RealPlayer Version 7 Prompts for Registration Information and Hangs Sporadically (252647)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

This article was previously published under Q252647

SYMPTOMS

When you run the RealPlayer version 7 program, it may continuously prompt you to provide registration information, and it may sporadically stop responding (hang).

CAUSE

This issue can occur if the following registry key does not grant the Set Value permission to the current user:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Software\RealNetworks

The RealPlayer version 7 program may incorrectly interpret that it has write permissions to this registry key, even though this key is not generally "writeable" in a secured environment.

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue:

WARNING: Note that because RealPlayer stores its preferences in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT registry branch instead of the HKEY_CURRENT_USER registry branch, changes made by one user to the RealPlayer preferences will affect all users. Also, granting all users the "Set Value" permission on a shared registry key may not be permitted by your system administrator, and/or your local security policies. Because of this, please use caution when you use the following procedure.
  1. Log on to your computer as an administrator.
  2. Use Regedt32.exe to view the following registry key:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Software\RealNetworks

    Grant all users (everyone) the "Set Value" permission on this shared registry key.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/10/2003
Keywords:kb3rdparty kbprb kbui KB252647