Windows Movie Maker (WMM) is free downloadable software for Windows operating systems and often accompanies a PC purchase. WMM recognizes very limited audio and video file formats like .avi, .wmv, .mp3, .mpeg and others.
The two formats with the fewest number of compatibility issues are .avi and .wmv. However, the .avi format is more compatible with other programs, including Apple. A file can be converted into .avi using various file converters which are either free to download or bought cheaply.
Converting From Non-.avi to .avi Using Any Video Converter (AVC)
Launch Any Video Converter (AVC) by double-clicking on it. Click “Add Video.” Open the desktop folder containing the transferred video files and select the video file to be converted. Under “Profile” is a section called “Common Video Formats.” This option is on the upper right-hand side and contains a drop-down menu of various file formats.
Under “Common Video Formats” is an option called “Customized AVI movie.” Selecting this option will open the “Video Option Settings.” Under “Video Options,” select either “720x480” or “640x480” for Frame Size and under “Audio Options” the Sample Rate must be 48000 and the Audio Channel must be 2. Click “Output Folder” to select the destination folder to save the file. Select the proper location on your computer or external drive if it is connected.
Back on AVC, highlight the video file you selected earlier and then click “Convert.” A status bar will show the progress of the conversion. The bigger the file, the longer it takes to convert. Once the conversion is done, the “Status” section will say “Completed.” Click “File” and then “Exit.” Launch Windows Movie Maker and import the converted file into the software to start editing.
Converting From Non-.avi to .avi Using AVS Video Converter
Launch AVS Video Converter by double-clicking the icon. On the menu on top, select "to WMV." Under "Output file name:" select either a destination folder to save the converted .avi file. It can either be on your computer, an external hard drive or a flash drive.
Under "Profile," select: "HD Video 720p" if you want HD quality or select "Windows Media Video 9 Standard Quality" if you want the converted file to use less drive space but have a lower yet still decent video quality. Click "Convert." A status bar called "Overall Progress" will appear and show the percentage of the conversion. Exit AVS once finished.
Converting Non-.avi to .avi Using Movavi Video Suite 8's AVI Converter
Double-click on AVI Converter to launch. Click "+File" button to select the non-.avi video you want to convert. In the "Advanced" tab is a "Convert to" drop-down menu. Select the "AVI" video format. Under "Save to:" select the folder to specify where your converted file should be saved.
You can also tick any of the following check boxes if you want to: Output folder same as input, Overwrite existing files, and Open output folder when done. Click the "Convert" button. Once you're done, go to "File" and then exit to close the program.
Tips
- Save your files on a folder on your desktop so they can be quickly located.
- Name your files and folders something that you will remember later on for quick recall.
- To ensure you do not lose your edits, save early and save often in case the computer crashes.
Warnings
- If you are editing an important project, it is recommended that you backup your files to an external hard drive.
- Computers can sometimes crash, which can result in files going missing.
Elizabeth Stewart - Elizabeth Stewart has lived on four continents and speaks three languages. She has degrees in English and International Education, and has ...
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