Aim 6.5 and Windows Vista, Server execution failed and Media Player Issues
Posted 1 year ago at 2:08 pm. 68 comments
Updated March 21, 2008
F.A.Q
The Story So Far
During a mandatory security update, Aim 6.5.4.16 was released onto the masses. After Windows Vista users updated to the newest version of Aim, a red X in the lower right corner showed the message, “Connection Status Unknown: Server Execution Failed.” Previously this error occurred after a Windows Update, but was later patched by Microsoft. Now, this error message is accompanied by the inability to play Mp3s in both Windows Media Player, and iTunes. Also other issues occurred with Steam Applications which run the games “Half Life 2″ and “Team Fortress 2″ leaving users unable to connect to the servers to download the game.
After a few months a new workarounds were found and supported by other members. Microsoft later released a patch on November 20th, 2007, but it may not fix this problem 100% of the time. When this particular bug became hugely popular, AOL and Microsoft teamed up to fix this problem. Unfortunately not much is known about the status of that fix. However recently AOL has supported the UAC method described below in the list of workarounds. Workarounds suggested by users are highlighted in the comments section in red.
Who Does this Bug Affect?
So far this bug has many different variables on who it affects. For the most part it has affected users who have installed Aim 6.5. In other situations, some users did not install AIM and received this error by installing Mozilla Firefox, or ViewPoint Media Player. The only connection seen so far is that only Windows Vista users are affected. Unfortunately it is not known as to why some Windows Vista users get this bug, although “allegedly” it may be linked to Vista’s UAC controls. We have not received much information on this as it has not been fixed within the Vista SP1 Patch.
How can I Help Find the Cure?
You can help find a cure for Server Execution Failed by posting in this thread. Please read the instructions prior to posting. Whether you have Aim 6.5 or not, you can still post in this thread.
How Can I Fix this problem?
There are four workarounds that will allow you to carry on normal activities but with some side effects. Choose the one thats best for you.
The XP Compatibility Wizard is the newest workaround for this issue. The main purpose is to prevent this bug in the first place by running Aim 6.5’s installer as an XP program.
The System Restore Method is the safest workaround for this issue. The main goal is to restore before Aim 6.5 was installed. If you cannot restore back, you will have to Reinstall Windows Vista using your CD.
The User Account Control Method is the most recommended workaround. By turning User Account Control on, you should in theory be immune to the server execution failed bugs when you install Aim 6.5. During Testing it was found that this method has worked in fixing the problem for example. However it does not work for everyone and so we recommend you try it out at least and post back your results
The Local Service Method is the most riskiest workaround. It will add the Local Service group to Administrators making you highly vulnerable to attacks if your not careful. You should follow this method as a last resort in case you need to backup files before you reinstall the Windows Vista operating System.
The Sound Drivers Method will restore sound and music issues for Windows Vista. You can find the steps to fix this problem by scrolling down to the comments section. It is highlighted in red.
What are the Symptoms for this bug?
1. Vista Displays a Red X saying that its not connected to a Network even though it is.
2. Connection may say “Connection status: unknown. Server execution failed.”
3. WMI Problems or is Corrupted
4. Windows Media Player won’t be able to play Mp3s
5. No sound can be heard from computer
6. Windows Security Center reports errors
7. Windows Security Center may not find your AntiVirus Program
8. No Network Activity is reported even though it exists
9. Windows Zero Configuration Problems
10. Steam Apps from Valve Software (i.e Half Life 2) will not download.
11. Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct.
12. iTunes stops working.
13. Xbox 360 Streaming Connection To PC does not work.
14. Creative Zen Vision M, or other MP3 players will not connect.
15. I must say this list is freakin long…
XP Compatibility Method
1. Download Aim 6.5 from Aim.com
2. Save the Installation File to your computer where you can retrieve it. DO NOT run this program
3. Click the Start Button, click Control Panel, then click Programs and finally click Use an Older Program with this version of Windows.
4. Click the Radio Button: I Want to Locate this Program Manually. Click Next.
5. Click Browse and locate the Aim 6.5’s installation file.
6. Select Windows XP (Service Pack 2), and click Next.
7. DO NOT Select any Display Options and Click Next.
The System Restore Method
1. Type restore in the Start Menu Search Box
2. Select System Restore
3. Choose a Restore Point before the Installation of Aim 6.5
4. Select a System Restore before Aim 6.5 was Installed
5. Confirm and Restart your Computer.
If you do not have a restore point or disabled system restore.
Reinstall your Windows Vista Operating System
User Account Control Method
The User Account Control suggestion was provided by easydoesit36. You can find his post here.
1. Uninstall Aim 6.5 and Viewpoint Media Player
1. Click Start Button
2. Click Control Panel
3. Click User Accounts & Family Settings
4. Click Turn User Account Control On. [Provide Admin Password]
5. Checkmark “Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer“
6. Click OK
7. Restart Computer
8. Install Aim 6.5
Voila everything turns back to normal!
Local Service Method
This is the Most Riskiest Workaround
Original Solution Modified, but Originally Provided by blueshot
1. Click Start Button
2. Right Click on “Computer”
3. Click Manage
4. Under System Tools Click Users & Groups **STOP**
Solution provided by Silver6477
If your computer does not show Users & Groups Read Below. You may skip this section if you have Users & Groups.
Boot the Computer in Safe Mode!
4a. Click the Start Button
4b. Type “CMD” without quotations
4c. Right click on CMD that shows up and click Run As Administrator
4d. Type the text below:
net localgroup Administrators NT Authority\Local Service /add
If the Code doesn’t work uninstall AIM 6.5 and reboot the Computer and try again
Solution provided by blueshot
5. Click Group
6. Click Administrators
7. Click Add to Group
8. Click Add
9. Click Advanced
10. Click Find Now
11. Double Click Local Service
12. Click OK
NTAuthority/Local Service should show up in the list
13. Click OK, and Close Computer Management and Reboot
You can also try to run CMD as Administrator and type in
net localgroup Administrators /add Local Service
Where Can I Go For Additional Help?
In the meantime you can discuss new methods to fix this problem by clicking on these links below.
