What are about.xml Error Messages?

General about.xml Runtime Errors

about.xml file errors often occur during the startup phase of Winamp, but can also occur while the program is running. These types XML errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while Winamp is running. Here are some of the most common about.xml runtime errors:

• about.xml could not be found.
• about.xml error.
• about.xml failed to load.
• Error loading about.xml.
• Failed to register about.xml / Cannot register about.xml.
• Runtime Error - about.xml.
• The file about.xml is missing or corrupt.

Most XML errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your about.xml file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with Winamp), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, about.xml file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading Winamp, system crash while loading or saving about.xml, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.

How to Fix about.xml Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your about.xml issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the about.xml error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

You can uninstall Winamp software by following these instructions (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Uninstall" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click "Add or Remove Programs"
4. Find the entry for Winamp 5.8 beta build 3660 and click "Uninstall"
5. Follow the prompts for uninstallation.

After the software has been fully uninstalled, restart your PC and reinstall Winamp software.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

Winamp 5.8 beta build 3660

Nullsoft

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many about.xml error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the about.xml error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.

If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your about.xml File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate about.xml file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free about.xml files for every applicable version of Winamp. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download about.xml Files".
2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
3. Copy this file to the appropriate Winamp folder location:
   
   Windows 10: C:\Program Files (x86)\Winamp\Skins\Winamp Modern\about\
   Windows 10: C:\Program Files (x86)\Winamp\Skins\Big Bento\about\
   Windows 10: C:\Program Files (x86)\Winamp\Plugins\freeform\xml\about\
   
4. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.

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