Error Message "Automation Server Can't Create Object" Using ActiveX Control in Skins (286373)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Player 7
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player 7.1
This article was previously published under Q286373

SYMPTOMS

When you are viewing a custom Windows Media Player skin, you may receive the following error message:
Automation server can't create object

CAUSE

The fix for a security issue disables the use of ActiveX controls that are embedded in a Windows Media Player skin. The fix that is described in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article disables this functionality:

280419 Patch Available for '.asx Buffer Overrun' and '.wms Script Execution' Vulnerabilities

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

With the Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 Software Development Kit (SDK), you can design your own skins to change the look of Windows Media Player. A typical skin contains several bitmaps and a .wms (script) file. The script file allows you to use Visual Basic Scripting Edition or JScript to control how the skin functions. The SDK does not mention the use of ActiveX controls; using ActiveX controls is not supported.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/31/2003
Keywords:kberrmsg kbpending kbprb KB286373
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.