Microsoft KB Archive/928144

= When you try to play a Windows Media Audio file, the Zune software starts, but the file does not play =

Article ID: 928144

Article Last Modified on 4/25/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Zune software

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SYMPTOMS
When you try to play a Windows Media Audio (WMA) file, the Zune software starts, but the file does not play. The Zune software tries to open the file but does not have the appropriate rights to play the file. You do not receive an error message.



CAUSE
This behavior occurs if the file that you are trying to play has Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection. The Zune software cannot play a protected file unless you purchased the file from the Zune Marketplace.



THINGS TO TRY

 * 1) By default, the Zune software does not open WMA files. To play DRM-protected content that you purchase from services other than the Zune Marketplace, use a program other than the Zune software to open the WMA files. An example of a different service is MSN Music.&quot;



MORE INFORMATION
To change the file types that the Zune software will play by default, you must sign in as an administrator or be a member of the Administrators group on the computer.

If Windows Media Player had previously opened WMA files before you installed the Zune software, you can reset the association of WMA files so that Windows Media Player again opens WMA files again. To do this, follow these steps:
 * 1) Start the Zune software.
 * 2) Click Options, point to Playback, and then click More options.
 * 3) Click the File Types tab, and then clear the Windows Media Audio file (wma) check box.
 * 4) Click OK.

Windows XP automatically resets the application that was previously configured to open WMA files.

If Windows Media Player had not previously opened WMA files before you installed the Zune software, you can manually configure Windows Media Player to open WMA files. To do this, follow these steps:
 * 1) Open a folder that contains a WMA file.
 * 2) Right-click the WMA file, point to Open With, and then click Choose Program.
 * 3) In the list of programs, click Windows Media Player.
 * 4) Select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box.
 * 5) Click OK.

Note If you want to configure a different program to be the default program to open WMA files, see the documentation for that program.

Keywords: kbzunesoftware kbtshoot kbpubtypekc kbzuneamericasportal kbexpertisebeginner KB928144

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