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Help! Neither iTunes nor Windows Media Player will play my audio CDs

How to troubleshoot your audio software setup

QUESTION I recently burned a couple of audio CDs, but I can't get them to play. iTunes doesn't co-operate since I installed Windows 7 64bit, and Windows Media Player reports the error: 'Server execution failed'. I bought the CDs legally, but wanted to play the audio on a PC or smartphone. Steve Hattersley

HELPROOM ANSWER We'll tackle the iTunes issue first. If you've simply reinstalled iTunes from a previously downloaded setup file, it could be that you're attempting to run the 32bit rather than 64bit version. Uninstall iTunes from the Programs Control Panel, then download the 64bit version.

Once installed, iTunes should run correctly.

The 'Server execution failed' error can usually be fixed by disabling and re-enabling Windows Media Player. Using the administrator account, go to Start, Control Panel, Programs and Features. Click 'Turn Windows features on or off'. Expand the Media Features section and deselect Windows Media Player. Click Ok and reboot.

Upon bootup, repeat the above process, but this time enable Windows Media Player in Media Features. Reboot a second time and the problem should be fixed.

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