wmp, rm so I suspect that either your browser security settings or firewall are the problem. Since both browsers don't work, I lean towards your multiple firewalls being the most likely cause.

Maybe that Mac / PC commercial about Vista's "Allow...Deny" is not so farfetched.

I've disabled my Security settings. What's the best way to sort out my firewall settings?

[gll99]

Go here and try to play the video's.

Don't worry it's only NHL Hockey in wmv9 format. Pick a game by clcking on Hi speed or low speed and see if they play or if you get any messages.

http://sports.sympatico.msn.ca/NHL/Snapshot/

[wayneyg]

I get the following message when trying to access the link: "Sorry! We have detected that you are accessing this site from outside of Canada. This service is available in Canada only."

Although when trying any sites now which stream content it now works!?! I'll try a few more sites, no idea why it's now working tho?

[Krispy Kritter]

Maybe because you disabled the security settings? They shouldn't need to be completely disabled, typically, the default settings work fine....although I don't use Vista, so it could be different.

[wayneyg]

I'm really not understanding this as it's now not working but working a minute ago. The security settings have been switched off for the past few days.

[Krispy Kritter]

Have you tried disabling the firewall also? You should be able to access that through the security center (XP)...I assume Vista is similar.

[gll99]

Sorry about the Canadian site but I don't get the message since I live here. I was trying to find a simple site that I know works in case your issue was site related.

I'm not suggesting that you disable your firewall and security settings protection for any length of time, just while you were testing.

After refreshing my own memory cells.........

Zonealarm has a history of problems with wmp. Mine is ok now but at one point I had to manually change some settings.

This is my best recollection and if ZA is the problem then this will solve it.
You need to turn the privacy settings completely off in ZA (cookie and ad). Many sites need cookies enabled and the default privacy setting in Zonealarm blocks cookies. Afterwards when things are working, you can go back and make manual adjustments to the privacy settings until they no longer block the traffic you want to let through.


If the problem is not fixed by changing ZA then check the privacy settings in your browser to make sure you didn't disallow cookies there.

btw) Close all browser windows after making changes to browser settings and only open the browser after you make the change in ZA if you are changing that program. If you have an existing open browser the previous blocks may still apply even if you change the settings in the browser, ZA or another firewall.

[wayneyg]

I don't have Zonealarm but have tried turning off Windows Firewall and i can now view the clips ok. Turn the firewall back on and can still view the clips up to about three or four times then the same problem happens again so looks like it's got to be something to do with the firewall settings?

Just like to say a big thanks to those who have helped me out on this as i've posted the same comment on two other forums from other sites and not heard a thing so thanks guys\gals.