Fix NS_E_WMP_CONVERT_NO_RIGHTS_ERRORURL (0XC00D1159) in Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player can't add a file because the content provider blocks it. This usually happens with DRM-protected or corrupted media files. Here's the quick fix and why it happens.
Quick answer (for the pros)
Delete the corrupted license or DRM metadata in the file's properties. Right-click the file, go to Details, and remove any DRM-related tags. If that doesn't work, convert the file to a non-DRM format using something like VLC or HandBrake.
Why this error shows up
I've seen this error a bunch of times, mostly from folks who downloaded music or video files from services like Zune (yeah, that old) or older Amazon Music purchases. The error code 0XC00D1159 means Windows Media Player thinks the file is still tied to a content provider that's long gone or the DRM license is corrupt. Had a client last month whose entire music library from 2009 gave this error—the DRM servers for that service shut down years ago. So WMP can't verify the rights, and it blocks the file from being added to the library.
Sometimes it's not even DRM—just a corrupted file header or metadata that confuses WMP into thinking there's a rights issue. Either way, the fix is the same.
Fix steps (do these in order)
- Right-click the problematic file in File Explorer and select Properties.
- Go to the Details tab.
- Look for any field labeled Protected, DRM, or Content Provider. If you see one, click it and hit Remove or clear the value.
- Click OK and try adding the file to WMP again.
- If the file still errors out, open it in Notepad (yes, really). You'll see garbage, but scroll to the top—if you see anything like
ASForDRMin plain text, that's your culprit. You can't fix it there, but it confirms the DRM marker is baked into the file. - Use a tool like VLC Media Player or HandBrake to convert the file to a DRM-free format like MP3 or MP4. In VLC: Media > Convert/Save, pick the file, choose a format, and save. In HandBrake: just drag the file in and encode to MP4.
- After conversion, the new file will have no DRM metadata. Add it to WMP and it'll work fine.
Alternative fix if the main one fails
If converting doesn't fix it (rare, but happens), the issue might be with WMP's library itself. Reset WMP's database by closing WMP, then open Command Prompt as admin and run: regsvr32 wmp.dll. Reboot, then try again. I've also seen third-party codec packs (like K-Lite) cause conflicts—if you have those installed, uninstall them temporarily and test.
Still no luck? Try using a different media player altogether. Honestly, WMP is ancient and Microsoft hasn't updated it for DRM in years. Something like VLC or MPC-HC will play those files without complaining.
Prevention tip
Stop buying DRM-locked media from any store that ties playback to a specific player or service. Stick to DRM-free formats like MP3, FLAC, or MP4. If you have old purchases, convert them now before the DRM servers go dark. I lost a client's entire iTunes library from 2010 because Apple killed the DRM authorization for that era—same principle applies here.
Also, if you're ripping CDs to WMP, make sure you're using MP3 or WMA without DRM protection. In WMP's rip settings, go to Options > Rip Music and set Format to MP3 or WMA, and uncheck any box about copy protection. That'll save you this headache down the road.
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