Some audio and video files do not play

Playing audio and video files has some special requirements. Use to following steps to check you meet these requirements.

1. Check you have the latest version of Windows Media Player for your operating system

Use the Microsoft® guide to check you have the latest version of Windows Media Player for your operating system: Get Windows Media Player.

2. Windows Media Player can successfully play the file but My Family Tree cannot

Sometimes, Windows Media Player can successfully play the file but My Family Tree cannot.  In this case, use Windows Update to check your operating system is up to date.  Often the latest updates for the Microsoft .NET Framework and DirectX® will fix playback problems.

3. Check Windows Media Player can play back the file

If you have installed the latest version of Windows Media Player (Step 1) and have installed all updates for your operating system (Step 2) then you should check whether Windows Media Player can play back the file.  If it can, it should now play correctly in My Family Tree.

4. Try to play the file in the default viewer

If Steps 1-3 do not solve the problem, then My Family Tree will not be able to play the video or audio file.  In this case, selecting the file and then choosing View from the menu will load the file in the default viewer on your computer which may be able to play the file instead.