Microsoft KB Archive/936621

= The Windows Media Digital Rights Management system may not work after you perform a system restore operation =

Article ID: 936621

Article Last Modified on 10/11/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Ultimate
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Business
 * Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional

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INTRODUCTION
The Microsoft Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM) system may not work after you perform a system restore operation. This problem occurs if you back up DRM state information during a system backup operation. We recommend that you exclude DRM system folders from backup images when you perform system backup operations.



MORE INFORMATION
The DRM state information is stored in a hidden system folder on the hard disk drive. When you perform a full or partial system backup operation, the DRM state information may be backed up. When you perform a full or partial system restore operation, the DRM state information may be restored. However, if you back up and then restore the DRM state information, the DRM system may not work.

We do not recommend using third-party backup programs because DRM licenses may be lost if you restore backed up DRM state information. If the DRM licenses are lost, the DRM system may not work correctly. Additionally, you may be unable to play protected content. Protected content includes content such as music that you have purchased and downloaded from an online store.

The path of the system folder that contains the DRM state information is stored in the DataPath registry entry. To view the value of the DataPath registry entry, follow these steps:  Start Registry Editor. Locate the appropriate registry subkey for the operating system that you are running:  Windows XP

 Windows Vista 32-bit edition

 Windows Vista 64-bit edition

  Double-click DataPath. The Edit Binary Value dialog box appears.</li></ol>

In the Edit Binary Value dialog box, the path of the system folder that contains the DRM state information appears in the Value data box.

Additional query words: WMDRM Backup Restore Digital Rights Management

Keywords: kbhowto kbtshoot KB936621

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