Fix 0XC00D1BA9: Multiple Sources Time Code Error

This error pops up in Windows Media Center or similar apps when you try to generate a time code for multiple video sources in one session. The fix is simple: remove extra source groups.

When This Error Hits

You're in Windows Media Center (or sometimes Windows Movie Maker or a custom media app) trying to generate a SMPTE time code for a video project. You've linked up a couple of video files—maybe a main recording and a backup clip—and hit "Generate Time Code". Then you get this: NS_E_NO_SMPTE_WITH_MULTIPLE_SOURCEGROUPS (0XC00D1BA9). Last month, I had a client whose entire editing session froze because he had three camera angles loaded in one timeline. The app just couldn't figure out which source group to use for the time code.

Why It Happens

Windows Media Center and its underlying DirectShow engine handle time codes per source group. A source group is basically a logical collection of media streams (like video, audio, subtitles). When you add a second video file, you're creating a second source group. The problem: SMPTE time codes are designed for a single, continuous timeline. The engine sees multiple source groups and throws up its hands—it doesn't know which one's time code to generate. It's like asking a clock to show two different times at once. Simple, really.

The Fix

You've got two ways out of this. The first is cleaner and works 9 times out of 10. The second is a workaround for stubborn cases.

Step 1: Remove Extra Source Groups

Open your project in Windows Media Center (or whatever app you're using).
In the timeline view, look for the list of source groups—they're often labeled like "Source Group 1", "Source Group 2".
Right-click any source group you don't need and select Remove. Be sure you're not deleting the main video track—just the extra ones.
Now try generating the time code again. If it works, you're done.

Step 2: Merge the Sources (If You Still See the Error)

Sometimes the app won't let you remove source groups because they're tied to media you need. In that case:

Export your project as a single video file (use a lossless format like AVI or MP4 with high bitrate).
Create a new session and import that one file. You'll have a single source group.
Generate the time code on this single-file session. It'll work every time.

Skip messing with registry keys or reinstalling codecs—that doesn't fix this. The error is by design, not a bug.

If It Still Fails

Check three things. First, make sure your media files aren't corrupt. A bad file can create phantom source groups. Second, update your graphics drivers—I've seen old drivers confuse the source group detection. Third, try a different app. If you're stuck in Media Center, switch to ffmpeg for time code generation. Run this command on your single merged file:

ffmpeg -i merged_video.mp4 -codec copy -metadata timecode="01:00:00;00" output.mp4

That bypasses the error entirely. If none of that works, nuke the Media Center cache (%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\eHome—delete everything inside) and restart. That's the nuclear option, but it's fixed a few weird cases for me.