Here is a quick workaround to get your VM Express player up and running. Seems it tries to connect to the Internet for updates every time you open it. Now if there is a problem downloading that update, you will see the error above.

Just disable your network card before you open the player and enable it once again after the player loads. Go to Start->Control Panel->Network settings.

I think Prowess should put a “Skip Update” option as well on that update form.