Sources of MIDI Problems
Common Problems Opening MIDI Files
Microsoft Windows Media Player Disappeared
When you double-click your MIDI file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". If this is the case, it's usually due to the fact that you do not have Microsoft Windows Media Player for %%os%% installed on your computer. The OS won't know what to do with your MIDI file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.
Tip: When another MIDI application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.
Outdated Microsoft Windows Media Player
In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a MIDI File file that is unsupported by your installed application version. If you've got the wrong version of Microsoft Windows Media Player installed, you'll need to install the correct version. This issue mainly occurs when your MIDI File file was created by a newer version of Microsoft Windows Media Player than you have on your PC.
Tip: If you right-click on your MIDI file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.
Conclusion: The majority of MIDI file opening issues are due to not having the correct Microsoft Windows Media Player version installed.
Associated Difficulties Loading MIDI Files
You can still experience errors opening MIDI files even with the latest version of Microsoft Windows Media Player installed on your PC. If you're still experiencing problems opening MIDI files, there could be other computer problems. Additional factors include:
- Invalid MIDI file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
- Unintentional removal of the description of the MIDI file inside the Windows Registry
- Partial installation of Microsoft Windows Media Player that did not fully complete
- File corruption affecting your MIDI file
- Your MIDI has adversely impacted by malware
- Device drivers of the hardware associated with your MIDI file are corrupt or out-of-date
- Insufficient system resources to successfully open MIDI File files
Quiz: Which file extension is the oldest in existence?
That's Correct!
The text file, or "TXT" for short, is the oldest file extension in existence. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought to have been invented in the late-1960's.
Close, but not quite...
The text file, or "TXT" for short, is the oldest file extension in existence. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought to have been invented in the late-1960's.
Poll: What file type do you use the most at work / in school?