Best Way to Fix VLC Unable to Open the MRL File [with Alternative]

Can't you open your MRL file on your VLC Media Player? Then, there are various reasons why such errors occur. If you want to find out why the program can't open the file, you must come to this post. You will also get to get all the possible solutions to fix the problem. Aside from that, in the latter part of this content, you will discover the most powerful software to use as an alternative to VLC to play video files. With that, come here and begin fixing the VLC unable to open MRL error. After that, we will ensure that you will be more knowledgeable enough to fix the problem without facing any struggle during the process.

Part 1. Why VLC is Unable to Open the MRL

There are various reasons why your MRL file can't be played on your VLC Media Player. But before discussing the possible reasons, let us give you an idea about the File. An MRL file, or Media Resource Locator, is a URI, or Uniform Resource Identifier, used for the retrieval of multimedia sources and precise identification. It locates applications in media players, such as Xine media players, Java Media Framework API, and VideoLAN.

Going back to our main discussion, there are various reasons why VLC can't play MRL files. The error arises when the program tries to open a file or stream a video that came from outside of the computer. It occasionally happens when the file comes from an online website, external storage, another server, and more. With that, the error will display, which means that playing the file is impossible. So, if you encounter this type of issue on your VLC, you must proceed to the next section to see all the go-to solutions to use to solve the problem.

Part 2. How to Fix VLC Unable to Open the MRL

If you want to learn how to fix VLC unable to open the MRL file, you can sit and relax while reading this section. We will give you all the possible solutions you can use to solve the error on your media player effectively.

Method 1: Claim File Ownership

Some users encounter the ' VLC unable to open MRL ' error when getting the MRL file from hard drives or flash drives in VLC. This error occurs due to insufficient permissions associated with the MRK file during playback. To fix the error, you can try claiming ownership of the files before opening them in your VLC program.

Step 1. Browse your MRF file and right-click on it to see the Properties section. Then, go to the Security option and click the Advanced button.

Step 2. After that, click Change, input 'Administrator' in the given field, and click OK.

Step 3. Check the box beside Replace all child object… option. Then, hit Apply to save the changes.

Method 2: Turn Off the Windows Firewall

Another important factor to consider is the Windows Firewall. It can be another reason why VLC is incapable of successfully playing MRL files. The firewall might block the necessary ports for the program to stream or play MRL file content.

Step 1. Proceed to your WIndows' Search Bar and search for the Windows Firewall Defender.

Step 2. From the left interface, select the Allowed app option. Then, go to VLC and enable both Private and Public options next to it. Once done, click OK.

Method 3: Reset Preferences

You can also try resetting the VLC Media Player's Preferences. Resetting it can help the software eliminate or remove some problematic settings that cause the program to be unable to open a file.

Step 1. Open the VLC Media Player and proceed to the Tools > Preferences option.

Step 2. After that, go to the bottom interface and click the Reset Preferences option. The resetting process will begin.

Method 4: Reinstall the VLC Media Player

There are times when the problem is not the file but the program. Maybe you downloaded the software incompletely or are using an outdated version of VLC. In that case, you can try reinstalling the program. With that, you can get the latest version, which can help you fix the unable to play video error.

Step 1. Go to your Search Bar and insert Add and Remove programs. The mini windows will then appear on your screen.

Step 2. Look for the VLC Media Player program and click the three-dot button to click the Uninstall button. After that, you can go to its main web page to access and download its latest version.

With this method, there is a high chance that you can already open the MRL file on VLC Media Player. So, if you encounter the same error when operating the software, feel free to try these effective solutions.

Part 3. Tips: How to Open MRL File on VLC

Let us give you some tips on opening your MRL effectively on your VLC. This will give you an idea of how to deal with your MRL files to get an amazing viewing experience.

• You can directly paste the MRL by going to the Media > Open Network Stream option.
• The Playlist feature can help you open the MRL by adding a stream and pasting the link into the input field.
• Always ensure that the MRL file is formatted appropriately according to the supported protocol.
• If you want to play the MRL file effectively, you can try installing plugins or codecs.

Part 4. Best Alternative to VLC

Another way to effectively playback video is to use an exceptional media player, like Vidmore Player. This media player can be an amazing VLC alternative when it comes to playing various files on Windows and Mac computers. It can even support high-quality videos up to 8K for a better viewing experience. Aside from that, you can also capture your favorite scene by using the Snapshot feature. With that, you can enjoy watching your favorite videos while taking screenshots at the same time. So, if you need an outstanding media player that can provide all your needs, try this software right now!

Part 5. FAQs about VLC Unable to Open the MRL

What is an MRL file?

It is a text-based file that contains a URL or Uniform Resource Locator, pointing to a media resource, such as an audio or video stream.

How to fix the VLC error when your input can't be opened?

There are various ways to fix the error. You can try repairing the file, converting it to the most popular format, reinstalling the software, and more. The best way to fix it is to troubleshoot. That will give you an idea of how to solve the error.

Why can't I open files in VLC?

VLC can't open files for some reason. Maybe it doesn't support the file format. Another reason is you are dealing with a corrupted file, or the problem is the program itself. So, after dealing with the file, you can also try reinstalling the software to get a higher chance of success.

Conclusion

If you want to know how to fix VLC's inability to open an MRL file, this guide can help. You can also see various reasons why your program can't open the file. Aside from that, if you are searching for an effective alternative to VLC to play various files, check the capability of Vidmore Player. This offline media player can give you amazing viewing experiences, making it powerful software for all users.