How to Fix "Server Execution Failed" Error on Windows Media Player

Eleanor Reed

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Photo/Video/Audio Solutions • Proven solutions

Are you trying to play a video file using Windows Media Player, but keep seeing an error on the screen saying "server execution failed"? Do not worry! You can easily resolve this issue with the help of several techniques that can be applied in different scenarios. Continue reading this post to get more information on how to fix the "Windows Media Player server execution failed" issue instantly and without any trouble.

Part 1. What's the Meaning of "Server Execution Failed"

When you try to open a media file with Windows Media Player, an error message that says "WMP Server Execution Failed" could pop-up. In this situation, all you can do is click "OK" to close the error. Although Windows Media Player is bug-free and most people prefer using this software, it has been reported to crash and show some errors.

Usually, the server execution failed windows media player error occurs when you try to close the Media Player and then attempt to open another file. But you find out that the main program process remains active even after the Media Player UI closes. This might happen due to several reasons, let us find out:

• There is a problem with your User account, or your Windows media player network service has stopped.
• Outdated and old hardware and drivers.
• Your computer system is affected by viruses, damaging files, and items. So make sure that every once in a while, you scan and clean your computer with an antivirus program.
• The media files that you try to play with the Windows media player are corrupt.

Note: Before performing any of the suggested troubleshooting methods listed in the article to get rid of this error, you should first restart your computer. This action will clear all the temporary corrupt data that might trigger the error. Also, it will help to refresh your operating system.

Part 2: How to Fix "Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed" Error

Remember to check if the media file you are trying to play with the Windows Media Player is working with other media players like VLC. If it does not work, it means that your media file might be corrupted, but if it works, then the issue is obviously with the Windows Media Player.

Now, let us check out different solutions to fix the "Windows Media Player Server Execution Failed" error.

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Solution 1. Restart Windows Media Player in Task Manager

Step 1: To open the task manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys.

Step 2: In the Processes tab, look for "Windows Media Player."

Step 3: Once you find it, right-click on "Windows Media Player" and then choose "End Task."

Step 4: Now, the final step is to open Windows Media Player again. It might work this time without any WMP server execution failed error.

Solution 2. Register jscript.dll and vbscript.dll

Step 1: Hold Windows + X keys together and then open "Command Prompt (Administrator)." If you are using Windows 7, select the start menu and type "CMD." Then, right-click CMD and click on "Run as Administrator."

Step 2: Once the "Command Prompt" is open, type regsvr32.exe jscript.dll and press enter. After that, type regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll and then again press enter.

Note: Each time you hit enter, a dialogue box will appear with "OK" — just click it.

Step 3: Now close the command prompt and check if the Windows Media Player is opening correctly.

Solution 3: Disable Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

Step 1: Open the Run box by pressing the Windows + R keys at the same time.

Step 2: Now type "services.msc" in the box and then hit "Enter" to open services.

Step 3: After that, look for "Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service" on the list, right-click it, and select the "Stop" option.

Step 4: The next step is to double-click the "Windows Network Sharing Service" again and select Properties. A box will appear where you will find the "Startup type" option — click on it and choose "Disabled."

Step 5: Now, click "Apply" followed by "OK"

Step 6: The final step is to close services and then try to play a media file using Media Player to check whether the server execution problem is solved or not.

Note: If the "server execution failed" error still appears, then try again and set the "Startup type" to "Automatic" and click the "Start" button. This might solve the issue.

Solution 4. Run Video Playback Troubleshooter

Step 1: Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys together and then choose "Update & Security."

Step 2: Now go to the "Troubleshoot" option and then look for the "Video Playback" option on the right side. Click it and then select "Run the troubleshooter."

Step 3: Wait for the troubleshooting process to be completed, and then it will show you whether there is an issue with the Windows Media Player. If yes, follow the fix showing on your computer screen.

Step 4: The final step is to check if the "media player server execution failed" error is fixed or not. You can do that by playing a media file with the Windows Media Player.

Solution 5. Perform a Clean Boot

Often third-party applications may interfere with Windows Media Player and trigger "server execution failed" error. If this happens, one of the most effective solutions is to disable all third-party programs and services and then once again try to open the Windows Media Player. The steps below will show you how to perform a clean boot and successfully open Windows Media Player without any server execution failed error.

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + R keys at the same time, then type "MSConfig" in the dialog box and click "OK."

Step 2: After that, check "Selective startup" under the "General" tab and make sure to uncheck "Load startup items."

Step 3: Now, under the "Services" tab, check the "Hide all Microsoft services" option and then click on the "Disable all" button. This will disable all unnecessary services that may cause errors.

Step 4: Go to the "Startup" tab and click on "Open Task Manager."

Step 5: Now, "Disable" all the startup items inside the "Task Manager."

Step 6: Select "OK" and then Restart. Once again, try opening Windows Media Player. This time, you will surely be able to open it.

Step 7: The next step is to use the Windows + R keys combination, type "MSConfig" and then press the "Enter" key.

Step 8: Select the "Normal Startup Option" under the "General" tab and click "OK."

Step 9: You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click on the "Restart" button. This will allow you to fix the "server execution failed" error.

Part 3. How to Fix Videos Not Playing on Windows Media Player

We all know that Windows Media Player is considered a robust application to play any video file irrespective of the video format. However, you may often encounter issues while trying to play videos on WMP.

There could be several reasons why WMP is not playing your videos like damaged or corrupt video files, virus attack, electromagnetic interference, an issue with the hard drive, or other software problems.

1. What Are the Causes of WMP Videos Not Playing

There are a plethora of solutions to solve the videos not playing issue on WMP. But before jumping into the methods directly, let us first understand the causes of WMP videos not playing. Let's have a look at them:

• Sometimes, when trying to watch a video on WMP, your screen may flicker or turn black. This shows that your video file might be corrupted, or some parts of the video are not copied properly. Here, the only solution is to change the video.
• When your video is not supported by the codec that was used to compress the file, you may experience codec issues. This issue can be resolved by downloading the codec from the Windows Media Player Settings.
• If you see an error "cannot play the file," it means that your media player does not support the video file. It can also mean that the codec used in the video is not similar to the one used in a mobile device.
• You may see that your video file keeps freezing. This could occur due to various reasons, including outdated video or audio drivers, corrupt video files, or other hardware issues.
• You can also experience sound distortion that causes Windows Media Player to play the videos but without the sound.

2. Different Workable Solutions for Corrupted Videos

If your video file is corrupted and you cannot play it through Windows Media Player, you can use the following solutions to repair the corrupted video file.

Solution 1. Disable and Enable WMP in Windows Features

One of the easy methods to resolve the "Windows Media Player" not working issue is by disabling and enabling WMP in the Windows features. Let's see how you can do that:

Step 1: In your Windows search bar, type "Windows feature" and then hit the "Enter" key to open it.

Step 2: Now expand the "Turn Windows on or off" tab. You will see various options — uncheck the "Windows Media Player" option and then checkmark it again. After that, click "OK" to save the settings.

Step 3. Close the window and try playing the video again.

Solution 2. Repair Not Playing Videos with Software

If the solution mentioned above does not work and you still find the same error on your Windows screen, you might need a video repair tool that can instantly solve the issue. Wondershare Video Repair Software is user-friendly and can help you resolve all the issues related to "WMP not playing the videos" efficiently.

The steps below will show you how to repair videos with Wondershare Video Repair Tool.

Step 1: Add your Corrupted Videos

Before starting the video repair process, you first need to download and install Wondershare Video Repair Tool on your computer. Once the software is launched, drag the corrupted video file directly or add it from a folder.

Step 2: Repair Your Video

Now, the software will start uploading the video file. It might take some time, depending on the size of the video. If you have added multiple videos, they will be uploaded one by one.

Once the videos are uploaded, click on the "Repair" option to start the repairing process.

Step 3: Preview and Repair the Videos

It will take a few minutes to repair, and as soon as the repair process is complete, the "Success" option will be displayed on the screen. Now you can press the "OK" button to close the operation.

Step 4: Add a sample video (Optional)

If you find out that the videos were not repaired successfully, and the final result was not as desired, go to the advanced repair mode option and add a sample video to repair it again.

Step 5: Upload and Repair the Sample File

The sample video file will be uploaded by the repair tool. Once the uploading is complete, click on the "Repair" option to fix corrupted video files using the advance mode.

After the repairing process is complete, the software will show the "success" message. Now, you can save the repaired video files in your desired location and try playing them. You will surely not see any error.

Solution 3. Disable and Enable WMP via Apps & Features

Another solution to fix the "videos not playing" error is to disable and enable Windows Media Player through Apps & Features. Let's see how to do that:

Step 1: Hold the Windows + X keys together. You will see that a menu with several options will open on the left side. Scroll down to the "Apps & Features" option and click on it.

Step 2: Once the "Windows & Apps" tab is open, select the "Optional feature" option and click on the "Enter" key.

Step 3: You will again see that lots of options have opened up. Keep scrolling down until you find the "Windows Media Player" option. As soon as you locate it, click on it and hit the "Uninstall" button placed on the bottom ride side of the screen.

Step 4: The final step is to restart your computer and repeat the process once again. Install the "Windows Media Player" and check if the video works.

Part 4. How to Prevent Windows Media Player Problems

It can be extremely frustrating when your videos are not playing on Windows Media Player. With the solutions mentioned above, you can resolve these issues. However, if you are looking to avoid these issues in the first place, then follow the points below.

• Do not try to convert your video files from one format to the other. Only do it if it's necessary. Converting the file type may cause interference in the file pattern and further result in damage.
• Make sure your computer is regularly updated, and you are using the latest version of Windows.
• When you transfer a media file from one operating system to another, ensure that the transfer is done before detaching the USB device from the computer. This will help you to avoid any obtrusion.
• Check if the sound drivers are correctly installed and working fine.
• Make use of good antivirus software to avoid corruption in video files. And make sure to run it regularly on your computer as well as your storage devices.
• Before playing a video that you just downloaded, make sure it was completely and successfully downloaded.
• Be sure that your Windows Media Player is not outdated.
• Confirm whether the media player supports the video file or not.
• Make sure that codecs are installed on your operating system.
• Check that the media file is not corrupted or damaged already.
• Ensure that other malicious files or spam software are not downloaded with the video files.

Conclusion

Whenever you get the "server execution failed" error on your Windows computer, the solution mentioned in this article will help you to fix the error. Also, it is highly recommended to use Wondershare Video Repair to resolve the "videos not playing" issue within a few minutes.

Always remember, if you do not use a reliable repair tool and just apply other methods mentioned above to fix video related errors, it won't guarantee whether the issue will be fixed or not. However, using a robust and user-friendly Video Repair tool like Wondershare will solve all the "video files not playing" issues.