Windows Media Player

[alan-d]

We have windows media player on all our PCs.

 

The problem is that noone can use it except admin when logged onto the network.

 

The error says it cannot find the appropriate codec - regardless of what file format we try to open.

 

Log onto the machine locally and all is fine - everything works.

 

It does not seem to be a user permissions error as we have tried to give a user full access rights - but this made no difference.

 

We have checked GPO for users and computers - nothing there to stop anything playing.

 

We run Ranger 5.1 - and there is nothing there to stop meadia player working.

 

Specs are: XP SP2, Win Media player 10, Server 2003 and users use roaming profiles.

 

Any ideas? All the KB looked at point to codecs but we know the codecs are there :?

[mac_shinobi]

What files are you trying to play using WMP ?

 

Also here is a good replacement that you could use :

 

http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_players/media_player_classic.cfm

 

gspot is a good utility for loading the files into and it tells you if your system has the relevant codecs etc :

 

http://www.headbands.com/gspot/download.html

 

Also do those machines have the latest version of Direct X ?

[kingswood]

How did you image the machines? Did you make a default local profile, or are you just installing XP and locking it down with some policies? I'm asking because this really does look like a restriction somewhere in the settings, and since it's only affecting domain access I'm wondering if its something higher up the pecking order?

 

Have you tried running a resultant set of policy on the systems (or GPRESULT)? This can let you know when a policy is taking effect--even if it is an obscure one at that.

 

I know you've looked at GPOs already, but I'm more thinking out loud hoping something helps...

 

Paul

[ajbritton]

Could Ranger be preventing the additional .DLL files which certain codecs require from loading?

[alan-d]

Thanks all but I think we have solved it. If we delete the NTuser.dat file and/or the user.dat files it works fine.

 

Not sure how or why yet - not had time to test everything properly.

[Dos_Box]

Oooh. Nice solution. We've had problems with Espresso not playing video on some machines, but plating on others. I'll keep that in mind.

[Ric_]

roaming profiles strike again! (You already know my feelings on the subject)

[alan-d]

:P

[eduabncs]

Funny you should say that Dos_box. I've had a school that has a similar setup to Alan's and can't use espresso on the Curriculam workstations. Might suggest Alan's work around to the schools techie and point him to this thread of too of course!