Users Being Prompted to Upgrade the WMP Security

I'm hearing reports from some users that they are being prompted to re-upgrade the Window Media Player Security Upgrade on their computers. The normal instructions to initially install the WMP Security Upgrade aren't always working. If you already tried the normal instructions, try these instructions below. 

These are the instructions sent to me by OverDrive's tech support staff. Please let your local librarian know if these steps are not helpful to you.

The error you are receiving can often be resolved by resetting the Digital Rights Management (DRM) for Windows Media Player. To do this, please perform the following steps.

Note: Before beginning, be sure that OverDrive Media Console and Windows Media Player are both closed. 

If you are using Windows 7 or Vista please follow these steps:

• Open the Control Panel: Start > Control Panel.
• Open 'Folder Options' and then select the View tab.
• Select Show hidden files and folders. (Screenshot from earlier post.)
• Uncheck Hide protected operating system files.
• In the warning message you receive, click Yes.
• Click OK. 

• Close the Control Panel. 

• Click the Start button.

In the 'Start Search' box, paste the following: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\DRM
Press Enter. This will open the DRM folder in an Explorer window.
Delete ONLY the following 4 files, then close the Explorer window.

• blackbox.bin
• drmstore.hds
• v3ks.bla
• v3ks.sec

Run Internet Explorer as administrator and go to the following site: http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/Indivsite and follow the prompts. (My tip: To run as admin, close IE, right-click on the IE icon and select "Run as Administrator.")

If you are using Windows XP or older please follow these steps:

• Open the Control Panel: Start > Control Panel.
• Open 'Folder Options' and then select the View tab.
• Select Show hidden files and folders.
• Uncheck Hide protected operating system files.
• In the warning message you receive, click Yes.
• Click OK, then close the Control Panel.

Browse to your DRM folder and rename it to DRM.old, then close the Explorer window.

Depending on your OS, the DRM folder can be found in different locations:

• Windows 2000 and XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\ DRM
• Windows 98: C:\Windows\All Users\DRM
• Windows ME: C:\Windows\DRM

Run Internet Explorer as administrator and go to the following site: http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/Indivsite and follow the prompts.
If they are still having a problem, they will need to contact Microsoft support. Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.

Windows Media Player Security Upgrade: All Windows Operating Systems

Update (11 March 2013): Some users are being prompted to re-upgrade their Windows Media Player Security Upgrade. If the instructions below do not work for you, check out these instructions from OverDrive's tech support team to reset your DRM on the computer. 

In order to download WMA (Windows Media Audio) audiobooks from our OverDrive collection, you *must* download the titles to a Windows computer and perform a Windows Media Player Security Upgrade. Over the years (and multiple Windows upgrades), I've found different tricks for getting a successful upgrade.

Standard Way to Get WMP Security Upgrade:

With most XP operating systems and, at times, Windows 7, the WMP Security Upgrade can be achieved by  opening the OverDrive Media Console (on a PC) >> Selecting the "Tools" menu >> Windows Media Player Security Upgrade. After clicking the "Ok" button to get the upgrade, the Window Media Player program will open and play a short file. You'll close WMP, saving the file (if desired, when prompted) and you're done.

When the Tools >> WMP Security Upgrade Doesn't Work:

There are times when using Windows 7 and Windows 8 that the upgrade won't work from the OMC program. In cases like this, open Microsoft Internet Explorer by right-clicking the icon from the desktop and "Run as Admin" (DO NOT try to use Firefox or Chrome), visit the following Microsoft site:

http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/Indivsite/en/indivit.asp

• Click "Upgrade" (twice) and let the site connect to the Microsoft server.
• Open OverDrive Media Console and delete the old copy of the audiobook.
• Open Windows Explorer and verify that the title has been removed from the following folder: *C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\My Media\{name of book}
• Log into your OverDrive account and re-download the audiobook again.
• Of note: The Microsoft Website states that if you have trouble listening to the audiobook, restart your computer.

Windows 8 Error: Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing this file
Recently, a patron kept getting the following error message when trying to get the upgrade on his Windows 8 computer after following all of the above steps.

"Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing this file."

The solution is to turn off Internet Explorer's Protected Mode. Here are the steps:

From the "Settings" icon in IE >> Click on Internet Options >> Security tab >> Deselect "Enable Protected Mode." 

For helpful screenshots and more instructions, check out this excellent blog post:
http://blog.jongallant.com/2012/11/windows-media-player-overdrive-error.html#.UPQNPeTHVTI

Other Solutions:
There are rare instances in which the DRM folder on the computer must be reset. The instructions look daunting, but just follow them step-by-step and it's not bad to do.

Read More

If you are using a Microsoft Surface RT tablet, it lacks the capability to get the WMP Security Upgrade or play WMA files. Read more.

Windows 7 and the WMP Security Upgrade

I've been itching to get my hands on a new Windows 7 computer (and now I've got five to play with!) to see what's really going on with the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade issue. (It's tough giving tech advice when it's all coming second hand.)

In summary: Try this first. If it doesn't work you'll have to read this whole post. ;-) 

Here's my experience: 

After successfully installing the OverDrive Media Console, I clicked the "Tools" menu and selected "Windows Media Player Security Upgrade." Nothing happens. (With XP and Vista, WMP opens and a file downloads, prompting you to play the file.)

Huh? Ok, then.

So I visited the DRM Reset Tool, as described in an earlier blog post and recommended by tech support. To be honest, my eyes started to cross and I did a lot of skimming to reach the part of the instructions where one should download the file and run it as an admin. I did that and it didn't make any different. Now, since I didn't try to play the test file, maybe I did something wrong. Meh. I decided to move on to another solution.

So instead of dealing with the DRM Reset Tool, I was able to get by on these old instructions. How about anyone else? Do these old instructions still work for you?

Note that you must use Internet Explorer to accomplish this task!

If this doesn't work for you, I've had luck taking a few extra steps involving renaming the DRM folder on the computer. Here's the trick, the DRM folder is oftentimes hidden.

How to show the DRM folder (hidden folders and files): 

• Open the Control Panel of your computer. 
• Search the Control Panel (upper right corner of the CP) for "Hidden Folders."
• Select "Show the Hidden Files, Folders and Drives."
• And deselect "Hide protected operating system files."
• The computer will yell at you. That's ok. Feel free to change back the settings when you're done.

(Sorry for the horrible "arrows" -- I miss SnagIt.)

 

Changing the DRM folder name:

You're done with that part. Now it's off to changing the name of the DRM folder on your computer. This folder is located in different places, depending on the operating system. Here's where to find the folder on Windows 7:

Right click on the colorful start button in the lower left-hand corner of the computer's screen.

Open Windows Explorer. (Yes, I'm old school.) Or -- ta-da -- even easier, click on the cute little folder icon on the bar at the bottom of your Windows 7 screen. (Duh!) 

You'll want: Computer >> OS (c drive) >> Program Data >> Microsoft >> Windows  >> DRM folder 

Or in other words:

• Look for the Computer on the left sidebar.
• Now, expand Computer (by clicking the triangle next to computer) to find OS. Click.
• Find Program Data folder. Click.
• Find Microsoft folder. Click.
• Find Windows folder. Click.
• Find the DRM folder.
• Don't open the DRM folder, instead, right-click on the folder. 
• Select "Rename."
• Call it "DRMold."
• Done with that. Feel free to go back over to the Control Panel and don't show the hidden folders and hide protected operating files. 

Now try the original instructions again. Don't forget to use Internet Explorer!

Now try the steps in this post once again. After you complete the steps, go back to the OverDrive Media Console >> Tools menu >> Windows Media Player Security Upgrade >> It should now give you a message that the upgrade is complete and this would be a re-upgrade.

I hope this helps!

Windows Media Player Security Upgrade & Windows 7

Windows 7 users are reporting higher than normal problems with obtaining the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade. This is the error message:

"Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing the file."

Try following the instructions provided here:
http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/troubleshooting-wmp-upgrade.html

UPDATE: According to tech support, Windows 7 users should use the DRM Reset Tool, described in an earlier blog post.

What is the WMP Security Upgrade?
This is a necessary step for all Windows users to complete prior to downloading the first WMA audiobook. It gives your computer the right to download and open a protected file. (At least that's how I think of it working...) Without first upgrading the security you might get a message pertaining to not having the right to open the file. If you continue to try to download the file without having performed the WMP Security Upgrade three or more times, contact your local librarian for information on resetting your downloads.

Did this work for you? Let us know!

New DRM Reset Tool

There are times when the DRM on a Windows computer must be reset. There is a new tool available for Windows 7 users: The ResetDRM Tool.

You'll know the DRM must be reset on your Windows computer if you have successfully downloaded and transferred WMA audiobooks in the past, but suddenly receive an error like this:

A problem occurred in retreiving the Digital Rights Management machine identification. Error # OXCOOD2781

Contact Microsoft product support.

If you are using a different version of Windows or have trouble resetting the DRM, please contact your local librarian and ask them to contact OverDrive's technical support team on your behalf.

Avoiding the Error: Fulfullment Limit (3) for the Requested Title

If you get an error message that reads:

Error Code: 80040812
Error details: Failed call to fulfill the title. The fulfillment limit (3) for the requested title has been reached.

You'll need to contact your local librarian and ask them to reset your downloads. When contacting them, be sure to include your card number and the title of the book.

Here's how to avoid getting this error message:

• If this is the first time using the service, be sure that you've performed a Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
  
  • Open the OverDrive Media Console >> Tools menu >> Windows Media Player Security Upgrade >> WMP will open >> Play >> Let the 11 second file finish playing >> Close WMP >> Back up the license when prompted.
  • If the play button doesn't fully appear, obtain the upgrade manually.
  
  
• If you've received this message because you need to download the audiobook in parts (due to a slow or spotty Internet connection):
  
  • Instead of re-downloading the audiobook from the Website each time (which actually causes this error message after three attempts)...
  • Open the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) >> Highlight (select) the desired title >> Click on the "Download" button at the top of the OMC screen.
  • You should be able to click on this "Download" button as many times as necessary to download all of the parts of your audiobook.
  
  
• If you receive this message for any other reason, please contact your local librarian and report the problem. They will need to send the information to OverDrive's tech support team for a solution.
  
  • Be sure to include your contact information, your card number, the title of the audiobook, your computer's operating system, and any other relevant information.
  
  

Windows Media Player 11 and Sansa Players

Over the past year of so I've heard about a lot of "Synchronize to Continue..." error messages on Sansa players. A colleague sent along the following suggestion to roll back Windows Media Player 11 to the previous version of WMP (usually WMP 10). I am very happy to say that the patron having trouble with the Sansa M200 player now has a workable player again after rolling back to WMP 10.


Here are the full instructions.

Thanks, James!

1. Disconnect any portable music or video devices that might be
attached to your computer.
2. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
3. In the Category View of Control Panel, click Add or Remove
Programs, and then click Remove a program.
4. Click Windows Media Player 11, and then click Remove.

If Windows Media Player 11 is not displayed in the list of currently installed programs, then try the following:

1. At the top of the list, select the Show updates check box.
2. In the Windows XP - Software Updates section, click Windows Media Player 11, and then click Change/Remove.
5. In each of the two confirmation dialog boxes that appear, click OK.
6. When the rollback process is complete (it might take several
minutes), click Restart.
7. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
8. In the Category View of Control Panel, click Add or Remove Programs, and then click Remove a program.
9. Click Windows Media Format 11 Runtime, and then click Remove.

If Windows Media Format 11 Runtime is not displayed in the list of currently installed programs, then try the following:
1. At the top of the list, select the Show updates check box.
2. In the Windows XP - Software Updates section, click Windows Media Format 11 Runtime, and then click Change/Remove.

If you installed a non-US English version of Windows Media Player 11, the instructions in the dialog boxes that are mentioned in steps 9, 10, and 11 might appear in English.

10. In the first confirmation dialog box that appears, click OK.
11. In the second confirmation dialog box that appears, select the
Do you want to continue with the rollback? check box, and then click OK.
12. When the rollback process is complete (it might take several minutes to complete), click Restart.
13. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
14. In the Category View of Control Panel, click Add or Remove Programs, and then click Remove a program.
15. Click Microsoft User-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.0.0, and then click Remove.
16. Follow the instructions that appear in the Software Update Removal Wizard.
If the Wudf01000 confirmation dialog box appears, click Yes to continue. When the software removal process is complete (it might take several minutes to complete), click Finish.

Note: If you remove Windows Media Player 11 and the Windows Media Format 11 Runtime, and then encounter error C00D271D ("A problem has occurred in the Digital Rights Management component. Contact Microsoft product support."), you might be able to resolve the problem by installing the Windows Media Format 9.5 Runtime. For information about installing the Runtime, in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, see article 891122, "Update for Windows Media Digital RightsManagement-enabledplayers."

You might not be able to roll back to a previous version of the Player if the hidden folder $NtUninstallwmp11$ is deleted from your computer. Some non-Microsoft programs (such as CCleaner) delete this folder in an attempt to remove unwanted files from your computer.

Troubleshooting: WMP Upgrade

For one reason or another, sometimes the security upgrade to Windows Media Player fails. If this happens, try performing a manual upgrade.


Scenario: You've just installed the OverDrive Media Console and the next step is to perform the WMP security upgrade. You've clicked on Tools >> WMP Security Upgrade, but there is no "ok" button to move onto the next step.

Here is a possible solution: Using Microsoft Internet Explorer (NOT Firefox or Chrome), visit the following Microsoft site:

http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/Indivsite/en/indivit.asp

• Click "Upgrade" (twice) and let the site connect to the Microsoft server.
• Open OverDrive Media Console and delete the old copy of the audiobook.
• Open Windows Explorer and verify that the title has been removed from the following folder: *C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My Documents\My Media\{name of book}
• Log into your OverDrive account and re-download the audiobook again.
• Of note: The Microsoft Website states that if you have trouble listening to the audiobook, restart your computer.

Try these additional instructions if these steps aren't helpful.