Can't play local files

[DylanW]

I've seen this topic elsewhere, but the typical solutions suggested there (MP3 codecs, Quicktime reinstall) don't work for me.

Description

Some (but not all) local MP3 files don't play for me.

It seems to be something about the file itself: all songs on a single album will either work or not work.

A more detailed description, using numbered steps

1. I added my collection from a Windows file share through Preferences > Local Files.

2. I removed all other local file sources (Windows Music Library, iTunes, Windows Media Player).

3. I let Spotify sync local files.

4. I attempted to play a song. As in the description, some songs will play and some will not.

5. If I re-install Spotify and let it process all local files again, the same albums will not play.

6. I have also tried installing a new MP3 codec and reinstalling Quicktime, but it has not fixed the problem.

What I expected to happen

All local MP3 files should play.

What actually happened

Some, but not all, local files don't play. When I load a file that doesn't play:

• The song information and album cover is shown as the current track.
• I can click the Play/Pause button back and forth.
• I do not see a current time or a position indicator in the track at the bottom of the screen.
• These songs are not hidden by Preferences > Playback > Hide Unplayable Tracks so Spotify seems to recognize them as playable.

My Operating System

Windows 7 64-bit, Ultimate, SP1

My Spotify version

0.9.0.133.gd18ed589

My internet provider and country

Charter

Did you do a clean install of your current Windows version or did you upgrade from a previous version?

Clean install

My username

dylan_wolf

[Peter__]

Strange, where did the files you are having issues with come from?

Peter

[DylanW]

One album I've had this problem with was purchased from an artist's site (topspin.net), and another was downloaded from Noisetrade.com.

[Peter__]

Are those files DRM protected? 

Have a read at this article which outlines how to check 😉 

Peter

[DylanW]

Weirdly, they don't show either "Yes" or "No" in the Protected field--it's just blank. However, they play in other software (Zune, VLC).

Other MP3s that work have "No" in that column, though.

[digger5150]

I have the EXACT SAME problem with EXACTLY THE SAME SETUP. I'm a premium subscriber and I'm NOT happy.

[digger5150]

I uninstalled and re-installed Quicktime. I guess it was a DRM/Apple issue. That fixed it for me. I hope it works for you as well.

[Rollo_]

You can also try Mp3 Validator.  The first link on the page is the Windows version including GUI.  It will repair problem files instantly.  I recommended it to another Spotify user and it worked for him.  Its a portable program, no install necessary.

Drag and drop to add the files, scan, view problem files, repair.  Easy peazy.  Repairs a variety of issues.

[lauraluvtea]

I'm having the exact same problem right now. It's just certain tracks. I get the "cannot play file" message every time, have taken every step mentioned but still not working. Absolute nightmare.