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Q171667: Err Msg: Cannot Determine the Device from the Given File Name

Article: Q171667
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): WINDOWS:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbenv kberrmsg
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you attempt to open a file with a .wav or .avi extension, you may receive
the following error message:

  Cannot determine the device from the given file name extension

CAUSE
=====

This error message can occur if a registry value under one of the following
registry keys is missing:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\MCI

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
  \MCI Extensions

NOTE: The above registry key is one path; it has been wrapped for readability.

RESOLUTION
==========

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide
problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft
cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can
be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

Use Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) to view the following registry key:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ 
  MCI Extensions

Verify that the following values exist under the following key(s):

  Value name: avi
  Value type: REG_SZ
  Value data: AVIVideo

  Value name: Mid
  Value type: REG_SZ
  Value data: Sequencer

  Value name: rmi
  Value type: REG_SZ
  Value data: Sequencer

  Value name: Wav
  Value type: REG_SZ
  Value data: WaveAudio

If any of these values are missing, click Add Value on the Edit menu to add them.

Additional query words: filename

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Keywords          : kbenv kberrmsg 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search
Version           : WINDOWS:4.0

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