plays only 4 seconds then stops (SOLVED)

[Rocki]

I discovered this problem today when yesterday it was fine. If I have one song to play, it only plays the first four seconds then stops. If I have a playlist, every third song plays four seconds. Help!

By the way, I had an older version yesterday and thought 5x would solve it but it hasnt!

UpDATE: now it only plays one second.

[siebe83]

what happens after that 3 secs (or 1)?
winamp crashes, gives an error, or just stops?
is it a mp3 file your playing, or wma?
is it happening with all songs?
what version are your running (5.03a?)?

do you use third-party plugins?
if so, try remove them or do a clean install
a clean install would be a good thing in general:
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread....29#post1212729
after that, install the update patch:
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread....179096#posttop
and also try the DirectSound Output tweaks

[Daveg]

Am having the same problem here but it also happens when streaming internet radio as well

any suggestions

[theknub]

is it just me, or have we had a rash of these tech issues lately?

@daveg... answer siebe83's questions 'cause either way it'll help us out.

[Daveg]

Thanks,

What happens it buffers plays 3 seconds then stops on net radio then on mp3 play 3 seconds and just stops

did a fresh re-install removing all ext plug ins so was just winamp on its own

Dave

[Daveg]

sorry forgot to say no error message is given either

[DJ Egg]

So... you can confirm that you've done a clean install, installed the update patch, and tweaked DirectSound Output... as recommended by siebe83?

[Daveg]

In answer to tyour question unistalled winamp making sure all plug ins that I had installed were unistalled then dowloaded winamp file + update patch installed winamp then patch also tweaked dso as well

[Daveg]

but still the same the funny thing until yeterday it was working ok no problems so still not working today

[Daveg]

gone over everything again but still not working

[Notre Dame 05]

Exact same thing happened to me - worked fine yesterday, now it's doing the exact same thing as Dave. Plays for a little bit, then stops on its own. No error message or anything. Just stops. I did everything - complete uninstall and reinstall, with patch. Still no dice. Never had a problem before.

Running Winamp 5.03 on Windows XP. Dell dimension 8100.

Thanks everybody.

[DJ Egg]

Most strange

Post a HijackThis log

Download and run the program
Click the Scan button.
This changes to a Save Log button.
Attach the txt file to a new post here
(attachment feature available c/o Post A Reply button)


Apart from that, try reinstalling your sound drivers & DirectX.

[Daveg]

as requested

[lemonchillman]

The exact same thing has started happening to me since yesterday. I've since been using Real player, but I miss my Winamp.

One thing I noticed, it occasionally opens some "Aquiring License" window, and says something about the song being a Napster song. I've never had problems with the music previously.

[DJ Egg]

@Daveg

Yeah, there's a few iffy spyware/malware entries in your list.

I recommend that you move HijackThis.exe into its own folder first, eg.
C:\Program Files\HijackThis

Now run it again and this time put a check against the following entries, and click the "Fix Checked" button.

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {029BB53A-C312-4b09-9B4F-ED57AF027B28} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\winhlp32.dll

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tesla] C:\Program Files\Tesla\Tesla.exe /TRAY

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [system check] C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\updater.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [websx] C:\Program Files\websx\int113780.exe -auto

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winhlp32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\winhlp32.exe

O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.150/010747036799417c1f19/netzip/RdxIE601.cab

O16 - DPF: {6C31790D-1EDF-4B05-83DC-925B3A8E2318} (Reactivator Class) - http://mp3university.com/autoupdater.cab

Now download and install both Spybot Search & Destroy and Adaware SE

Run them one after the other (not both at the same time).
Use the internal updaters to get the latest definition files
then run the scan and let them fix whatever they find.


If you're not using them regularly, I also suggest that you disable the following items from loading at startup:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Find Fast.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\FINDFAST.EXE
O4 - Startup: Office Startup.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA.EXE


Clean your system up, then get back to us.


@lemonchillman
Sounds similar to this recent case, where it turned out that the drm-licensed wma files downloaded from Napster were corrupt.

[Daveg]

thanks run both programes now

cleaned up

with those programs

it is only win amp that won't play mp3 or stream windows media player will play and stream + musicmatch juke box will only winamp is doing it.

Dave

[siuhrebel]

Same thing happened to me the other day. Winamp was working fine the the next day it would play for 4 seconds or just 1 second and just stop. Hope someone can find the solution.

[theknub]

@siuhrebel
have you read the thread? there are several suggestions of things to do. how about you try them and report back what you find.

[Daveg]

still the same as before

not working

[siebe83]

I just realized nobody has given any information about soundcards and windows versions.
Maybe it'll help you further to see if you have something in common.
Did you install the latest drivers for your soundcard?
(though i don't really think it has something to do with your soundcard, but heh, you never know)

Which output plugin are you using?
Any differences between DS and waveOutput?

{btw
@daveg: it's really difficult to read you posts, you know
english is not my native language...
try using a . or , once in a while, for instance
}

[Daveg]

Thank you for your reply.

Yes I did update the drivers for the sound card, they were already upto date and re-installed then to make sure as well.

Also unistalled Winamp and did a fresh re-install, still the same not working.

Running Window XP Pro.

Dave

[siebe83]

Originally posted by siebe83

Which output plugin are you using?
Any differences between DS and waveOutput?

Much more readable, btw

[JonnyMac]

Do you have a firewall? Make sure it is configured to allow Winamp full access. If you have a privacy/content protector then same may apply.

Does this happen when you "tune in" from MS Internet Explorer? I am rather doubtful this the issue, but try clearing your internet cache...

MS Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Options... > General tab > click the 'Delete Files' button under "Temporary Internet Files"
-or-
Control Panel > Internet Options icon > General tab > click the 'Delete Files' button under "Temporary Internet Files"

[Kickboy12]

Considering everyone is saying it has happened in the last few days, I'm thinking it has to do with a new windows update.

Just a thought.

[punkcrib]

I've been having the same exact problem. Just started within the past 3 or 4 days. I will try the hijackthis thing soon, but i just wanted to establish that I have a problem as well. Here are some of my specs (to see similarities)...

Windows XP,

Dell Inspiron 8200 (Laptop) with internal speakers

Winamp v5.03 full

Wireless Cable internet connection

Plugins: DreamRender

Norton Antivirus Corporate edition, with latest virus definition files

This is all I can think of that is relevent but I can give further info upon request. I do find it strange that the problem has just come about for everyone within the past few days. Could it be a windows update? Or with a virus update? I will post back the hijackthis report when it's complete. If anyone finds a solution please post!!! This is aggravating!! I hate using Windows Media Player!!! Thanks!!

[DJ Egg]

This is getting spooky

Can you all confirm that these are definitely mp3 files
and not drm-protected wma files.
Does it happen with ALL file formats, including MIDI, AudioCD, etc?

As specified above, please all confirm that you've:
done a clean install with NO 3rd-party plugins
(ie. you MUST delete the whole Winamp folder before reinstalling),
tweaked Directsound Output (Output Device = soundcard, hw acceleration = enabled),
and removed all spyware with Adaware and SpybotSD (making sure you've run the internal updaters before scanning).

Please also checkmark "do not allow media to auto switch to Now Playing" in Winamp Prefs > Media Library > Library Options tab.

I'm also assuming you've all made sure you've got the latest sound drivers and DirectX 9.0c, and you've also tried switching between DirectSound & WaveOut.

I've gotta say, you've all got us VERY baffled by this.
Never seen or heard anything like it before.
It almost sounds like some malware is being installed which sabotages Winamp.

[JonnyMac]

@ punkcrib

Your radio connection problem may have nothing to do with the following. Although the Norton issue is several months old your post reminded me of this...

Internet browsing slows down after installing Norton AntiVirus 2004

[gaekwad2]

Originally posted by DJ Egg
It almost sounds like some malware is being installed which sabotages Winamp.

Something new from creative?

(blindly guessing)

[Notre Dame 05]

DJ Egg:

Yes they are mp3's, and not corrupt or bad mp3's either. Mp3's that have been working on winamp for years.

I have done a clean install with the update.

I have tweaked Directsound Output.

Basically I turned off my computer at night and when I turned it on in the morning I had this problem. I have not done a windows update in a couple of weeks. My two bros have winamp and XP and are fine. I did not change anything on my computer, XP, or winamp, and this problem started. I have been running adaware, spybot, and norton's like crazy, and nothing has come up.

Thanks for any help everybody! I miss my winamp!

[punkcrib]

attached is the log file from hijackthis.

@dj egg

it IS definately mp3 files, as well as any other file. Most of these mp3s are ones i've ripped personally and have worked until now.

I have done a complete clean reinstall, deleting every file, skin, and plugin I could find, including the winamp.ini and winampa.ini files. I've installed the update patch and tweaked the directsound output (although, i could NOT check the hw acceleration enabled box, because it was greyed out...I dont know how to correct this in order to check it.)

I havent removed the adware or spyware, because I am unsure what you mean by running the internal updaters before scanning. please advise on this as well.

I've checked the 'do not allow media to auto switch...' box and I do have directx 9.0b installed.

@jonnymac

I am not having any problems with radio or its connections...I dont even use the radio feature. Its just I dont have the ease of using winamp anymore to play my music. Thanks anyway though :-)

[JonnyMac]

Oops, I misread Daveg's first post and thought this is a streaming issue.

[DJ Egg]

I strongly suggest that you send both Winhlp32.dll.exe and winhlp32.dll to Symantec/Norton for analyzing.
Do this before deleting them with HJT.
Maybe you could also copy all these files into one zip (including the two above, and autoupdater.cab & updater.exe) and then upload it to some webspace. Then provide a link for us to examine it.


According to this list, winhlp32.dll is Lizard Bar browser hijacker.
But there's no results on google for Winhlp32.dll.exe
and I would suspect this to be a virus/trojan/worm.

The only valid Windows file with a similar name is
Winhlp32.exe
which is Windows Help
and doesn't need to be loading at startup
(although it's clearly obvious that neither of winhlp32.dll or winhlp32.dll.exe are related to Windows Help)


Have HJT fix the following

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {029BB53A-C312-4b09-9B4F-ED57AF027B28} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\winhlp32.dll

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winhlp32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\winhlp32.dll.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [system check] C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\updater.exe

O16 - DPF: {6C31790D-1EDF-4B05-83DC-925B3A8E2318} (Reactivator Class) - http://www.mp3university.com/autoupdater.cab


Notice the similarities between your log and daveg's log!
Very similar!

You've definitely got something new there
and it would seem to be affecting/sabotaging winamp.



Re: SpybotSD & Adaware internal updaters...

When you open Spybot Search & Destroy
Click on "Search for Updates"
(big button, main window, 3rd button down of 3)
and let it download & install the latest definition/detection files.
Then click on the "Immunize" button on the left.
This will take a few seconds to load, so be patient.
You will then see a "+ Immunize" button at the top.
Click this to immunize your system.
Next, click on the "Search & Destroy" button (top left)
and then click the "Check for problems" button at the top.
Leave the scan to run, for however long it takes.
When done, select all items (if not already)
and click "fix selected problems"


For Adaware
when you open it, you will see a "Check for updates now" link, just above the big "Start" button (bottom right corner).
Click the link, and a new window will open.
Click the "connect" button
and let it download/install the latest definition/detection files (click "ok" to accept, then the "finish" button).
Now, back in the original window, click the "Start" button,
checkmark "perform a full system scan"
uncheck "search for negligible risk entries"
Click "Next" to start the scan
Fix everything it finds (checkmark all results, and click "Next")


Important: You must close all browser/email/explorer windows before fixing with HJT, SpybotSD and Adaware.


Also make sure your antivirus programs are fully up-to-date with the latest definitions.

There's definitely something weird & evil going on here
and we need to resolve it asap...

[punkcrib]

Alright I've done the spyware and adware programs....spyware said I had 78 problems...quite shocking I thought I was pretty good at not getting that stuff....eh so much for that thought.

I zipped the files you asked for....and a few extra files that looked similar (either by icon or date/name)...you can download the zip file here for inspection.

Just from browsing those files, they appear to have something to do with mp3university (or maybe not...but it appears that way). dave did you ever try to access this website/program? I have not signed up for it, but I do remember going there within the past month just browsing....not sure if this is of any help.


dj egg: how do you suggest I send norton the files? is there a 'report' email address or website to send these types of things to?


thanks for seeming so concerned about this problem and doing all you are to help fix it. I know programming bugs can be quite frustrating when trying to figure out, and I thank you for your help. hopefully we can get this taken care of! Thanks!


[Edit --> DJ Egg]
The link to punkcrib's zip is now dead.
I've put up a new link to it here

[punkcrib]

Ok....my Winamp now works as far as I can tell.

This is what I did (and I'm sure it will work for you too daveg):

After using HiJackThis (and with DJ Egg's help) to locate those nasty fake winhlp32.dll and winhlp32.dll.exe files, I used HJT to remove them. Only it didnt remove all of them. I went into Windows/system32 and located the winhlp32.dll.exe file (and a couple of text files also named winhlp32 that had just a few lines of 'code' in them) and tried to delete them manually. This worked for the text files, but not for the dll.exe file. It said it could not delete it because it was either write-protected or in use. So I did a control-alt-delete, and clicked the processes tab, and viola, there it was. I clicked on it and hit 'end process', and then tried to delete again...still same problem though.

I went back and looked at the proccesses screen, and there were about 4 or 5 more instances of this file running. It almost seemed that everytime I ended one, another one (or multiples) started again.

To get rid of it, obviously all of these instances must be stopped. So I had windows explorer opened and I single clicked on the winhlp32.dll.exe file (to highlight it), then brought the process screen to the front, and rapidly ended all of the winhlp32.dll.exe programs running, then hurried to explorer and deleted the file before it could restart. IT WORKED!!! The file deleted, which i removed from the recycle bin, and restarted. NO PROBLEMS ANYMORE!!!

I'm not sure what the hell caused this, but like I said, I think it has something to do with mp3university.com. Someone with the know-how should definitely check into this, as I'm sure many other people happen to have visited them and are having problems with winamp now.

All I know is that after HJT removed some of the files DJ Egg notified me of, and after I deleted the winhlp32.dll.exe file, winamp has worked fine. Maybe its only temporary (I hope not), but only time can tell.

Thanks so much to all of those that contributed to solving this problem. And while we might not know exactly what happened or why, at least we can take care of it now.

As long as my Winamp works, I'm a happy camper. Thanks again!!

[punkcrib]

On a side note, I dont know exactly when I visted mp3university, but I know it has been sometime now. Probably greater than 3 weeks. I dont know why this problem was dorment until now, or what caused it to activate suddenly and mess with winamp...it may not be direcetly related.

But then again it may be.

[Daveg]

Hey Guys,
Thank you all,

This was infact the problem that winhlp32.dll file was the problem.

it appears on start up and everytime you end the process it it re-appears but using hijack and finaly deleting this file winamp works again.

Would just like to say a big thank you to you all as this was the first time I used the forum.

Best wishes

Dave

[skulinex]

thank God I just registered to ask about this problem and found this tread, it JUST happened to me about an hour ago, only this computer <running two computers, playing winamp on both, on the same radio station> and the winamp on this pc went crazy, wouldnt play any songs for more than 4 seconds, sometimes 1 second nor load the station for more than 2 sec or so.. Im going to try to fix it with all the info in this tread and let yall know how it goes..

[gaekwad2]

Btw the winhlp32.exe in punkcrib's zip seems to be fake as well.

The real ones (for XP home SP1) are 266kb (in windows, sp files and dll cache) and 8kb (in system32), have a different icon and different file properties (most notably the same version number as windows).

[skulinex]

I found the darn winhlp32 file, it has a yellow icon, there were 2 of them and after running hjt, and deleting most of it, still can get rid of that one specifically, but after deleting the other one <same icon slightly different name> winamp runs normal again.. btw im running xp pro, sp1&2, all up to date, dell dimension 8100

[Daveg]

I also had a problem with Neato MediaFace 4 software crashing when I asked for a web update, as with winamp since removing that darn file it its ok now.

Dave