Err Msg: Cannot Determine the Device from the Given File Name

 Last reviewed: March 16, 1998
Article ID: Q171667
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to open a file with a .wav or .avi extension, you may receive the following error message: 

   Cannot determine the device from the given file name extension

CAUSE

This error message can occur if a registry value under one of the following registry keys is missing: 

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\MCI

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
   \MCI Extensions

   NOTE: The above registry key is one path; it has been wrapped for
   readability.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

Use Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) to view the following registry key: 

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\
   MCI Extensions
Verify that the following values exist under the following key(s): 

   Value name: avi
   Value type: REG_SZ
   Value data: AVIVideo

   Value name: Mid
   Value type: REG_SZ
   Value data: Sequencer

   Value name: rmi
   Value type: REG_SZ
   Value data: Sequencer

   Value name: Wav
   Value type: REG_SZ
   Value data: WaveAudio
If any of these values are missing, click Add Value on the Edit menu to add them.

Additional query words: 4.00 filename
Keywords : NTWkst kbenv kberrmsg
Version : WINDOWS:4.0
Platform : WINDOWS

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: March 16, 1998
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.