WMP 12 May Kill Your Mp3 Files

[deltafowler]

If you're testing Windows 7 and WMP12, be aware that they could prove to be a deadly combination to your music collection. VBR mp3's specifically.

Warning: Windows 7 beta could corrupt your MP3s (http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/01/05/warning-windows-7-beta-could-corrupt-your-mp3s)

Tom Warren on 05 January 2009 - 00:24 · 74 comments & 15104 views
Several reports from users testing the latest leaked build of Windows 7 indicate a potential data corruption issue using Microsoft's Windows Media Player 12.

Windows 7 beta 1 build 7000 leaked over the Christmas holidays and a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed that there is a bug which affects the leaked build. Approximately 2-3 seconds will get shaved off the beginning of MP3s if you have set your Windows Media Player 12 settings to retrieve information from the internet and update files. The default configuration for WMP12 sets this if you use the "express" option during setup.

"The problem only happens when you edit metadata on a certain class of MP3 file (a file with a header larger than 16KB). When the new metadata is written, it corrupts the beginning of the file. This can happen either when you edit the metadata from inside WMP or Explorer, or it can happen if you have WMP set to automatically fill in missing metadata using the online service and add the MP3 to your library. This problem is only present in the recently leaked build" (7000) according to one poster in our forums.

Microsoft's official response is "Microsoft is aware of this issue and it will be addressed in the beta program". The company is currently hard at work readying a QFE (quick fix engineering) patch that will be distributed by Windows Update for those with official and non-official access. A support (KB) article is expected soon.

This highlights the importance of not using leaked builds with any applications or data that is critical and waiting for beta builds from official channels. We expect Microsoft to stress the urgency of applying the QFE patch to those in the beta program.

[LarryFlowers]

Fix Posted overnight, located at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=A754008B-D574-4E39-B4BA-67B859A242B7&displaylang=en

Larry

[deltafowler]

Good for them.

Everything old is new again with Microsoft.

Two points.

1. Don't beta test anything using files, documents, etc. that are near and dear to you, unless you have a proven backup.

2. MS continues their policies of the past by pushing new software out into the wild and letting the public work through its many flaws and shortcomings. In many ways, this reminds me of a certain DBS provider. :rolleyes:
So, yes, MS has patched this first flaw and fairly quickly at that, but it exemplifies what is wrong about the way they do things.
WMP is a Media Player, for goodness sake. Should a media player be corrupting you media files simply by playing them?
Why would it or why should it have permission or need to do anything but read the files, without altering them?
What else does MS plan to do to your media at the discretion of their software?

[MIAMI1683]

Good for them.

Everything old is new again with Microsoft.

Two points.

1. Don't beta test anything using files, documents, etc. that are near and dear to you, unless you have a proven backup.

2. MS continues their policies of the past by pushing new software out into the wild and letting the public work through its many flaws and shortcomings. In many ways, this reminds me of a certain DBS provider. :rolleyes:
So, yes, MS has patched this first flaw and fairly quickly at that, but it exemplifies what is wrong about the way they do things.
WMP is a Media Player, for goodness sake. Should a media player be corrupting you media files simply by playing them?
Why would it or why should it have permission or need to do anything but read the files, without altering them?
What else does MS plan to do to your media at the discretion of their software?



First you do realize the public beta for build 7000 hasn't been release yet. Don't you? MS says here is a beta build. BETA build means sh!t is broken (sometimes). Now I have buile 6815 at home and it has been pretty good. I am hoping build 7000 builds on that.

If WMP12 has a flaw. It is the people out there uploading bit torrents to it. Since the patch was given before the release date of the BETA then who's issue was this. Seems to me MS has it right. Maybe some people should PAY for the software if they want it. Maybe that way it will all work correctly the first time!

[hdtvfan0001]

....and besides....MP3 is so....so........90's....:D

[deltafowler]

Search your songs database for "Hunger Strike" by Temple of the Dog.
Therein lies the answer.

[tcusta00]

First you do realize the public beta for build 7000 hasn't been release yet. Don't you? MS says here is a beta build. BETA build means sh!t is broken (sometimes). Now I have buile 6815 at home and it has been pretty good. I am hoping build 7000 builds on that.

If WMP12 has a flaw. It is the people out there uploading bit torrents to it. Since the patch was given before the release date of the BETA then who's issue was this. Seems to me MS has it right. Maybe some people should PAY for the software if they want it. Maybe that way it will all work correctly the first time!

!rolling Touche, Miami, touche.

[deltafowler]

I believe the patch still needs to be applied to the "official" release as well.

[Art7220]

If WMP12 has a flaw. It is the people out there uploading bit torrents to it. Since the patch was given before the release date of the BETA then who's issue was this. Seems to me MS has it right. Maybe some people should PAY for the software if they want it. Maybe that way it will all work correctly the first time!

Yeah, because those servers to get the so called "legit" release are reliable for download...oh wait a minute.

You can deny the reliability of bit torrent all you want. Besides who uses WMP anyway? Give me Winamp anytime. And Media Player Classic.

WMP is good for watching CBC The National though.