Windows Media Player 11 error message

[lshale]

I installed the new Windows Media Player 11 and found that every time it starts, with my Axim x3i cradled, I get the following error message:

"Your device is using an outdated driver that is no longer supported by Windows Media Player. For additional assistance, click Web Help."

The Web Help site listed devices compatible with the new player and of course the Axim x3i is not on that list. WMP 11 works fine if I cancel the message but it is annoying to see it pop up every time the player opens. Of course I could always uncradle the Axim to avoid the message but I would rather not. I doubt that Dell will release a patch for this Axim model but maybe someone can find a way so that WMP 11 doesn't "see" the cradled Axim.

[Catman51]

I get the same thing. I'm just ignoring it because it even comes up when my ppc is in the cradle and I'm not even copying anything to it.
Another MS boo-boo!

[lshale]

I read other PPC users are having similar problems (HP, etc.). Someone suggested it had to do with digital rights management and security. If I had some initiative, I would remove all media files from my Axim (music, videos, pictures, etc.) and see if the problem still occurs. But I want those media files where they are. I am hoping someone comes up with a way of hiding the Axim from WMP 11.

[Chester2]

I'm having the same problem. Very annoying to have an error box to clear every time I start WMP. If anyone finds a solution please let me know.

[Blair01]

same problem too. the only solution i found (but have not done this yet) is to roll back to Media Player 10 or take your axim out of the cradel when your are using media player. Apparently there is no upgrade option to Win Mobile Media Player 10. hopefully MS puts out a patch or upgrate soon.

[jadesse]

WMP just plain sucks on all platforms & is a memory hog. Microsoft should just stick to building OS's. There OS would probably be a lot more stable if they would commit more time, money, & resources just to it. Instead of wasting time & money on features that don't work the way they were designed to.

[smillike]

Is there a driver in the works? It happens with X5 too.

[Chester2]

I highly doubt there is any driver in the works. Microsoft leaves it to the device manufacturers i.e. Dell to keep their products compatible. Since Dell seems to drop all support for Axim models as soon as they stop selling them I can't see them making updated drivers for older Axims.

This leaves us with 2 choices. Upgrade to a new model Axim or not upgrade Windows.

A third option is to go to the Microsoft Web Help page link in the error message and submit a complaint in the comment box. Perhaps if Microsoft gets enough complaints they will do something. I've submitted a couple of complaints but am not holding my breath for a fix.

[spongebob257]

I don't have an Axium, but I have a Windows Mobile Smart Phone, and I get the same message and can no longer use Windows Media Player to download music to my phone with Windows Media Player (although Yahoo Music Juke Box still works). I'm writing to follow up on Chester2's idea of writing complaints to Microsoft. Complaints are a good idea, but they need to be to politicians as well. With 90 percent of the world's computers running Windows, the fact is that Microsoft has tremendous monopoly power, similar to an old time utility company that had no competition. Microsoft is thus able to decide that something is "outdated" not because of market forces but because they want people to buy devises running newer versions of their software. We need to complain to government and/or initiate anti-trust litigation, so that Microsoft can be appropriately regulated as a monopoly. It is not right for Microsoft to be able to "outdate" devices owned and used by millions of people before the actual useful life of the device is over. This is not something the public should stand for. If there were competition in operating systems, compatibility with a broad number of devices would be a selling point and all popular devices would be supported by providers who want to sell their products.

[pawpals]

I have WMP 11 on my desktop and I do not get this message when syncing. I just copy music files direct to my SD card, don't sync them.

Things to check:
1 - Activesync - Options; near bottom of list of items to sync, make sure Windows Media is NOT checked.

2 - WMP 11 on the desktop, Tools - Options:

* Devices Tab- make sure the Axim is not listed.

* Library Tab - Configure Sharing - make sure it is not checked.

I would start with Activesync, and see if that stops the problem. If it doesn't, then I'd go to WMP 11 Options.

Hope this helps.

[Chester2]

Pawpals,

The problem is not with sync'ing. The error occurs when playing media on WMP 11.

To make sure I wasn't missing something I followed your directions. My system was already configured as you suggested. The problem remains.

The only solutions I have found are to either: 1. Remove the older Axim from the system or 2. Remove Windows Media Player 11 from the system. (Since you can't remove it you need to roll it back to version 10.)

[lshale]

Pawpals,

Thanks for the ideas but as I originally posted, the annoying message box pops up when I open WMP 11 with my Axim cradled. I don't synch it with WMP and there is no option for WMP to stop "finding" my Axim when it starts.

[pawpals]

Sorry about my misunderstanding everyone. After looking on Microsoft website, I think it is the PlayForSure certification kit that is needed, and Dell would have to pay to get it in order to upgrade X3 series.

Microsoft says to roll back to WMP 10 on your desktop, is the only workaround. They have instructions on how to successfully roll back - it seems more is needed than to uninstall and reinstall.

[Chester2]

The instructions for rolling back to WMP 10 are a little daunting. You can read them here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...ionofthePlayer

It is easier to live with the stupid error message.