Problem:

When clicking on a .wmv file in a course, user gets one of the following error messages when Windows Media Player opens:

• "The download of the specified resource has failed."
   
• "There is a problem with the URL or file you are trying to open or play.  If you are trying to open an URL, the URL may not be valid.  If you are trying to play a file the file type is not recognized by Windows Media Player, but the Player may still be able to play the file. However, you should only play files from a trustworthy source.  Do you want the Play to play this content?" If you click Yes, then the following error appears, "Windows Media Player cannot play the file because the specified protocol is not supported.  If you typed a URL in the Open URL dialog box, try using a different transport protocol (for example, 'http:' or 'rtsp:')."

Solution:

If using Windows XP, download the free RealPlayer application.  Once installed, configure RealPlayer to automatically play .wmv files, so that Media Player doesn't try to play this file type.

1. In RealPlayer, click Tools and Preferences
2. On the Preferences screen, click Media Types (under Content) in the left menu.
3. In the Media Types error, select Manually configure media types for RealPlayer.
4. Click the Select... button.
5. Scroll down until you find the Windows Media category of files.
6. Check the box for Windows Media(TM) Video File (.wmv).
7. Click OK
8. Click OK again
9. Click on the .wmv file in your course and RealPlayer should play the file.

If using Windows Vista, it appears that a different Media Player code is configured for this OS. On Vista, Windows Media Player should automatically play your .wmv files with no problem.