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On occasion, when attempting to play video files using Windows Media Player, you may encounter a situation where the player fails to function and displays an error message indicating “Server Execution Failed.” This is a frequently encountered error within WMP, and it can prove quite vexing when you lack the knowledge of how to resolve it.
No need to fret! You can expeditiously resolve this error through a combination of manual methods and an automated utility. Keep reading this blog post for comprehensive instructions on efficiently rectifying the ‘server execution failed’ issue in Windows Media Player, hassle-free.
But before that, we should have little information on the ‘server execution failed’ error and why it occurs.
What is a ‘Server Execution Failed’ Error?
Certainly, Windows Media Player is widely regarded as the top choice among media players by the majority of users. It typically operates without issues; nevertheless, a subset of users has encountered an error message, “Server Execution Failed,” when attempting to open video files using WMP.
This error means Window Media Player is still running or shutting down at that point; maybe it got stuck and is unable to close. It might happen for several reasons; let’s discuss some.
- An issue with your user account
- Windows media player service has stopped
- The system is affected by damaged files or viruses
- Outdated hardware and drivers
- Corrupt media files
Before delving into potential remedies, it’s essential to ascertain the functionality of the media file you’re attempting to play on alternate media players such as VLC. If the file fails to operate with various media players, there’s a likelihood that it’s corrupted, necessitating the repair corrupt WMV files, However, if the file functions as expected, the problem likely lies with the Windows Media Player. In such cases, refer to the following solutions for resolution.
One of the initial steps is to close the Windows Media Player from your Task Manager. You can do it using the below steps:
- Open the Task Manager using the Ctrl+shift+Esc keys.
- Search Windows Media Player in the Processes tab.
- Right-click on it and then select End task.
After ending the task, open the Windows Media Player and check whether the issue resolved or not. If not, then try the next method.
To disable the network sharing service, follow the below steps:
- Open Run Box using Windows + R keys.
- Type services.msc and then press Enter.
- In the Services window, look for ‘Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service.’
- Right-click on it and select Properties.
- In the new window, set Startup Type option to Disabled using the drop-down and click OK to disable the network sharing service.
Try the below steps to fix the server execution failed error:
- Press Windows + X keys together and select Command Prompt (Admin) for the given options.
- Once the Command Prompt opens, type ‘regsvr32 jscript.dll’ and press Enter. Click OK to continue.
- Now, type ‘regsvr32 vbscript.dll’ and press Enter. Click OK to continue.
- At last, close the command prompt and check whether the Windows Media Player is working correctly or not.
Note – If you are experiencing this error in Windows 7, simply open the Windows search bar and type CMD (Command Prompt). Then, right-click on it and click on the Run as Administrator.
If you are experiencing this error on Windows 10, then press Windows + X keys together and select PowerShell (Administrator).
On occasion, the Windows Media Player may encounter a Server Execution Failed error due to interference from third-party applications. To address this issue, a recommended course of action involves disabling all third-party apps. Below are the steps to initiate a clean boot on the system to resolve this problem.
- Open the Run box using Windows + R keys.
- Type ‘msconfig’ and press Enter
- Under the General tab, check ‘selective startup’ and uncheck ‘load startup items.’
- Under the services tab, check the box ‘Hide all Microsoft services.’ Then click on the Disable all tab to disable all unnecessary services causing an error.
- Afterward, under the startup tab, click on the ‘Open Task Manager.’
- Now disable all the items inside Task Manager.
- Click OK and restart the system.
- Now, try to open a media file on Windows Media Player.
- Afterward, return your Windows to normal boot. For that, press the Windows + R keys to open the Run box and type msconfig again.
- Under the General tab, select the ‘Normal Startup Option,’ and then choose OK.
- Now, restart your PC once again, and this will surely fix the server execution failed error.
Occasionally, errors in Windows Media Player may result from corrupted or damaged video files. In these instances, the methods mentioned above may prove ineffective in resolving the issue. As an alternative solution, we advise utilizing the services of a specialized video repair tool known as Kernel Video Repair. This powerful tool is capable of swiftly rectifying common video errors in various formats, including unplayable or fragmented video files. It possesses the ability to scan and restore multiple corrupt video files simultaneously and boasts an array of advanced features, including:
- Repair all sorts of video files like crashed, broken, corrupted, inaccessible, etc.
- There is no limitation on the size of video files, and it supports all file formats
- Offers a simple and easy-to-use user interface
- Quickly repairs videos from USB drives, memory cards, Flash drives, SD cards, etc.
- Recovers lost or deleted images
Conclusion
No need for concern when encountering the persistent ‘server execution failed’ error in Windows Media Player. You can employ the aforementioned remedies to resolve this issue and regain access to your media files.
We also recommend using the third-party video repair tool to repair corrupt/damaged video files. This tool has no chance of failure as it is built with advanced algorithms and can resolve all the issues related to video files, even when a video is not playing on OneDrive. So, visit the website and try the free demo version to learn more about the tool.