Discussion:
How to match a program in Windows 7 to play an mp3?
(too old to reply)
k***@nowhere.com
2024-08-04 19:32:51 UTC
Permalink
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.

"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."

The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.

With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.

Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.

I've also tried VLC with no luck.

Gawd! I hate 7!
Paul in Houston TX
2024-08-04 21:51:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
Right click the mp3 then click open with and select what you want.
k***@nowhere.com
2024-08-04 22:14:39 UTC
Permalink
On Sun, 4 Aug 2024 16:51:12 -0500, Paul in Houston TX
Post by Paul in Houston TX
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
Right click the mp3 then click open with and select what you want.
Didn't work, and I did try all permutations of Open/Play Whatever.
Screw 7. I'll stay with XP for my mp3s and all my music vids.

I only used 7 for the few web sites that wouldn't open in XP. I'm
gonna go back to that and screw 7 for anything else.

Thanks for trying.
Nil
2024-08-05 00:55:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by k***@nowhere.com
Didn't work, and I did try all permutations of Open/Play Whatever.
Screw 7. I'll stay with XP for my mp3s and all my music vids.
Please describe in precise deatail what "didn't work" means, especially
including what program you're trying to use to play them and all error
messages. You haven't provided enough information for people to provide
an informed answer.

The thing you're trying to do works for almost everybody else on the
planet, which means the problem is either user error (you) or a system
problem.
Paul
2024-08-05 06:01:56 UTC
Permalink
Post by k***@nowhere.com
On Sun, 4 Aug 2024 16:51:12 -0500, Paul in Houston TX
Post by Paul in Houston TX
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
Right click the mp3 then click open with and select what you want.
Didn't work, and I did try all permutations of Open/Play Whatever.
Screw 7. I'll stay with XP for my mp3s and all my music vids.
I only used 7 for the few web sites that wouldn't open in XP. I'm
gonna go back to that and screw 7 for anything else.
Thanks for trying.
There are different versions of Windows 7. Home Premium has Windows Media Center.
Home Basic doesn't have Windows Media Center. That is not particularly important,
except to this registry extraction below and a reference to ehshell.exe . That
is only on a SKU of Windows 7 that has Media Center (TV tuner player).

Whereas Windows Media Player is the thing that actually plays media files,
such as an MP3. You can see at least some references to WMP11. There would be
some SKUs of Windows 7 with the letter "N" which don't have Windows Media Player
bundled (EU reasons).

If you use "winver.exe" , perhaps you can identify the SKU you have installed, of Win7.

https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19449-default-file-type-associations-restore.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20140614064924if_/http://www.sevenforums.com:80/attachments/tutorials/168987d1312706820-default-file-type-associations-restore-default_mp3.reg

If you install a newer version of WindowsMediaPlayer (> WMP11), perhaps the version numbers here would change.

********************************************** 168987d1312706820-default-file-type-associations-restore-default_mp3.reg ****************
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3]
"PerceivedType"="audio"
@="WMP11.AssocFile.MP3"
"Content Type"="audio/mpeg"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\OpenWithList]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\OpenWithList\ehshell.exe]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\OpenWithProgIds]
"WMP11.AssocFile.MP3"=hex(0):

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\PersistentHandler]
@="{098f2470-bae0-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\ShellEx]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\ShellEx\{BB2E617C-0920-11D1-9A0B-00C04FC2D6C1}]
@="{9DBD2C50-62AD-11D0-B806-00C04FD706EC}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\ShellEx\{e357fccd-a995-4576-b01f-234630154e96}]
@="{9DBD2C50-62AD-11D0-B806-00C04FD706EC}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3]
@="MP3 Format Sound"
"EditFlags"=hex:00,00,11,00
"FriendlyTypeName"=hex(2):40,00,25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,\
00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,\
32,00,5c,00,75,00,6e,00,72,00,65,00,67,00,6d,00,70,00,32,00,2e,00,65,00,78,\
00,65,00,2c,00,2d,00,39,00,39,00,32,00,35,00,00,00
"PreferExecuteOnMismatch"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,77,00,6d,00,\
70,00,6c,00,6f,00,63,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,2c,00,2d,00,37,00,33,00,32,\
00,00,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shell]
@="Play"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shell\Enqueue]
@="&Add to Windows Media Player list"
"MUIVerb"=hex(2):40,00,25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,\
6f,00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,\
00,75,00,6e,00,72,00,65,00,67,00,6d,00,70,00,32,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,\
2c,00,2d,00,39,00,38,00,30,00,30,00,00,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shell\Enqueue\command]
"DelegateExecute"="{45597c98-80f6-4549-84ff-752cf55e2d29}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shellex]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shellex\{8895b1c6-b41f-4c1c-a562-0d564250836f}]
@="{031EE060-67BC-460d-8847-E4A7C5E45A27}"

[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.mp3]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.mp3]
"InfoTip"="prop:System.ItemType;System.Size;System.Music.Artist;System.Media.Duration;System.OfflineAvailability"
"ExtendedTileInfo"="prop:System.ItemType;System.Size;System.Music.Artist;System.Media.Duration;System.OfflineAvailability"
"FullDetails"="prop:System.PropGroup.Description;System.Title;System.Media.SubTitle;System.Rating;System.Comment;System.PropGroup.Media;System.Music.Artist;System.Music.AlbumArtist;System.Music.AlbumTitle;System.Media.Year;System.Music.TrackNumber;System.Music.Genre;System.Media.Duration;System.PropGroup.Audio;System.Audio.EncodingBitrate;System.PropGroup.Origin;System.Media.Publisher;System.Media.EncodedBy;System.Media.AuthorUrl;System.Copyright;System.PropGroup.Content;System.ParentalRatingReason;System.Music.Composer;System.Music.Conductor;System.Music.ContentGroupDescription;System.Music.Mood;System.Music.PartOfSet;System.Music.InitialKey;System.Music.BeatsPerMinute;System.DRM.IsProtected;System.Music.IsCompilation;System.PropGroup.FileSystem;System.ItemNameDisplay;System.ItemType;System.ItemFolderPathDisplay;System.DateCreated;System.DateModified;System.Size;System.FileAttributes;System.OfflineAvailability;System.OfflineStatus;System.SharedWith;System.FileOwner;System.ComputerName"
"PreviewDetails"="prop:System.Music.Artist;System.Music.AlbumTitle;System.Music.Genre;*System.Media.Duration;System.Rating;System.Media.Year;*System.Size;System.Music.TrackNumber;System.Music.AlbumArtist;System.Title;*System.Audio.EncodingBitrate;*System.DateModified;*System.OfflineAvailability;*System.OfflineStatus;*System.DateCreated;*System.SharedWith"

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp3]

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp3]

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp3\OpenWithProgids]
"WMP11.AssocFile.MP3"=hex(0):

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp3\UserChoice]
"Progid"="WMP11.AssocFile.MP3"

********************************************** 168987d1312706820-default-file-type-associations-restore-default_mp3.reg ****************

The purpose of showing that, is to show what a Windows 7 *might* use
as the initial Registry content. It might have got put there, when
the Windows 7 installer installed WMP11 . I doubt the OS just "poured"
that muck in there, for no reason. Some software application
installation activity would help populate it.

Now, this says WMP12 is the default version on Windows 7.

Why does that registry content mention WMP11 ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Media_Player

"Windows Media Player 12 July 22, 2009 Windows 7 and later"

Using a virtual machine with Win7 in it (a modern.ie VM download from microsoft),
I can see that WMP12 will ask some fool questions the first time you engage it.
It's sort of the equivalent of an installation procedure (like freeze-dried food).

[Picture]

Loading Image...

And yes, after I fixed my HDAudio, I was able to play the one MP3 file I made.
It was made with VLC, and VLC is an alternative means of playing a MP3.

If the OS even has an entry for .mp3 (such as the dribble in the reg file above),
then you could "Open with" and add VLC. Or, upon *installing* VLC, MP3 will be
added by the VLC playback capability.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VLC_media_player

Website: videolan.org/vlc

Using winver.exe , you can get details about your Windows, in case that
info is needed when selecting something on videolan site.

Win7 really should have WMP12 and manually starting "wmplayer.exe"
would get you to that screen where, by default, it binds to .mp3 f
k***@nowhere.com
2024-08-06 02:57:00 UTC
Permalink
Post by Paul
Post by k***@nowhere.com
On Sun, 4 Aug 2024 16:51:12 -0500, Paul in Houston TX
Post by Paul in Houston TX
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
Right click the mp3 then click open with and select what you want.
Didn't work, and I did try all permutations of Open/Play Whatever.
Screw 7. I'll stay with XP for my mp3s and all my music vids.
I only used 7 for the few web sites that wouldn't open in XP. I'm
gonna go back to that and screw 7 for anything else.
Thanks for trying.
There are different versions of Windows 7. Home Premium has Windows Media Center.
Home Basic doesn't have Windows Media Center. That is not particularly important,
except to this registry extraction below and a reference to ehshell.exe . That
is only on a SKU of Windows 7 that has Media Center (TV tuner player).
Whereas Windows Media Player is the thing that actually plays media files,
such as an MP3. You can see at least some references to WMP11. There would be
some SKUs of Windows 7 with the letter "N" which don't have Windows Media Player
bundled (EU reasons).
If you use "winver.exe" , perhaps you can identify the SKU you have installed, of Win7.
https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19449-default-file-type-associations-restore.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20140614064924if_/http://www.sevenforums.com:80/attachments/tutorials/168987d1312706820-default-file-type-associations-restore-default_mp3.reg
If you install a newer version of WindowsMediaPlayer (> WMP11), perhaps the version numbers here would change.
********************************************** 168987d1312706820-default-file-type-associations-restore-default_mp3.reg ****************
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3]
"PerceivedType"="audio"
@="WMP11.AssocFile.MP3"
"Content Type"="audio/mpeg"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\OpenWithList]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\OpenWithList\ehshell.exe]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\OpenWithProgIds]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\PersistentHandler]
@="{098f2470-bae0-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\ShellEx]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\ShellEx\{BB2E617C-0920-11D1-9A0B-00C04FC2D6C1}]
@="{9DBD2C50-62AD-11D0-B806-00C04FD706EC}"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3\ShellEx\{e357fccd-a995-4576-b01f-234630154e96}]
@="{9DBD2C50-62AD-11D0-B806-00C04FD706EC}"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3]
@="MP3 Format Sound"
"EditFlags"=hex:00,00,11,00
"FriendlyTypeName"=hex(2):40,00,25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,\
00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,\
32,00,5c,00,75,00,6e,00,72,00,65,00,67,00,6d,00,70,00,32,00,2e,00,65,00,78,\
00,65,00,2c,00,2d,00,39,00,39,00,32,00,35,00,00,00
"PreferExecuteOnMismatch"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,77,00,6d,00,\
70,00,6c,00,6f,00,63,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,2c,00,2d,00,37,00,33,00,32,\
00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shell]
@="Play"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shell\Enqueue]
@="&Add to Windows Media Player list"
"MUIVerb"=hex(2):40,00,25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,\
6f,00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,\
00,75,00,6e,00,72,00,65,00,67,00,6d,00,70,00,32,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,\
2c,00,2d,00,39,00,38,00,30,00,30,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shell\Enqueue\command]
"DelegateExecute"="{45597c98-80f6-4549-84ff-752cf55e2d29}"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shellex]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3\shellex\{8895b1c6-b41f-4c1c-a562-0d564250836f}]
@="{031EE060-67BC-460d-8847-E4A7C5E45A27}"
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.mp3]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.mp3]
"InfoTip"="prop:System.ItemType;System.Size;System.Music.Artist;System.Media.Duration;System.OfflineAvailability"
"ExtendedTileInfo"="prop:System.ItemType;System.Size;System.Music.Artist;System.Media.Duration;System.OfflineAvailability"
"FullDetails"="prop:System.PropGroup.Description;System.Title;System.Media.SubTitle;System.Rating;System.Comment;System.PropGroup.Media;System.Music.Artist;System.Music.AlbumArtist;System.Music.AlbumTitle;System.Media.Year;System.Music.TrackNumber;System.Music.Genre;System.Media.Duration;System.PropGroup.Audio;System.Audio.EncodingBitrate;System.PropGroup.Origin;System.Media.Publisher;System.Media.EncodedBy;System.Media.AuthorUrl;System.Copyright;System.PropGroup.Content;System.ParentalRatingReason;System.Music.Composer;System.Music.Conductor;System.Music.ContentGroupDescription;System.Music.Mood;System.Music.PartOfSet;System.Music.InitialKey;System.Music.BeatsPerMinute;System.DRM.IsProtected;System.Music.IsCompilation;System.PropGroup.FileSystem;System.ItemNameDisplay;System.ItemType;System.ItemFolderPathDisplay;System.DateCreated;System.DateModified;System.Size;System.FileAttributes;System.OfflineAvailability;System.OfflineStatus;System.SharedWith;System.FileOwner;System.ComputerN
a
Post by Paul
me"
"PreviewDetails"="prop:System.Music.Artist;System.Music.AlbumTitle;System.Music.Genre;*System.Media.Duration;System.Rating;System.Media.Year;*System.Size;System.Music.TrackNumber;System.Music.AlbumArtist;System.Title;*System.Audio.EncodingBitrate;*System.DateModified;*System.OfflineAvailability;*System.OfflineStatus;*System.DateCreated;*System.SharedWith"
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp3]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp3]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp3\OpenWithProgids]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp3\UserChoice]
"Progid"="WMP11.AssocFile.MP3"
********************************************** 168987d1312706820-default-file-type-associations-restore-default_mp3.reg ****************
The purpose of showing that, is to show what a Windows 7 *might* use
as the initial Registry content. It might have got put there, when
the Windows 7 installer installed WMP11 . I doubt the OS just "poured"
that muck in there, for no reason. Some software application
installation activity would help populate it.
Now, this says WMP12 is the default version on Windows 7.
Why does that registry content mention WMP11 ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Media_Player
"Windows Media Player 12 July 22, 2009 Windows 7 and later"
Using a virtual machine with Win7 in it (a modern.ie VM download from microsoft),
I can see that WMP12 will ask some fool questions the first time you engage it.
It's sort of the equivalent of an installation procedure (like freeze-dried food).
[Picture]
https://i.postimg.cc/nhwj448s/WMP12-on-Win7-Enterprise-MSFT-VM.gif
And yes, after I fixed my HDAudio, I was able to play the one MP3 file I made.
It was made with VLC, and VLC is an alternative means of playing a MP3.
If the OS even has an entry for .mp3 (such as the dribble in the reg file above),
then you could "Open with" and add VLC. Or, upon *installing* VLC, MP3 will be
added by the VLC playback capability.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VLC_media_player
Website: videolan.org/vlc
Using winver.exe , you can get details about your Windows, in case that
info is needed when selecting something on videolan site.
Win7 really should have WMP12 and manually starting "wmplayer.exe"
would get you to that screen where, by default, it binds to .mp3 files.
Paul
Sorry for the late answer. Had some other matters to attend to.

First, none of the reg files from the web sites worked.

The rest of your post is beyond my no-tech understanding. I'm sorry
to have wasted your time with this problem, but maybe it will help
someone else later on.

As far as my problem goes, to heck with Win 7 for anything except
loading the web sites that lock out my XP machine. All music and vid
stuff works fine on my XP machine. Even when the Redmond crooks
finally and totally obsolete XP from the net, I can still use it for
playing my thousands of music files.

From what I have read regarding their 10/11/?? insecure spyware junk,
they can stuff it. Besides, the total greed of software providers and
the psychopathy of governments have just about destroyed the Internet.

Thanks again for trying to help.
lisa
2024-08-05 13:39:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by k***@nowhere.com
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
in win7 - control panel | default programs | option 2 ( associate a
file type or protocol with a program | go to and select extension .mp3
| change program ( use VLC media player )
--
A mobile phone is a tool and not a drug.
k***@nowhere.com
2024-08-06 03:04:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by lisa
Post by k***@nowhere.com
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
in win7 - control panel | default programs | option 2 ( associate a
file type or protocol with a program | go to and select extension .mp3
| change program ( use VLC media player )
The association of files and programs are set properly. That ain't
the problem. Besides, I'm calling it a day with this Redmond
nonsense. XP is working fine, so to hell with Win
8/10/11/12/13/14/etc./etc./ad infinitum
Paul
2024-08-06 13:28:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by k***@nowhere.com
Post by lisa
Post by k***@nowhere.com
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
in win7 - control panel | default programs | option 2 ( associate a
file type or protocol with a program | go to and select extension .mp3
| change program ( use VLC media player )
The association of files and programs are set properly. That ain't
the problem. Besides, I'm calling it a day with this Redmond
nonsense. XP is working fine, so to hell with Win
8/10/11/12/13/14/etc./etc./ad infinitum
There should be lots of tools to play MP3 files.
Some of the tools easier to use than others.

And they use integrated CODECs. No need for CODEC packs, generally speaking.

The patent on MP3 expired. It should be less tricky to work with now.

You can even toss an MP3 into a browser now and play it. If the browser is new enough.
You get the little player bar.

[Picture]

Loading Image...

Some browser will just "deflect" if you do that, and they consult
the file association instead. But trying that today, it just worked.

Paul
Java Jive
2024-08-04 22:52:30 UTC
Permalink
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
Sounds like it might be a permissions problem - if you copied the file
from elsewhere, it may still have the permissions that it had at source.
<Rt-Click> the file, choose Properties, and click the Security tab.

If you have read access, then you should be able to play the file,
*EXCEPT* that WMP can be set to download metatag data and could be
trying to update the file with what it finds online about the file, but
you don't have write access to it, which might explain the message. I
always disable this in the WMP options, but it it still manages to
download AlbumArtSmall.jpg and Folder.jpg files. To kill this
completely, you have to add a rule to the firewall to prevent WMP going
outside of the LAN. You can do this by saving the following as a
registry file and importing it (beware unintended line wrap as always):

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\FirewallRules]
"{F1F9B1A3-95F6-4527-AEF6-769575AB414E}"="v2.10|Action=Block|Active=TRUE|Dir=Out|RA4=13.77.161.179|RA4=40.76.4.15|RA4=104.215.148.63|Name=WMP|Desc=Block
downloading Album Art|"
--
Fake news kills!

I may be contacted via the contact address given on my website:
www.macfh.co.uk
g***@aol.com
2024-08-05 01:04:15 UTC
Permalink
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
I have always played MP3s with MPXPLAY (originally a DOS program) and
Attila did upgrade it to a 32 bit application long ago so W/7 will run
it. I like it because you can select your songs using a numeric pad,
jukebox style. In fact my Seeburg 3W1 runs on MPXPLAY as did all of my
PC based car players. I am not really thrilled with his newer versions
I like v1.42.
I can put it up on my web site if you like. This just runs, it isn't
"installed".
JJ
2024-08-05 06:07:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
Likely common problem is that, the full path to the MP3 file name, ended up
as having more than 260 characters. i.e. from the drive letter, any
folder/subfolders, the file name, and to the file extension name. Most
applications have problem with that.

If this is is the case, shorten either the file and/or the name of the
parent folders which contain the file, to avoid having a full file path of
longer than 260 characters.

The unlikely problem is that, the file itself is actually being opened (and
locked) by an application. Badly designed application, that is. In this
case, use a third party tool called "LockHunter". Use it to find the file,
then unlock it. Be sure not to choose the option to delete the file. Also
consider stop using the application which locked the file.

https://lockhunter.com/
David E. Ross
2024-08-05 15:33:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 x64

Microsoft deprecated Windows Media Player quite some time ago. It is no
longer being maintained.

My default for playing .mp3 files is WACUP from <https://getwacup.com/>.
However, I can force VLC from <http://www.videolan.org/> to play them.
--
David E. Ross
<http://www.rossde.com/>

Demonstrators worldwide are demanding that Israel stop
fighting in Gaza. Why does it seem that no one is demanding
that Hamas stop fighting? And where are the demonstrations
against Russia fighting in the Ukraine.
jetjock
2024-08-06 14:49:44 UTC
Permalink
On Mon, 5 Aug 2024 08:33:06 -0700, "David E. Ross"
Post by David E. Ross
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 x64
Microsoft deprecated Windows Media Player quite some time ago. It is no
longer being maintained.
My default for playing .mp3 files is WACUP from <https://getwacup.com/>.
However, I can force VLC from <http://www.videolan.org/> to play them.
I don't understand (a lot of things) but in particular, the trouble
playing mp3 files with VLC. I have Ultimate SP1 and all my mp3s play
just fine in VLC. My files are all either ripped from CDs or
downloaded directly.
Post by David E. Ross
Post by k***@nowhere.com
jetjock<<<<<<<<<<
David E. Ross
2024-08-06 19:33:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by jetjock
On Mon, 5 Aug 2024 08:33:06 -0700, "David E. Ross"
Post by David E. Ross
Post by k***@nowhere.com
I keep getting this error message in Win 7 when trying to play an mp3
file.
"Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in
use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is
stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct."
The mp3 is on the Win 7 computer, and no proxy is being used.
With XP it was simple to match an extension to the proper program.
Just select Tools | Folder Options | File Types to match a file.
Cannot find how to do it in Win 7.
I've also tried VLC with no luck.
Gawd! I hate 7!
Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 x64
Microsoft deprecated Windows Media Player quite some time ago. It is no
longer being maintained.
My default for playing .mp3 files is WACUP from <https://getwacup.com/>.
However, I can force VLC from <http://www.videolan.org/> to play them.
I don't understand (a lot of things) but in particular, the trouble
playing mp3 files with VLC. I have Ultimate SP1 and all my mp3s play
just fine in VLC. My files are all either ripped from CDs or
downloaded directly.
Post by David E. Ross
Post by k***@nowhere.com
jetjock<<<<<<<<<<
Yes, VLC plays .mp3 files very well. I merely chose to use WACUP for
.mp3 and VLC for everything else, for a reason that I do not want to
disclose.

My brother keeps sending me .mp3 files of music, most of which are not
genre that I like. However, he is my brother; so I let WACUP play them.
The few that I do like, I let VLC convert the .mp3 files to audio-only
.mp4 so that playing them defaults to VLC.

Also, for streaming music, I sometimes use RealPlayer. VLC can play
most but not all streams. I have not checked recently; but in the past,
VLC could not play LiveIRELAND at
<https://lynx.prostreaming.net:2199/tunein/liveireland.ram>.
--
David E. Ross
<http://www.rossde.com/>

Demonstrators worldwide are demanding that Israel stop
fighting in Gaza. Why does it seem that no one is demanding
that Hamas stop fighting? And where are the demonstrations
against Russia fighting in the Ukraine.
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