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Q141349: Error Message: MMSYSTEM281 This File Could Not Be Played

Article: Q141349
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): 95
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): win95
Last Modified: 17-DEC-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows 95 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you try to play a MIDI (.mid) file, .avi file, or .wav file, you may
receive the following error message:

  MMSYSTEM281 This file could not be played. Check the filename or install a
  driver that supports this type of file.

CAUSE
=====

This behavior can occur for either of the following reasons:

- The proper entry is not present in the [mci extensions] section of the
  Win.ini file for the type of file you are trying to play.

- There is an incorrect Media Control Device association for the file type you
  are trying to play.

RESOLUTION
==========

Proper Entry Not Present in the Win.ini File
--------------------------------------------

Make sure that the [mci extensions] section exists in the Win.ini file, and that
the proper entries are present. For example, .avi files are played using the
AVIVideo MCI device.

The following is a sample [mci extensions] section:

  [mci extensions]
  mid=Sequencer
  rmi=Sequencer
  wav=waveaudio
  avi=AVIVideo


Incorrect Media Control Device Association
------------------------------------------

To correct this error, remove and then reinstall any devices that are not working
correctly. To do so, follow these steps:

1. In Control Panel, double-click Multimedia.

2. On the Advanced tab, double-click the Media Control Devices branch to expand
  it.

3. Click the device that is not working properly, click Properties, and then
  click Remove.

4. When you are prompted to verify that you want to remove the device, click
  Yes. Click OK when you are notified that the device has been removed and when
  you are notified that the changes will take effect when you restart Windows
  95.

5. Repeat steps 3-4 to remove any other devices that are not working correctly.
  When you are done removing devices, click OK to close the Multimedia
  Properties dialog box.

6. In Control Panel, double-click Add New Hardware.

7. Click Next, click No, and then click Next.

8. In the Hardware Types box, click Sound, Video, And Game Controllers, and then
  click Next.

9. In the Manufacturers box, click Microsoft MCI.

10. In the Models box, click one of the drivers you removed in step 3, and then
  click Next.

11. Click Finish.

12. If you need to install another device, click No when you are prompted to
  restart your computer, and then repeat steps 6-11.

13. When you are done installing devices, click Yes when you are prompted to
  restart your computer.

MORE INFORMATION
================

This behavior usually occurs with files associated with Media Player. Because
several file types are associated with Media Player, the [mci extensions]
section of the Win.ini file is used to determine which MCI device Media Player
should be used.

======================================================================
Keywords          : win95 
Technology        : kbWin95search kbZNotKeyword3
Version           : 95

=============================================================================

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