How to Fix Error 0xc00d5212 in Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is an application that has been around for several years, and went through a lot of changes as the system itself grew and improved. However, this doesn’t mean that all errors were removed from the software. Many users have been running into the error code 0xc00d5212 when trying to play a .avi file in Windows Media Player.

Learn how to troubleshoot error 0xc00d5212 in Windows Media Player by reading our step-by-step guide below. No need to be a technician to fix things — even with no background in computers, you can follow our instructions to get rid of the pesky error and enjoy your videos again.

Method 1. Update your display adapter driver
Method 2. Install the K-Lite Codec
Method 3. Fix Registry issues with CCleaner
Method 4. Convert the .avi video to a different file format
Method 5. Use a different media player
Final thoughts

Method 1. Update your display adapter driver

In some cases, an outdated display adapter driver may cause issues with video playback. This can potentially lead to Windows Media Player displaying the notorious 0xc00d5212 error code.

Update display adapter driver manually

Check the type of graphics card you’re using:
- Press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard at the same time. This will bring up the Run utility.
- Type in “dxdiag” without the quotation marks, and press the OK button. This is the shortcut to reach the DirectX Diagnostics tool, which allows you to view information about your system.
- Switch to the Display tab.
- Under Device, take note of the name and manufacturer of your graphics card.
Go to the corresponding manufacturer’s website, and then navigate to their download page. Here are some of the most common manufacturers’ web pages where you can find driver downloads:
Find your graphics card model using the provided search tools, and download its newest driver.
Download and install the latest driver by double-clicking on the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. You might be prompted to restart your device.

Note: Always make sure that you’re always downloading and installing the correct driver that matches your graphics card. If you’re uncertain, try searching on Google, or contact the customer service of your manufacturer.

After updating your drivers, check if you’re able to play the video file in Windows Media Player.

Update display adapter driver automatically

Press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard at the same time. This will bring up the Run utility.
Type in “devmgmt.msc” without the quotation marks, and press the OK button. This will take you to the Device Manager window.
Expand the Display adaptors section by clicking on the arrow icon to the left.
Right-click on your current driver, and then select the Update driver option.
Click on Search automatically for updated driver software to allow Windows 10 to automatically update your driver.

Method 2. Install the K-Lite Codec

If you’re missing a codec, you’ll inevitably run into issues when trying to play video files. Luckily, the fix is simple: all you have to do is install the K-Lite codec.

Navigate to the K-Lite Codec Pack Download page on Codec Guide.
Click on the Download Basic link.
Open the file you just downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions to install the codec pack.

Method 3. Fix Registry issues with CCleaner

Many users have reported that the issue with Windows Media Player not playing .avi video files comes from faulty Registry entries. The easiest way of cleaning up your registry is by installing and using a freeware application called CCleaner.

Download CCleaner by clicking here. This is the official website, meaning that all downloads are safe from any malware.
Click on the setup file you just downloaded to launch the installation wizard. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to install CCleaner onto your device.
Launch CCleaner using a created shortcut or the search bar.
First, select Cleaner from the left-side panel. Simply click the blue Run Cleaner icon to begin the process. Optionally, you can uncheck any options that you don’t want to delete before beginning the cleaning.
Wait until the cleaning is complete, then switch to the Registry tab.
Click the Scan for Issues button and wait for CCleaner to identify any Registry errors. If any issues are found, click on Fix selected issues.
- Important: choose Yes when prompted to make a backup of your Registry. You should always have a backup to restore your previous values if something goes wrong during the cleaning process.
Click Fix All Selected Issues to quickly get your Registry issues resolved, or individually review each problem using the arrows on the left.
Restart your computer.

Method 4. Convert the .avi video to a different file format

If the video format isn’t important to you, try converting your .avi file into a different playable format. To get this done, we’ll be using a free website. However, premium applications allow you a bigger selection of formats, faster conversion, and the ability to convert files offline.

Navigate to:
Click on the Choose Files button, then select the video file that doesn’t play in Windows Media Player.
Make any changes you wish to the aspect ratio, video resolution, and frame rate.
In the Select video codec drop-down menu, select h.264 (default) to convert your video into a .mp4 file. If a different file format is more desired, you can use the other codecs.
Click on the Start conversion button to convert your video.

Method 5. Use a different media player

Nothing has worked? Maybe it’s time to give a new media player a try. If Windows Media Player is unable to play your video, we recommend choosing a different third-party solution to get the job done.

Our top pick for the best media player for Windows 10 is the VLC Player. It comes with a plethora of features to make your viewing experience better. You can download it for free from the VideoLAN Organization.

Final thoughts

If you need further help with Windows 10, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team, available 24/7 to assist you. Return to us for more informative articles all related to productivity and modern-day technology!

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