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How do I reset my digital rights management (DRM) folder in Windows Vista?

First check that your computer settings are correct.

However, if you need to reset your DRM folder in Windows Vista, please do the following:

Note: You first need to make sure you are logged onto your computer using an account with administrator privileges, not just local privileges. In addition, some users find that they have to disable User Account Control (UAC) and re-enable it after performing all these steps.

  1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Windows Taskbar. Select the Processes tab and for both kservice.exe and khost.exe then click End process. At the Task Manager warning on terminating a process click Yes.
  2. Verify that Windows is configured to show hidden files and protected operating system files. In Windows Vista Explorer, go to Organize then Folder and Search Options.
Vista folder options

3. In the View tab under Advanced settings, select Show hidden files and folders and uncheck the box next to Hide protected operating system files (Recommended). Then click Apply and OK.Vista hidden folder

4. Open the Windows Media DRM folder. This folder is usually at C:\Program Data\Microsoft\Windows\

In some cases you may need to manually add DRM to the address to access the folder – try copying and pasting the following address into your Explorer window: C:\Program Data\Microsoft\Windows\DRM

5. In the Windows Media DRM folder, select and delete all of the files, and then restart the computer. You may also need to reindividualise your DRM components by going to the Microsoft website.

You should now be able to play your video. If problems persist please see this guidance at the Microsoft support site.

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