I sometimes purchase and download DRM protected WMV video files for WMP 9
(Windows 98). The first time I play each file I go through the required
online licensing process (and I do backup my licenses).

But most of the time these files will not open on subsequent plays unless I
am online each time I open them. I don't have to go through the licensing
process again, I just have to be online when I try to open the file,
otherwise the WMP "opening media..." indicator just shows continually and
nothing happens. (After a file is open it is playable offline until I close
it.)

The file suppliers have told me that this is not normal behavior, and that I
shouldn't need to be online other than during the intial (i.e., licensing)
play.

I have noticed that when I open the file while online, thus allowing it to
play, my firewall log shows that WMPLAYER.EXE has accessed the internet, and
the Web History section also shows the entry:
"http://crl.microsoft.com/pki/crl/products/CodeSignPCA.crl" .

Thanks in advance for any ideas on what might be going on and how to fix it.