Windows Media Player can't Connect Online...

**SOLVED**

Recently we updated some machines and discovered a little problem with Media Player not being able to connect to the Internet for it's Media Center Application.

At first we thought it was IE11, but it looks like Flash from Adobe might be the culprit here.

sidenote: Oh yeah, it's time to upgrade to IE 11 ;-)

This Adobe Flash thing just keeps lingering...

**UPDATE** It could be shockwave from Adobe, we just heard about shockwave being compromised recently. Typical Adobe programs that are used are Adobe Reader, Flash and Shockwave. So make sure those are up to date.

Oh well, with problems come solutions.

Here is the Fix:

Go to Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features then on the left choose "Turn Windows Features On or Off"

Once the screen opens and refreshes you will see a box that says, "Media Features" tap the plus sign next to it and expand it so you can see "Windows Media Center"

Now take the Check Mark OUT of the "Windows Media Center" box say OK then restart, once prompted.

Once the system is restarted open up your windows media player and your issue is now fixed. Close Windows Media Player WMP.

Now go back to Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features then on the left choose "Turn Windows Features On or Off" then expand "Media Features" and put the Check Mark back into "Windows Media Center" no reboot required.

Start up your WMP and everything should still work, even after a reboot did we confirm it stayed working.

We're suspecting Adobe Flash, but it could just be a coincidence...on 5 systems...NOT!

DON'Ts - You don't need your Windows Media Player Networking Sharing Service enabled and should be disabled. This is only if you want to share your music, nothing to do with accessing the internet.

DON'Ts - You don't need your Connect to the Internet (overrides other commands) enabled under tools/options/player to access the internet. This command is for media usage rights, not Online Store.

DON'Ts - You don't need your Bonjour Service running, another sharing application and network discovery service. More of a private network solution. It'll give you an error when you open iTunes once in awhile, but just ignore and keep it disabled. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonjour_(software)

DON'Ts - You don't need Apple Push starting up, disable.  It uses push technology through a constantly open IP connection. More of a private network solution, not rogue users.