Aim 6.5 and Windows Vista, Server execution failed and Media Player Issues
Posted 10 months, 2 weeks ago at 2:08 pm. 68 comments
Posted in AIM Problems.
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.
The fix for wmp and the red x worked fine,but the fix for wmi did not due to the fact that I did not have a folder called respositry.old.
Thanks for the fixes.
dave
i fixed the sound on my vista when i encountered this problem…
1. go to control panel
2. switch to classic view
3. click on sound
4. windows asks if you would disable driver enhancements for this device CLICK YES and there u have it peeps!!
thanks guys this has worked well
what do i do if my system restore doesn’t go that far back? am i screwed?
There is this big long list of instructions, I suggest reading it
THANK YOU for the suggestion to disable the enhancements–i got my sound back AND iTunes is working again! (that was another problem i was having). after spending an hour and a half on the phone with HP, who couldn’t figure out what was wrong with my sound after running all the hardware diagnostics i’d already done on my own and suggested i do a system recovery (didn’t want to do that for obvious reasons), this entirely solved my problem. you rock
next time, i’ll do better online research for these issues before running up my phone bill.
So.. I upgraded.. then winamp wouldn’t play.. like you all said. So I did the system restore. But now I can’t get any version of aim to work on my comp. I’m sure that if I download 6.5 again it will cause the same problems.. and I’ll be in the same loop as I was before. What do you suggest? This thread seems to just say.. restore to the point before 6.5. Unless I’m just totally confused. Please help this is frustrating.
fantastic, great work guys, the drivers worked fantastically, stupid aim.
When I attempt to put “net localgroup Administrators NT Authority\Local Service /add” Into the CMD prompt I get the error messages: There is no such global user or group: NT.
There is no such global user or group: Authority\Local.
System error 1378 has occurred.
The specified account name is already a member of the group.
PLEASE HELP LOL
Mr. JME there’s alot of instructions. I guess i should make it more apparent that there are 2 sets of instructions which do the same thing, (except one makes your computer more vulnerable to attacks)
Berra2k try typing in the command with the quotations
net localgroup “Administrators” “NT Authority\Local Service” /add
Anyone have the link to download the last version of AIM that DID work with vista? I have 6.1.41.2 and it works fine.
When I typed “net localgroup Administrators /add Local Service”, my internet connection in the toolbar dissappeared, and all that’s left is a little gap between my little sound speaker and my avast! manager.
When I mouse over the gap, there’s nothing showing.
The internet works fine, and when I check the Network in my Control Panel, it shows the internet working fine. I have Windows Vista Home Edition, if that helps.
Any tips to bring back my icon would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
I too noticed I’ve lost my internet icon down by the clock. I’ve restorted to just downloading an older crappy version of aim for the time being. I restored my computer twice yesterday because of this stupid problem. I wish I could find a version of the aim before this latest.. what was it.. 6.1?
Hi, all older versions of Aim are at Filehippo.com
Well An Alternate solution was given, if it works for you try out the Registry Fix?
This sucks. I had this same problem with AIM breaking Vista so I restored from a backup and then installed version 6.1. The only problem now is that AIM 6.1 is asking me every 5 minutes that I need to install a ‘mandatory’ security to update to 6.5.
DAMN YOU AOL! FIX YOUR DAMN SOFTWARE.
To those subscribed to this entry, I have updated it with more recent information.
I have a problem with the AIM 6.5! I get logged it then i go to press on one my buddys screen names and the window to talk on comes and goes away reallly really fast so i cant chat with them unless they send me a message pleaseee help!
This is the last time I install anything made by AOL… For all you people who have AIM buddies, download Trillian instead, it supports IM’s with buddies from almost any chat program, and it doesn’t corrupt your system.
Oh, and thank you Edgar (poster #2), that fix worked perfectly. No need to reinstall Vista lol.
Hi, Y downloaded Aim6 last night and had this problem too. had to fix it using system restore. I almost missed the restore point. Thank god I found this thread in time.
I knew I should’ve stuck with Trillian. I’m going to use that from now on…
My AIM 6.5 keeps logging off by its self wat do i do?Its so ugh frustrating!
Is there any way to avoid the system restore method, but still get my computer back to the way it was? i dont really care if i keep 6.5 or not.
There’s 2 methods in this post, try the second method
how do you reverse adding the local group?
I did the UAC method - these things go back to normal:
1) I can click on network settings and they come up right away, before it would take a while and sometimes not come up.
2) I can turn on sound enhancements now (before I had to use the fix supplied above, which also worked)
3) Windows Media Center plays videos now (when I did the sound fix from above, I still couldn’t play files with WMC)
This does not go back to normal:
I still have that red X in the bottom right hand corner.
What’s the deal with the AIM 6.5 Refresh Beta, version number 6.5.7.14. I wonder if it still causes this problem?
It still does but if you turn UAC on before you install it you shouldn’t have the problem to begin with.
So I am getting ready to reformat. If I use UAC method from the start just to install AIM, then turn it off, will the problem start at some point? Alternatively, is there a way to stop 6.1 from telling me I need the mandatory update, cause I was happy with that one, I just don’t want to have to keep clicking remind me later. Thanks.
From what people have said, no it doesn’t cause the problem as long as UAC is on while your installing Aim. You can turn it off afterwards but if you need to reinstall AIM or an Active Update you will have to turn UAC on again.
Thanks WBMike. Also, an update on my UAC method - I just restarted my system (haven’t done my reformat) and now my network connection icon is fixed. Still gonna do the reformat just to be safe, but I guess I’m another one for whom that method worked.
the UAC method worked just fine for me
Can anyone suggest a good IM client (alternative to AIM) that provides for video messaging? I have had sooooo many problems with various AIM versions in the past — and it always seems to be something that’s difficult to find the source cause for. I won’t use AIM version anything again.
The thing that infuriates me is that I know that AIM’s new versions get BETA tested on Windows Vista. So one begins to wonder if it isn’t intentional on AOL’s part.
What about Yahoo or Windows Live Messenger.
From what I know, Aim 6.5 was beta tested for Vista, but I guess Vista’s tester size was pretty small for them not to notice. Some people blame Microsoft for not fixing the issue, since AIM unintentionally triggers it.
I have the same problem but with one more added side effect. I feel like I am in the movie ground hog day. I can not down load and install any Windows update. It says it installed but 2 minutes minutes later it opens up again saying that I need to install the last 2 updates that I installed over 8 times in the past 2 days. I spent over an hour with Dell support who did lead me to this page but when he or she couldn’t figure out anything to do they just said sorry and disconnected. I do intend to call back tomorrow and complain.
Honestly, I can’t believe AOL hasn’t just released an updated fixed version yet. Even if the problem is due to Vista, there are previous versions of AIM that work FINE without this bug.
That annoying AIM ‘update to 6.5′ security pop up is truly starting to get on my nerves. I’m about to move to trillian VERY SHORTLY.
Well the security update is for AOL Radio. I don’t know why they choose not to, but they could just include it in the program instead of asking people to update it separately.
Well after spending another hour on phone with Dell….Who told me that it is my own fault for installing the new Aim…… I re-installed windows vista. I did not reformat but just over-wrote all the files. It worked but a pain that took close to 3 hours to install and then re configure everything. I should have bought this lap top with XP instead of Vista
Did you have UAC on previously when you installed Aim?
I tried the UAC method on my laptop. Didn’t work.
No I shut down the UAC about 2 days after I got the lap top. Reinstalling Vista worked but now I have no sound. It’s saying that I have no devices installed. I have tried everything I know how to do so now it’s off to India for another 2 hour chat with Dell. The sad thing is I probably know more then there level 1 and 2 tech support
An old customer of mine called saying he was having problems with his network connection. I did some troubleshooting for about an hour & was about to give up & run a system restore (time is money, in this case not mine) when I decided to check the net. Duh- should have been the first thing I did.
Thanks to this site I was able to resolve it in a couple of minutes. I used the UAC method. Couple of things…I know this person has had UAC on since he got the computer (I turned it off in the course of troubleshooting)…so you may see this problem whether UAC has been on or off when the AIM update is applied. One other symptom I found in the course of troubleshooting was that I was unable to apply a BIOS update to his system (he had an HP).
So, once I found this page I just unistalled aim & viewpoint, rebooted, turned uac back on & reinstalled aim & the problems were gone. I was also then able to apply the BIOS update at this point. Very cool…thanks to everyone who’s posted here.
Just a follow-up…I should clarify, I was going to do a full restore until I found this site & tried the UAC method. I actually never bothered checking to see when this AIM update was done to try using the system checkpoint. I try to stay away from using xp system restore if I can help it because it’s not always tidy unless it’s a simple problem (a developer was explaining this to me…it can sometimes do more harm than good, and we’ve all had the experience where system restore doesn’t correct the problem or the machine can’t be restored to a checkpoint anyway).
I have a vista home premium and on disable security center and firewall and aim doesnt work even when i unstalling it and reinstalling it . After that I had to restart because of AIM and so I restart it and somehow when I change to guest it works. I dont know how this happens but the other time I had everything all good and it was a Administrator account and AIM work then. I dont get it whenever I put msconfig the window blocks it and it dont use to be like that on the Adminstrator. Thanks For your Help I really nedd to get back on AIM using Admistartor Account
THANK YOU! I updated to AIM 6.5 late last night before I went to bed, got up this morning to set the computer to record my TV shows as I do every day, and Media Center wasn’t working. I used the UAC method (I don’t have restore set up) and it worked perfectly. Much appreciated!
Running Home Premium solved the problem in 5 minutes after reading the following post.
http://www.xoxideforums.com/networking/76388-vista-giving-you-server.html
- 6 hours to find the right fix, 5 minutes to fix it..
Does anyone know if there has been a fix from the AOL end of things? Or even Vistas? I’m just really sick of the old crappy version of aim, since I couldn’t get 6.1 to download. I’m on like 5.8 or something. Anyway! Thanks.
Maybe this is fixed in Vista SP1?
Anyone try this on SP1 yet?
But Chico, that method you linked even as much as its linked already in the article, is the more risky workaround and you can be open to hacking and attacks on your end.
JME, AOL has officially recommended the User Account Control Method shown above in the post, until Microsoft fixes the problem.
Hm. ok thanks.
the problem may not be with aim. i got the issue by simply installing the stand alone viewpoint media manager software to use an application on a web site through my browser. I had previously turned UAC off. the only chat program i have installed is trillian which has always worked fine. i went to sound in the control panel first and fixed the sound problem with windows media player by clicking yes to a question that pops up. i am about to try aim with viewpoint with UAC now on to fix the problem. i’ll keep everyone updated. Is viewpoint media manager part of aol or another company on it’s own. we should all talk massive shit about that company on download.com and get them to give it a horrible review for their product.
most definitely a viewpoint media player combined with Vista user account control problem. thank god i did not have to do a system restore. I installed aim 6.5 with viewpoint media manager with UAC turned on. problem gone. Stupid viewpoint media player piece o’ shit. couldn’t play videos right in windows media player, screwed up my sound, couldn’t bluetooth activesync my smartphone, AT&T 3G network connection problems. All from one uneeded near useless piece of software. I hope i doesn’t affect anything else. I spent 2 hours on the phone with the AT&T people thinking it was a problem with my phone and laptop connection damn it. viewpoint media player burn in hell.
I’ll add that to the list.
I had the problem of media files not playing and the red “X” come up a few weeks ago, a short while after I had switched OFF Account Control . I was running Vista and AIM 5.9. I opened Control Panel < Hardware and Sound < Sound and stopped the error to get my files to play sound again. Tonight I turned Account Control back ON, deleted Viewpoint and AIM 5.9 from my programs, restarted my PC, then downloaded AIM 6.5.9.1…..and NO MORE RED “X”!!
It’s been a few hours, so hopefully I’ve fixed the annoying problem.
I may have found a fix.
>Download and save the AIM setup somewhere.
>Run this setup through the programs compatability wizard under start>control panel>programs>use and older program with this version of windows.
>when it asks what version of windows it worked with, select XP sevice pack 2.
>don’t select any color or screen optoins, excetera.
>once you finish the wizard should auto start the AIM installation.
>I’ve doen this and haven’t come across any problems yet, like the network/windows media problems. (which i’ve had before when i installed AIM the normal way.)
Please spread this around and let everyone know, I just posted here to get the word started, the rest is up to you all.
Ok sounds interesting, I’ll leave it up there until others have tested it out. UAC method still seems to be working fine though.
I’m one of the few people that the UAC method has NOT worked for. I tried it twice and all the symptoms re-appeared after the next reboot. So I’m still on 6.1.41.2 hoping I don’t get hacked.
I will try the compatibility install today and report back here.
Well, it looks like the compatibility install worked for me! I installed the latest 3-11-08 AIM Install using AnonHero’s compatibility method (also having UAC turned on) and AIM is now installed and Vista Ultimate on my Dell M4300 is running without any of the previous symptoms (Com event error, Network X Icon, Multimedia issues).
Thank you so much Hero!
System restore corrupted the operating system after I tried fixing my AIM issue with it… I really don’t want to have to turn UAC on… It’s annoying. I’m going to try AnonHero’s method with UAC off and see what happens.
After I finish reformatting my laptop that is…
I just want to stop and thank everybody that has posted here for doing so, I have been able to succesfully correct my issue after installing American offlines messenger service by following the UAC instructions above. I had a few other symtoms that occured after installing All outta luck:
In my device manager I had a ton of devices listed as non UPnP showing up. Also in the device manager my Drive SM_usb20 (flash drive) driver was unable to load. (Yet I could still access my drive normally) in addition to that it removed my Readyboost settings from my flash drive entirely.
Ty once again for all your help guys.
Hello we will be updating this entry for newer instructions about this event.
edgar’s answer fixed my winamp/itunes. does not fix the ‘red x’ server execution failed. but im not that concerned with it.
i fixed the sound on my vista when i encountered this problem…
1. go to control panel
2. switch to classic view
3. click on sound
4. windows asks if you would disable driver enhancements for this device CLICK YES and there u have it peeps!!
attempted every workaround i could find, the only one that gets rid of the red x is the least secure… but it does work.
when i type thing in aim the type is big but the font is the same size it’s always been. it happened all of a sudden and I’ve tried uninstalling and reinstalling it but, it hasn’t worked. do you know what i should do?