MMSYSTEM004 / device is already in use

[Mr. Ice]

the "MMSYSTEM004 / device is already in use" error message is caused when you try to play multiple sounds at once on an old sound card. Old sound cards can only handle one sound at a time so when you try to play two or more, it results in an error. The quick solution for winamp is to change from the waveout plugin to the directsound plugin. (preferences -> plug-ins -> output: nullsoft directsound) If this doesn't work, try upgrading your soundcard's drivers, and if that still doesn't work, then your DirectX drivers (http://www.microsoft.com/directx/homeuser/downloads/default.asp).


More info/tips here:

From: TSGH -> Useful Links (http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=36850)

RE: MMSYSTEM004 Error (Device already in use):
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=26288
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=32707
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=31953
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=31545
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=25764
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=31957

<blockquote><blockquote>{Edited by DJ-Egg : Jan 2002}</blockquote></blockquote>

[Winsane]

If you get the MMSYSTEM004 error message while trying to play WMA files, despite having Winamp set to use the DirectSound output plug-in, read this thread:
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=31963

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[Edited by DJEgg on 12-17-2000 at 10:59 AM]