Error Message: MMSYSTEM281 This File Could Not Be Played

• Microsoft Windows 95

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.