Sunday, January 27, 2013

Installing Windows Movie Maker 6.0 on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10

If you are reading this, I'm going to assume you've upgraded or purchased at least one PC with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10 and discovered Windows Movie Maker is no where to be found. In its place, Microsoft offered a set of programs called "Windows Essentials" which included Movie Maker 2011 or 2012.

Many people have tried these versions of Movie Maker 2011 or 2012 and complained about the lack of a traditional timeline, issues with crashing, long times to prepare video files and the inability to customize the transitions, effects and titles. If you have been building up a library of custom titles, transitions and effects under Windows Movie Maker 6.0, none of these can be used in the newest Movie Maker because the rendering architecture has changed and Microsoft has no API for customizing things.

The good news is you can still use the latest version of Windows Movie Maker 6.0 from Vista. You can do this manually by copying the files from a Vista machine, registering some DLLs and creating a shortcut in your start menu. Or you can just use the installers I created below:
Movie Maker 6.0 for Windows 7/8/8.1/10 (64-bit)
Movie Maker 6.0 for Windows 7/8/8.1/10 (32-bit)
There are two versions (64-bit or 32-bit) depending on the version of Windows you are running. If you are unsure, go to your 'Start' menu, right-click on 'Computer' and choose 'Properties'. System type should show 64-bit or 32-bit operating system. Pick the installer that matches. After that, don't forget to start previewing all the cool add-ons that you can have with this version.

Note: I'm turning off comments on this thread since there are more than 200.
Update: Newer browsers have started blocking (MSI) installer files. If you are having this problem, right-click on the link and choose "Open in new window". You'll see the URL ending in .MSI at the top of your browser. Highlight that name and press Enter until the file downloads. After that you should be able to see the download at the bottom and then click the little arrow and choose "Open". That should then start the installation process.

206 comments:

  1. Thanks for your informative blog. I have been trying to use movie maker with a windows 7 machine and i discovered I had to use windows live to save any downloaded files from my 2yo sony hidef handycam. (mini dv). Since the sony software saves the files in m2t format, WMM won't recognize them. WLMM does however and you can save the file in wmv format and then import to WMM. One question I have is sometimes I get a weird vertical stretch artifact (kinda like sergio leone in fist full of dollars and other spaghetti westerns). IT seems to have something to do with using hi def mode in the sony. Have you got any idea how I might use hidef and not get this sergio leone effect? Thanks for any information.
    Pafnuty

    ReplyDelete
  2. Blaine,

    Thank you SO MUCH for this! I had been using Vista for 2 years and the "good" version of Movie Maker all that time. I just bought a new computer with Windows 7 and the only choices were Movie Maker 2.6 (ie. the old version) and Movie Maker Live (designed for 3 year olds).

    MUCH Appreciate your efforts!!

    Robert Werner
    Vancouver, BC - Honolulu, HI

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pafnuty, you might try my Custom Resize Effects. They work with WMM 6.0.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Blaine HELP! I just downloaded mm6 to my windows 7 machine and it opens and looks great! I saved a file, but when I try to open it the computer says it was saved in a format that is not supported. All the effects and transitions were working great in the file when it was open. The program then removes all the pictures and opens an empty template. I am using the 64 bit version.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi there,
    I'm not that expirienced but I'd like to use the effects like "slow down" and "speed up" film from WMM, then save the file and reopen it in WLMM for further editing. Is it "safe" to have both programmes installed on my computer or will there be a some kind of conflict between the two video editors.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've got both loaded. WMM goes under a "Movie Maker" folder while WLMM goes under a "Live" folder. They won't conflict.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The 64bit loaded up just fine on my Win7 PC but it crashed while working on a project. The autosave feature was enabled for 10min intervals but no idea where the autosaved file is. I only see a 3kb .TMP file in the folder. Any ideas? THANKS!

      Delete
    2. @Buckscaper, if the AutoRecover feature works, the next time you restart Movie Maker it offers to load your recovered files. But the bigger question is why you are encountering crashing. For best results, work with .wmv videos and .wma audio. You can check Freemake for a couple of conversion programs.

      Delete
    3. Yeah...that didn't happen :-) - the offer to load recovered files that is. I had interim saved about 20 mins prior but evidently I'd been very efficient in the subsequent time because when I opened the saved file I was VERY surprised to see how much was missing! I had been working only with JPGs - loading them into MM the goal being to make a slideshow type movie with titles on the different photos. No audio and I had not yet published. Had imported 20 JPGs about a meg each and had added about 12 of them to the timeline with titles and transitions between. My saved file only had 4 of the images in the timeline, so I lost quite a bit of work. Thank you though for the info and thanks for this site and all the tips. Yesterday was the first time I started WLMM on my relatively new Win7 machine and about fell over when I realized that it wasn't the same program I'd been using the last couple of years. Being able to so quickly load and run it was great. I'm just going to save much more often and hope there are no more crashes.

      Delete
  7. hey man you are a genius; you can't imagine my stress when I realized all the things I got used with Vista Mvker was not there anymore...And thanks for all your help and the effects; without you all my work as a poet was to be thrown out the window (s) 7 lol!

    thanks again for all the professional work you have done all these years!!

    halkios

    ReplyDelete
  8. Blaine, did you know that Windows Live Movie Maker can support custom effects? MonkMan828 has figured out how. I can't say that making more custom effects on Live Movie Maker's new architecture will be easy, but it is possible. Check out this forum on Movie Maker Forums. No joke.

    http://www.windowsmoviemakers.net/Forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=217724

    ReplyDelete
  9. OMG I seriously love you for this. I've missed old wmv so much since i got windows 7 it's sick.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Blaine. You are a fantastic fella, did you know? I need to pick your brain...

    I currently have a laptop with Vista 32-bit and am looking to get a smokin' new desktop but they only come with Win7. Do you know if I have to get the 32-bit version in order to my Vista WMM or will it work on either the 32 or 64?

    Does your installer only do the registry stuff? So I'll have to copy my Vista WMM first and then run your program?

    Thanks so much for doing all this!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Is 2.6 the same as 6, and can I use all your wonderful effects and trasitions with 2.6?
    Anyone know how I can output a file to DVD 720 x576 for the PAL format in Windows Live Movie Maker?
    Thank you for all the work you have done to help us over the years.

    ReplyDelete
  12. UhSir, the installers have all you need. Pick the one that matches your new desktop.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thornie, 2.6 is a recompiled version of the XP version of WMM (e.g. 2.0, 2.1, 2.6).
    Version 6.0 is the version from Vista that uses the GPU for its engine.
    The short answer is "no, 2.6 is not the same as 6.0".

    ReplyDelete
  14. Nick, I'm well aware that WLMM has the capability to support customizing transitions/titles/effects using the X3D(VRML) engine. I too have experimented with the files in the Templates folder.

    However, I'm really hoping, like prior versions of WMM, that Microsoft will publish an official document on how to do that, rather than leaving it to us to figure out via experimentation. It's also possible the interface may change in later versions, so I'm reticent to delve to deeply into this.

    However, I encourage experimentation, and as people find things out let me know. Perhaps we'll have to rely on the user community figuring it all out, rather than Microsoft publishing a spec. That's how custom titles came about in WMM 2.x and 6.0.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I lobe you i love you i love you i love you. This is exactly what i needed to edit my videos, WLMM just doesnt have enough effects for me to use. Again I love you i love you!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Blaine,

    Thank you so much for all your time and effort put into this installer package. I was frustrated with the Windows Live Movie Maker and this solved my problems! I also installed the "speed up/slow down" effects. The whole process was fast and easy.

    D

    ReplyDelete
  17. You are such a life saver! :D
    I was excited when I bought my new Windows 7 computer but HORRIFIED when I opened up the Windows Live Movie Maker. I was like WHAT IS THIS? I been making movies with the 2.6 version of movie maker and finally came back to your blog and saw this and was like HALLELUJAH!!!!!!
    Thank you so much! :D can't say how happy you've made me right now! :D

    ReplyDelete
  18. I got a copy of the 32 bit 6.0 from someone, which installed on my windows 7 but won't play my unfinished projects. Only the source video shows up in imported media -- not the clips. and no clips in the timeline (just titles).

    I was not able to pull the 6.0 off my dead vista because I couldn't work out registering the dlls. Nothing worked.

    I haven't yet tried importing the projects into a friend's Vista.

    Short of that, has anyone solved this commonly reported problem? I did install a 32 bit WMM6.0 on a 64 bit machine, but I have read that you can do that. It went into program files (x86) of course. My projects were created on a 32 bit Vista. Do you think I should have installed the 64 bit? I could try the one here. Have people successfully accessed old program files created on a 32 bit program -- on a 64 bit? For that matter, has anyone been successful at accessing unfinished WMM6.0 projects by any means whatsoever? Some of my projects are short with no titles and transitions, so that's not the problem. They wouldn't play in WLMM or 2.6 either.

    The wmm projects were pulled from the hard drive of my old laptop (now an external drive).

    thanks!
    S.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Also, I believe that before I installed WMM6.0 my program files had the Wmm icon for either 6.0 or 2.6, depending on which program I was trying (unsuccessfully) to import them into (2.6 or my Vista 6.0 without the proper dlls installed). Now they are just blank.

    It's also possible this change happened today when I opened up WLMM for the first time.

    Anyone experienced this?
    S.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Susan, the issue is not the version of Movie Maker. The issue is you have just pulled the project file, not the source video and audio. A WMM project file is more like a recipe or a playlist. It tells the order of clips, where you want edits, what transitions you want, etc. But it contains no video or audio, just references to where the files are on your computer.

    Until you movie the video and audio files to the same location as before, you will see Red Xs instead. If you have the clips in a different folder, double-click the Red Xs and pick the new location.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Susan, also it is not a good idea to mix and match 2.6 and 6.0. They try to use the same database of imported media and switch back and forth with mess each one up. Pick one and stick with it. WMM 2.6 is essentially the XP version recompiled for machines with inadequate graphics cards. Most users should be using the WMM 6.0 version.

    Projects from 6.0 cannot be opened in 2.6.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have a question; I downloaded the 64 bit vers. of the WMM 6.0 you gave a download link for, and, I'm a little curious as to whether or not there are any custom effects/transitions out there for it that can open w/o the Windows 7 going "Screw it." and not completely opening/configuring it all the way?

    Just a little curious is all because I had certain ones my old Windows XP OS WMM that worked and loved 'em to bits...but then I stupidly got rid of 'em suspecting they wouldn't work w/the Windows 7 vers.

    Any helpful hints or possible people I should check out for effects that will work on a WMM 6.0 downloaded to a Windows 7 laptop?

    Thank you for your time in reading this, and if anyone else knows of any answers, feel free to speak out. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  23. LoneWolf, basically any of the effects/transitions/titles designed for the Vista version (WMM 6.0) will work. Mine will work if you copy everything that installs under the C:\Program Files (x86)\Movie Maker folder to the same location just under C:\Program Files\Movie Maker.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Blaine,
    Thank you. Double clicking on the red X to browse for the file did work -- like magic.

    Also, deleting 2.6 made my mm6 icons show up again on the project files-- for what that's worth.

    A thousand thanks.

    BTW. since my MM6 help menus died with my Vista computer, do you know where some kind of tutorial for MM6 is? I haven't yet found one online.
    Susan
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  25. The program isn't letting me publish any videos. :( What's wrong? The only custom effect I've been using is the speed up/slow down.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Yawniebug, check your source file types. WMM prefers WMV for video and WMA for audio. Other types (even "normal" ones like MP3) can cause issues. Do a test with a WMV file and WMA audio and see if that works. If it does, it is file types.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi, I don't have & don't want Windows 7. I have Vista and LOVED the old Movie Maker. I want it BACK!!
    Tried to download the 32 bit link you have posted but it won't work for me since I don't have Windows 7.
    Any idea on where I can Movie Maker for Vista that has not been tweaked for Windows 7?

    ReplyDelete
  28. It should already be part of Vista without needing to load anything. Just go to C:\Program Files\Movie Maker.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I downloaded your WMM 64 bit for Windows 7 and it works, but when I try to download your effects to put on there, they won't register. :( Any way to fix this?

    ReplyDelete
  30. None of my effects require any DLLs to register. If you mean you don't see them in WMM try this:
    Copy everything including folders from C:\Program Files(x86)\Movie Maker\Shared to
    C:\Program Files\Movie Maker\Shared

    ReplyDelete
  31. Blaine, thanks for posting this.

    However, Windows seven won't open the 64-bit installer; it says it's not a "valid microsoft installation package." Is there some way around that?

    ReplyDelete
  32. I downloaded your installer for my computer. After I downloaded my 64-Bit installer, I opened it. It says "gathering required information" then the window closes. No movie maker is installed. How can I fix this?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sounds like the Windows Installer is having trouble creating a system restore point. I see two options:
    1) Try reinstalling system restore by going to C:\Windows\inf and right-click on sr.inf. Choose install.
    2) Try turning the system restore feature off temporarily then try installing WMM 6.0

    ReplyDelete
  34. @D.Cous, that message appears when you are running a 32-bit version of Windows 7. Use the 32-bit installer.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you so much! I was trying to find solutions everywhere since I didn't like the Live version and 2.6 kept freezing up on me... 6 is perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Are the help files included? You know, when you press F1 inside the application? I found this blog from google :P

    ReplyDelete
  37. It includes all the files from Vista but I'm not sure the help works under Windows 7.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hello there Blaine

    I am having trouble with Publishing a Movie in more than DVD Quality at 3Mbps ; Those options listed in the Old 6.0 are not present!! Where are they? How can I get them back; I "bake" all my videos in 720 format HD and now I have limited options... Is there any patch I could use to allow me get back the old list???

    Thanks!!!

    Halkios

    ReplyDelete
  39. @Halkios, try the install again. I've just added a set of 4 custom profiles for the HD resolutions. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  40. you are the best!!! thanks a lot; you know that I almost kept a separate pc, just to have vista installed and only for Moviemaker; Now I can enjoy it again!!!

    Thanks and greetings from Athens, Greece!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I greatly appreciate your contributions and comments. I have a question.
    I have a question. I initially made multiple movies on an old version of XP WMM with files saved as MSWMM format.
    I now have a 64bit Windows 7. However the Windows Live Movie Maker would not open my MSWMM files. I uploaded WMM 2.6 and it does open these files.
    I uploaded your version of Windows Movie Maker 6.0 and wanted to delete 2.6 but 6.0 will not open my older MSWMM files and I get the message:
    "File ...MSWMM cannot be imported because the codec required to play the file is not installed on your computer. If you have already tried to download and install the codec, close and restart windows movie maker and then try to input the file again"
    Can you give me guidance about this codec?

    ReplyDelete
  42. @Otto, on the surface it seems like you are trying to import your project file (.mswmm) when you really just want to be opening it with WMM6. Try right-clicking on the file and choosing 'Open With' then picking WMM6. If that works, then you just need to change WMM6 to be the default program for opening up .mswmm files instead of 2.6. Remember .mswmm files are the project (the recipe) for your movie. They don't contain the video/photos of your movie, they just refer to them. They aren't playable movies so you don't import them, you open them.

    ReplyDelete
  43. @Blaine: Thank you responding and for the time you put into each answer.

    I tried the above. The video files right click and open completely with WMM 2.6. However when I right click and open the exact same video file with WMM 6.0, the title slides are visible and audio can be heard but the video files do not play visually- there is a thin line through preview screen with movement visible(sound only). It's as if the video image has been "squished" down to a center line. By the way, they do not open at all with WLMM.

    This happens with multiple MSWMM "recipes" that I open and is not limited to an isolated video. Some of the source files for clips in the recipes are WMV and this problem seems to be the priamry problem. This problem resolves if I convert each isolated video clip in recipe but it would be extremely tedious ( I have to open each clip file with WLMM and re-save as WMV. Then they work in WMM 6.0. Does that make any sense even though WLMM will not open the entire recipe file?)Some of my MSWMM recipes have well over 10 WMV clips in them.

    Any suggestions?

    Thank you for your other posts, Many of the previous problems I had in the past were solved with your earlier advice. Its great to have access to someone who knows this much about this product. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  44. @Otto, I'm going to suggest the Windows Movie Maker forums... check the link on the right side of my blog under "Movie Maker Links".

    Certainly converting to WMV will make them work the best, but I understand your issue. Can you maybe finish these projects up in WMM 2.6 and save them as your final movies (in .wmv format) then be done with those projects?

    If so, then you could work on new projects using the converted WMV files going forward?

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for the follow up. The problem is I have about 30 MSWMM files each with 10-15 WMV file within them. Converting 300 or so files from WMV old to WMV new with 2.6 will update these individual clips but does not update the MSWMM reoipe files overall unless I remove the old WMV clips individually and replace each one with a converted WMV file.

    Do you think this has anything to do with 32 bit system upgraded to 64 bit. It seems the 2.6 (running in x86 Program File) can open old WMV and by saving it allows it to be run in WMM 6.0 64 bit (just my uneducated guess) My guess is that when I save WMV with 2.6, it somehow converts the WMV into more updated WMV format.

    To some degree this also make me a slave to keepong 2.6 and 6.0 loaded. I've searched WMM forums but couldn't find anything. I will try again.

    ReplyDelete
  46. @Otto, I'm not sure why you need the projects to carry forward? Assuming you've made all the edits you need and have already generated the final movie, why is it you need to make more edits but in WMM 2.6 or 6.0?

    Yes, it does seem like you might have some files that are supposedly converted to .wmv, but not in a format that is apparently working for editing in WMM 2.6 or 6.0. However, let's assume that they are .wmv files and you still want to be able to make more edits in the project, then how about this:
    1) Take each source file and run it through WMM (which ever one works) and saving it back out in a truly compatible .wmv format.
    2) Now find the original, back it up (e.g. rename it to .old) and then replace it with the new "clean" version.

    I would think that any version of WMM would be able to reopen the project and use these clean versions in place of the old, no need to change any edit points, etc.

    Maybe you could try that with one small source file and see...

    ReplyDelete
  47. Some of these are educational medical videos I have made for patients. As new information becomes available, I go back to the poject file and have deleted or updated the appropriate section (source file) I probably have 10 of these for various conditions. So it is convenient to break them down when I can.

    I have attempted the small source file conversions and imported them into the appriate MSWMM project file but they do not automatically populate the project. I have to pick out each file and substitute it in on the time line/storyboard.

    Can you think of any other convenient way to "mass convert or update" the .wmv files? I have taken a look at the properties but can't quite detct any difference other than the size of the file becomes bigger.

    Thanks for racking your brain on this. By the way, I posted on the WMM forum. as well. I see you have made many contributions there.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Can you try again by replacing just the source file directly on the disk. In other words, if you had a project pointing to XYZ.wmv, do a clean conversion to XYZclean.wmv. Now rename XYZ.wmv to XYZold.wmv and XYZclean.wmv to XYZ.wmv. Now any project that references XYZ.wmv should be using the cleaned up file without having to reimport or anything.

    Tell me if that works.

    ReplyDelete
  49. P.S. Thanks for the explanation of why the project files are still important. I get it now.

    ReplyDelete
  50. so do you have to download the essential things before you download 6.0?

    ReplyDelete
  51. thanks a lot for this.I had to break my head for making a fan dub video for my favorite show.But actually I LOVED the WLMM!All its features are so cool!So why the heck am I downloading this?Because it gets stuck.I made half of the video,saved and went for a break.But to my horror it wouldn't open.It was so ANNOYING!Thx a lot once again!Hopefully MS will fix all the bugs in WLMM

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi Blaine
    i have a 6mth old laptop that came with Win 7 64 Bit Home Premium alredy installed,i hav tried 6-7 different versions of MM 2.6/6.0 but unsuccessfully finding 1 that worked correctly,saying that i did find a 64 Bit MM 6.0 that installed+all seemed to work except i couldnt get HD profiles to show up even after following steps to put the 4 .prx hd files in a Profile folder,i tried using Command to register the dll's but it failed,
    Geez im sorry to stray from the original question i was going to ask you.
    So after having the MM6.0 installed that looked like it was ok i tied installing Rehans ShaderTFX but had a dll/ocx errorx3(ive notified Rehan+he his looking into it) so i thought it might be something corrupt/missing with the version i had installed,so i uninstalled it+tried intalling your 64 Bit msi from my downloads,run as administrator,but all that happens is it starts installing+ends without any "ACCEPT TOS" BUTTON OR "NEXT/INSTALL"notification or saying that its finished installing,therfore after looking there is no install in either 64 or 86 programs directory,sorry to be long winded,have you any advice if i have given enough RELEVANT(lol) information for you to understand my troubles,thanks Lea

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Blaine, your article remains a good reference for me to give to many peoples queries about Movie Maker and ShaderTFX. So thanks for that. Anybody who is having trouble isntalling ShaderTFX, you should download the exe from http://www.rehanfx.org/shader.htm and save it. Afterwards go to the folder and right click on the file and select "Run as administrator...". This should work in most cases. If not please contact me directly support@rehanfx.org. I aspire to answer all email inquiries about ShaderTFX. - Rehan

    ReplyDelete
  54. ITS SOOOOO PRETTTTY!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Thanks so much for this! I wanted that Old Film effect. I really appreciate your effort and courtesy.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I have a Toshiba laptop about 2 years old running Win 7 64 bit. I can't get these effects to work. See the preview but get a black screen. I bought Shader and am having a few issues with it too, some transitions work, some don't and don't see any effects. I haven't been able to register it either. I installed MM6 from the 64 bit link and so far it seems to be working. I had to copy your files from the 86 Program Files to the regular file. I know zip about graphics and movie maker so I am afraid you are dealing with a total novice here.

    ReplyDelete
  57. @lin, you shouldn't have to copy anything from (x86) folder using my installers, as long as you use the 64-bit installers.

    ReplyDelete
  58. @Blaine, I reinstalled 64 versions of MM6 and Shader after updating Directx. There were still old files out there from the 32 install which I manually deleted. I still have a problem with Patrickl's Kaleidoscope not applying effect to storyboard image in preview, even though it shows it as applied when I click on the image. Maybe the fact that I don't know MM at all has something to do with it, LOL! Any suggestions for what I can try next? I was able to do an xml fike of his custom kaleidoscopes but again, those show the thumnail and act like they applied but do nothing. The "Play clip" right click doesn't show anything in preview either.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  59. @Lin,

    I too am having trouble with the Kaleidascope effects from PatrickL. He hasn't found a solution yet...

    ReplyDelete
  60. EVERYBODY..........FOUND THE REASON ONLY SOME OF YOU ARE NOT GETTING HD OPTIONS!!!!

    I WAS NOT SEEING HD NO MATTER WHAT I DID......

    IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS HITTING THE SHORTCUT TO "THIS COMPUTER" ON THE LEFT (UNDER PUBLUSH TO)......THIS FOR WHATEVER REASON MAKES YOUR OPTIONS SHOW UP AS THOSE ORIGINAL DVD VHS CRAP......

    *****IF YOU HIT PUBLISH MOVIE ON THE TOP YOU SHOULD SEE THE HD OPTIONS THAT ARE IN YOUR PROFILE FILE******

    sorry for the caps but I had 500 people waiting for me to make my video....LIVE sucks and had it edited on there could not publish.....HOPE THIS SAVES PEOPLE LOL!!! WOOOOOO!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh dear, I really hope it's safe to use this; I've just downloaded it and about to to run...

    ReplyDelete
  62. These are the original files from Vista just packaged in a simple installer. You can run the files through an virus checker or whatever. Feel free to visit the Windows Movie Makers forums if you have any questions.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Blaine, I used some of the effects for vista that you had.. and i installed Rehan's ShaderTFX but when its time to publish it, it just goes blank then re starts my WMM then the icon thats supposed to be the published work shows how long it is and everything but it just plays for a second then nothing. :(

    ive tried editing a movie that doesnt require any EXTRA effects than that of the original that came with it and it publishes just fine.. please, please help.. i dont know what i did wrong and i really dont want to re-edit it, its 20min+ work that i have to do all over again and i need it by next week.. S.O.S

    ReplyDelete
  64. Make sure you are using WMM's preferred formats of .wmv (for video) and .wma (for audio). I generally use Freemake (free download) to do this conversion to avoid issues when saving out of WMM.

    By the way, does everything preview correctly, but just not publish?

    ReplyDelete
  65. So happy to find this solution! Everything is working great except the audio! Any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. See the comment above. Are you using .wmv for video and .wma for audio?

      Delete
  66. HELP!! I have emailed you a few times but got no reply. I have used your excellent product for a few years, but on changing my laptop to another windows 7 one found myself with the same issue. So i purchase your pack once again, downloaded all the transitions etc and got as far as putting in the registration info, but even if I run as administrator, clicking on nay link or transition will not bring up the box to paste the code in. I am sure I am using the correct version of movie maker(6.0.600016386) .... but in frustration I have deleted it and gone to start the whole process again, using your downloader above, however, the 64 bit one stalls or disappears after the run command, as the downloader disappears after a few seconds! HELP!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. First, I'm not Rehan, so I don't maintain the ShaderTFX software or the registration process. I do know, that for the 64-bit version, you need to run Movie Maker in administrator mode while entering the code or it may not take.

      Remember all of my downloads are *FREE* and most of them work without having to have a registered copy of ShaderTFX; unregistered will do. The only exceptions are in posts tagged with "registered".

      Delete
    2. Additionally, if you've ever purchased a registration code for ShaderTFX, you don't need to buy it again. The code in your prior emails will work on either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of ShaderTFX. Just follow the steps correctly.

      Delete
  67. Thank you, so much, this is great

    ReplyDelete
  68. I d/led the WMM6 and installed with no problem. I also d/led the Shader fro Rehan site. Shader got installed in the Programs\rehan\shader but when I look in Movie maker I don't see how to activate the plugin. I have a win7 32 bit operating system. I bought the registration for shader but like I said I don't see how the plugin is activated with MM6
    Dan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan, you should see new transitions and effects from Rehan in your transitions and effects. Make sure they are working correctly first. If not, go back, install the DirectX 9 Runtimes as noted on Rehan's pages, then reinstall ShaderTFX.

      As for entering the registration code, you can either wait for the nag screen to come up, or you can hold down Ctrl+Shift as you click on one of Rehan's transitions or effects. Follow the rest of the steps in the registration email (copy everything completely for line 1 and line 2)

      Delete
  69. Blaine
    Thank you so much for creating those installers. I've just installed WMM onto my Windows7 laptop and it seems to be working fine. You've helped me to cut through all the various blogs and different views online and I'm really grateful.
    Thanks!
    Sally

    ReplyDelete
  70. Thanks! I found the WMM that I was using before my hard drive crashed thanks to this! You Guys are AWESOME!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Windows Live Movie Maker is not like a real video editor. It's like, it was made by Microsoft just for the sake of having it. It's not professional looking and many many many many many tools are not in there. I've tried to reinstall WMM 2.6, but I am not satisfied because it creates many collections for every item I import. Good thing there is 6.0. I hope this will still be useful until the next generation of Windows OS. If not, I hope Microsoft can take time to listen to what the consumers are asking for.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Ok so now after using it for a week the video in the preview won't play right. They lag big time! Can't edit if they are lagging like that. This just started today, I uninstalled and re installed 6.0 and it didn't help. Only thing different is I right clicked a project to open it with wmm and it opened with the wmmlive and that's when all the touble started...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try fixing your file associations so it opens again with Windows Movie Maker. Right-click and choose 'Open With...'. If you don't see Movie Maker in the list, click the Browse button and go to C:\Program Files\Movie Maker\MovieMk.exe.

      Also, if you aren't using .wmv videos, consider converting them to .wmv using somethign like Freemake Video Converter. (When installing that program, be sure to only install the program, not any add-ons it might offer.)

      Delete
  73. Thank you so much! WLMM was horrible and I missed WMM6. I noticed, though, I can't export to my computer in PAL. I've heard something about custom profiles, but I'm not familiar with that. How do I get PAL DVD quality (3.0MB) back into the custom drop dropdown menu when exporting to my computer? I had it with the Vista machine, but not Win7.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you try going to Tools > Options > Advanced to set your project settings to PAL?

      Delete
    2. I did, but before I saw the comment was approved. I have, however, noticed something. After making some videos, it seems to stop processing. I made 11 short videos (about 50MB avg per). But on the 12th, it stops. I've tried two different videos, and both hang. It seems that after so many MB or something, it doesn't let me make more. The process just sits there as the estimated remaining time increases. I don't have this problem on the Vista machine (which I want to stop using as it's old, slow, and less reliable overall).

      Delete
  74. This AM I tried various options as workarounds and checked things based on a Google search of possible causes. None of them made any difference, it still hung up at the same exact location:

    - Tried exporting to different formats (PAL, NTSC, DVD quality, "best for this computer", etc.)
    - Audio/video clips as .mp3 or .wav (audio), .avi or .wmv for video
    - Only two transitions: fade in from black at beginning, fade out to black at end
    - 35-50 MB needed for projects, have 300+ GB available
    - Re-imported attempted video/audio clips

    I'm not sure what else to check: simple movies, same exact formats that worked before, and that work fine on the Vista machine, and plenty of space.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For support of WMM, I suggest posting in the WindowsMovieMovakers.net Forums. My suggestion would be to convert all your source files to .wma for audio and .wmv for video. Post a New Thread in the forums, and I'll help you out there with more details.

      Delete
  75. I think I found the problem (sorta), or at least a semi-reasonable explanation. I tried making other song videos and they worked fine after the other two froze up. I can make the other two on the Vista machine. Thus, I conclude that something in the video background files didn't import properly. As long as it's just a handful, it'll be fine. I'll check out the forums there. :)

    ReplyDelete
  76. hI,

    Still can't install 6.0 on my 7 machine.

    Your earlier solution was bit complicated and didn't work.

    still getting "access denied" after install.

    What does that mean?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gary, can you provide more information about *where* you see that message? Please explain all the steps with relevant screens and messages so I can help figure this out. I'm still not sure if you have installed the program and are having problems running it, or if it is an install problem.

      Delete
  77. Hi, Blaine,

    It installs fine, but when I click on the icon I get the "access denied" message box. The same thing happens with 2.6

    Maybe it's a registry problem?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have a bigger problem with installation than I can help with. If Microsoft's installer for WMM 2.6 gives you errors when you run the application, then there is something wrong with your Windows setup.

      Delete
  78. I have just tried your version of Windows Movie Maker 6 and it is working on Windows 8 Consumer Preview.Which I am very happy about. As I was using another version of Movie Maker 6 which I got from another website which I use on Windows 7.But that did not work on Windows 8 but your version does. I think the problem with some other versions or installers for Movie Maker 6 is that although it works on Windows 7, it may not be registering the dill files on Windows 8.

    But when I downloaded your version of Movie Maker 6 from here it worked right away. And I now have Windows Movie Maker 6 back on Windows 8 and all of the features are working thanks to you.

    But however, with Movie Makers 2.1 and 2.6 most of the features are working on Windows 8, but others are not. On Movie Maker 2.1 I can record from my webcam and make clips and add pictures to the movie,(same as on 2.6.)And save the movie,if I don't add titles.

    But the title features are not working at all on Windows 8 in Movie Maker 2.1 and 2.6. That is I cannot create tiles or save the movie with titles. How can I fix this problem? But on Movie Maker 6 the features are now all working on Windows 8,since I installed your version.

    So how do we get the Movie maker 2.6 working again in Windows 8 like it works on Windows 7? Andrea Borman.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. First, I appreciate all the detail you provided along with confirmation that this is installing fine on Windows 8 Consumer Preview. I'd been meaning to test that configuration.

      I'm really not sure why parts of WMM 2.6 (titles) wouldn't work correctly on Windows 8. Are you able to open up a WMM 2.6 project made on Windows Vista or Windows 7 (with titles) and see that working in Windows 8? You might want to ask in the Microsoft Answers forums for Windows 8

      Delete
    2. Thank you for your reply Blaine.Most of the software for older versions of Windows works on Windows 8 but some of it does not.

      Also many of the dill files included in Windows Vista and 7 are not in Windows 8. For example I managed to get Windows Mail from Windows Vista working on Windows 8. But I had to copy a dill file Msidcrl 30, over from Windows system 32 on Windows 7 and then paste it into system 32 on Windows 8. Apparently the dill file I needed in order for Windows mail to work is not in Windows 8.But it is already included in Windows 7.But after I did that Windows Mail is working on Windows 8.

      So the reason why WMM 2.6 and 2.1 titles features are not working on Windows 8 could that that some dill files are not in Windows 8 system 32 folder.

      But I do not have this problem on Windows Vista and Windows 7, all of the features work on there. But not on Windows 8.If I knew what dill files I needed to get WMM 2.6 and 2.1 titles working again on Windows 8. I could copy them from Windows 7 or Windows Vista system 32 and add then to system 32 folder on Windows 8. this solved the problem for other Windows Vista and 7 programs that did not work on Windows 8.

      Remember that Windows 8 is a different operating system to Windows 7 so some programs work and other don't. But there are ways to get some programs working again.

      Maybe there needs to be an installer for WMM 2.6 for Windows 8. Just like there is a WMM6 for Windows 7.That might be the only solution. Unless we can find out why WMM 2.6 does not work fully on Windows 8 and fix the problem. Andrea Borman.

      Delete
  79. Ok, is there someone in Microsoft I can contact?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gary, I'd go to the Microsoft Answers forums for Windows 7 and explain your problem, especially starting with WMM 2.6, since that is a Microsoft installer.

      Delete
    2. I'd also try creating another user account and see if that one will let you run WMM 2.6 or WMM 6.0. This post has the details.

      Delete
  80. Signed in as another user and wmm started up perfectly.

    No more access denied.

    What do you think caused that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure what caused the problem. It's obviously a permissions problem, perhaps with the user not being an admin user.

      Delete
  81. I have always been trying to download wmm 6.0! THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  82. just to add my thanks to those above, i used your installer and was up and running (and saving a test) within minutes, saved me a learning curve with videopad so many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  83. thanks can i compress my .mp4 file in movie maker
    pliiiiiiiiiizzzzzzz help me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please ask your question on the WindowsMovieMakers.net forums. That way I can answer your question in detail.

      Delete
  84. Like the other people here I am friken happy with what you done for us "WLMM SUCKS"! So I have downloaded the 64bit version and works grate but when I click to import video or pictures nothing happens? is there any fix for this?
    Brian.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm... sounds like something didn't register correctly. I'd try an uninstall/reinstall.

      Delete
  85. I have a problem with publishing in WMM 6.0 for Windows 7 (32bit). I made a video about 7 min. and 40 sec. long, and I can't publish it to my computer, I chose publish destination, file name and quality, and when it starts publishing error appears: "Windows Movie Maker cannot publish the movie to the specified location. Verify that the original source files used in your movie are still available, that the publishing location is still available, that there is enough disk space available, and then try again." I checked everything, files used in my movie are still available, so is publishing location and enough disk space...Can you help me?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Two main reasons for getting the "can't save" message:
      1) Incompatible file types. Whenever possible convert all your video to .wmv and all your audio to .wma. I've used Freemake Video Converter for conversion tasks like this and it works well. Because it is freeware though, be sure to uncheck any add-ons you don't want it to additionally install.
      2) Too complex a project. If you have lots of photos, transitions, etc. consider making copies of your project and paring them down to smaller "sub-projects". Save each movie separately then add them back together in a final project.

      Delete
  86. You are a big help sir. Thank you so much for sharing! *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hey i just found this post, this is awesome. but now that it's installed when i try to drag a picture onto the timeline first off it wont play in the preview pane, and if i try to drag another pic there the program freezes and i have to force close it. idk if this has anything to do with it but my pictures are rather large 4-6mb each from a DSLR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've not used pictures that large. First, I'd check the format of the pictures. For example, I don't think WMM can handle RAW format. And the size might be a problem. Since your movie output isn't probably going to be higher than 1920 x 1080, you might want to crop/resize those photos and make sure they are .jpg format.

      Delete
  88. Hi!
    I downloaded WMM6 64-bit, but when i try to install it, nothing happens. After i click "Run" there is a pop-up window, that loads something for a second, but when it finishes, nothing!
    Why?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try saving the installer to your computer first. Then try running it. You may need to install it in as an Administrator too.

      Delete
  89. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Brilliant, Let me add my thanks to the above..
    less than 10 minutes and I have not only installed it on 64bit Win7 on my Compaq 6510b but have published the movie and most importantly, the wife is pleased with the result..
    Thanks Blaine.

    ReplyDelete
  91. You Sir, are a miracle worker!

    WinMM-Live sucks but WinMM2.6 is still great, until you enter the "lottery" of trying to save your stuff as a movie - then, often BLAM!

    Finally a solution that works!!!!!!

    Elder-Geek

    ReplyDelete
  92. Thank you man. This is exactly what i was looking for :)

    ReplyDelete
  93. I downloaded the program last night using your link and can't say how appreciative I am for you doing this. I have used movie maker for XP many times and since have upgraded to win7. I did a test run just to see if everything was going to work before I spent numerous hours and days on my project only to find in the end it doesn't work. When I click publish movie it tells me it will save and close and open up Windows DVD Maker to make the dvd. It closes but never opens up dvd maker. When I go into Win dvd maker manually, it says it cannot open my file because it is an unsupported format. Can you tell me what I am doing wrong or what is going on?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try saving your movie first (File > Save Movie) to your PC. Now call Windows DVD Maker directly and give it the movie file. I don't think it works with the project file.

      Delete
    2. The movie was already saved. But I saved it again and it automatically saves as a .wswmm file which DVD Maker cannot open. Am I missing something? I can't save it as anything else.

      Delete
    3. The .mswmm is the project file as noted above. It isn't your movie but just the "recipe" for making your movie. Go to File > Publish Movie and that will create a .wmv file for you. Test that in Windows DVD Maker.

      Delete
  94. Blaine,

    I installed your WMM6 64 bit pack on my Win7_64 machine, and the app runs fine.
    Then I made the Shared\AddOnTFX folder, and have variously tried to get custom transitions, anything, to be recognized within WMM6, to no avail. After installing WMM6, I installed Pip+,
    and it doesn't show up in the transitions. I don't know if Pip+ is supposed to put any dll or xml files in AddOnTFX, it clearly didn't. If a Pip+ registration dialog is supposed to popup when WMM starts, haven't seen it.

    The outdated Rehanpip installs properly to the folder, but still no transitions seen in WMM.

    I see that the dlls involved, such as rehanpip.dll, are not COM/ActiveX, so dll registration can't be an issue.

    I did not install WMM6 as admin, but from all the reading I've done, that doesn't seem to be a make-or-break issue for the satisfied users.

    On Win7, doesn't seem like I would have to install an old version of DirectX, that's absurd, right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PIP+ and RehanPIP are for the older WMM 2.x from Windows XP. It will not work within WMM 6.0 which has a completely different rendering architecture for transitions and effects.

      If you want those similar transitions, look to ShaderTFX. Here's a complete list of custom transitions, effects and titles that work with WMM 6.0.

      Delete
  95. Just happened to have that page open unexplored in one of 27 tabs, mostly around this topic, others politics, thawing subcontinents, south china sea trouble etc.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  96. a million thanx bro - been trying to get that for days NOW!! U cant ever tell somehione they have to pay for something online cuz theyre is someone in the world who will hack it and share it FREE!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It comes already with Windows, so I'm just making it available on later operating systems if WLMM doesn't meet your needs.

      Delete
  97. 10/10 would bang
    except it doesn't work for me
    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What doesn't work? Are you having problems with the install or in running the program? If so, what errors are you getting?

      Delete
  98. Oh, thank you so much!
    The Vista WMM is great for making simple animations for me, and is easy to sync up. Live doesn't have a timeline, so no animation at all, and XP doesn't zoom far enough.
    So, really, thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  99. Thank You!
    I'm a windows 7 user and I have installed WMM in the past but due to its complications, I uninstall it and search another one. and for the past year, I have scanned the net trying to find one until I found your blog!
    THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I wish that you'll just continue creating more blog to help other pc user.
    your installer is very clean and simple! two thumbs up!
    -from the Philippines

    ReplyDelete
  100. i downloaded it and started running and it says "wait while windows configures movie maker 6.0 for windows 7 (64-bit)" and then it closes and movie maker is not installed !!! ... please help me ???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's all it should be doing. Are you sure it isn't installed? What's in C:\Program Files\Movie Maker?

      Delete
  101. I got Windows 7 and then I saw Windows Live Movie Maker and I was horrified, it was pretty complex, and then I saw this. I was saved, Thanks. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  102. I downloaded Movie Maker from Microsoft, but it didn't even have a timeline. So I installed your older, better version. However, it can't open the .mov files I need to use (which the newer version could open). Do you have any advice?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Two options:
      1) Use a file converter like Freemake Video Converter.
      2) Use the newer Movie Maker, add the .mov then immediately save it out as a movie.

      After #1 or #2, edit in WMM 6.0 as normal.

      Delete
  103. Super thanks for this Blaine!!! It helped a whole lot to get movie maker in my Windows 7 which I realized I don't have after 2 years of using my HP. :)

    ReplyDelete
  104. thanks a lot it helps me a lot

    ReplyDelete
  105. Problem adding water mark in video using wmm 6.0
    As your suggestion i created a logo(*.gif) using photoshop and i created a file (*.xml) in a folder called as AddonTFX in this path
    C:\Program Files\Movie Maker\Shared\AddOnTFX

    but am unable to get my water mark when am selecting my logo from Tools/Titles and credits/title on the selected clip/change the title animation/

    please help me..

    ReplyDelete
  106. Try using Neo's Vista Logo Locator generator to create the .xml for you.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Thnx man i was completely tired of trying diffrent softwares and was missing WMM but now by your help i can use this amazing Moviemaking machine wow thnx

    ReplyDelete
  108. THANK YOU SOOO VERY MUCH!!!! i hate the windows 7 live movie maker! this one works just as great! thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  109. I have downloaded RehanTFX but its expired now.Some transitions cannot open due to expiration.Now asking Licence key.How can I get a key?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You would have to go to Rehan's website (rehanfx.org) and download a registered copy of ShaderTFX. There's a $15 cost and then you'll be emailed a registration code. But for better support, please email him directly using the email link on his website. I'm not directly related to ShaderTFX in anyway.

      Delete
  110. Hi,

    First, I want to say thank you very much for putting up the free Movie Maker versions online! I really needed them. I recently bought a HP AMD quad core A6-3650 and the movie maker that comes with it is horrible!
    I wanted my old movie maker from the old PC so I downloaded the 64 bits one from your website. I transferred all my videos from the old PC to the new one. It looks like it opens up an old video I was working on. Some of the gifs are replaying without me adding any special effect.It is so frustrating,I don't know what to do. Plus,it won't let me preview any gifs I am importing but if I move them on the time line, they will play(three or four times in a row).

    When you have time, please tell me if you have a solution for these problems.
    Thank you very much,
    Sayuri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never used animated .gif files in my projects so I don't have any direct help for you. Sounds like the .gif files are set to autoloop and their duration is longer than one loop cycle. Try shortening the duration to just one loop cycle.

      You might also try finding a program to convert those .gif files to true movie files (e.g. .wmv files) and see if they behavior as expected.

      Delete
  111. i downloaded this but i can't import any videos from my camera's SD card..
    my computer is windows 7.

    what's wrong? please help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should use Photo Gallery to import your videos from the SD card. However, to use them in Movie Maker you may need to convert them to .wmv format (using something like Freemake Video Converter).

      Delete
  112. Hello! I have downloaded your Movie Maker and installed. But I have a problem with it . Everytime I put audio on the timeline, there's a box saying "Windows Movie Maker has stopped working". I really need a Movie Maker for my project this week. What could be wrong with it? And what should I do so I can use it without interruptions? Thank you so much in advance! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd try converting your audio to .wma format using Freemake Audio Converter and see if you have the same problem. Also, if you are using non-standard video, try converting it to .wmv with Freemake Video Converter. Finally, if you want to use the latest Movie Maker, download Movie Maker 2012 instead.

      Delete
  113. Blaine, you are awesome! Thank you so much for this post. I have been trying everything with not luck, until I ran across this post.

    ReplyDelete
  114. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS...i was having a hard time finding the right Windows movie maker...thank you thank you....:)

    ReplyDelete
  115. Fantastic. As a bonus, everything worked on the first try including a project resurrected from a dead XL. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  116. Found one quirk already in 6.0 over 2.x. Audio in video is not separated on the timeline, thus when I do a "Fade In" on the video, it also fades in the audio, which I don't always want. In the long run it might save me time, but occasionally I split clips and want to split the fade in. I did solve it by simply dragging the video a second time to the audio line and I get my audio without the fade in on the video :-) We'll see if there's more problems later. Thanks, though. I was not looking forward to learning Windows Live Movie Maker.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All these years and I never noticed that the standard video fade in/out in WMM 6.0 also affects the audio. The solution for that would be to create a couple custom transitions to fade in/out from black. You would make a split for just the part you want to fade in/out and apply the custom effect. There are a set of Custom Color Fade Effects in the WindowsMovieMakers.net Forums. It wouldn't be too difficult to make a custom fade in/out for Black.

      Delete
  117. hello, i am not able to open all format of videos in wmm6. in import files, my original files have not being recognised.. would you help me please?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd convert the incompatible files to .wmv format using something like Freemake Video Converter.

      Delete
    2. Hey- I figured out how to do this pretty easily. My canon saves movies in .mov files. My computer is naturally running windows live movie maker which will open it. Then you are actually able to save from that platform into a .wmv, much quicker than using one of the free converters!

      Delete
  118. Merci !!!
    Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for since few days after I purchased a new computer with Windows 8 and discovered the awful Windows Live Movie Maker -_-
    I tried several old Movie maker links on the internet but none was working weel and yours is just so easy to install and run and seems to work perfectly !

    ReplyDelete
  119. Thank You, You're awesome for doing this. I have been having trouble creating an appeal video for disaster relief for over 3 days. I found your blog, uninstalled my version of movie maker found from a quick search. Then I did your install link and had the video done and published in 5 minutes!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  120. Thank you so much for all the info! Thanks to you I realized I had to download 6.0 for my computer to be able to use the rehan green screen effects. Unfortunately I'm still struggling and wondering if you may be able to help? I drag the picture we want to use as background on top of the movie with the green screen. Then 6.0 automatically puts a fade transition in, whenever I remove it it automatically moves the two files so they are next to each other rather than on top of each other. So when I use the rehan chroma effect it just fades the picture into the green screen so the beginning of the movie is completely green screen until it slowly fades to looking how it should then to all just the background picture. Any tips?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can't completely overlap; that's a limitation of WMM so trim later. As for fading, that means you didn't install DirectX run times first before ShaderTFX. Go back to rehanfx and redo that.

      Delete
  121. Make that thanks a billion Blaine!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  122. Hey Blaine! I need your help! I downloaded the programme however I am not able to import any videos, so I can't even start my project!! :'( i really need your help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tell me more. Are you trying capture from a camera? Are they files on your computer? What file types are they? Does the program work with photos or the sample videos? Are you on Win 7 or 8?

      Delete
  123. I PUBLISHED THE MOVIE AND IT WAS ALL BLACK,, ugh . but the credits appeared. how can this possible?
    can i get some help blaine????? pleaase i need to pass this before monday

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Two things: update the version of your video card driver and try converting your source video to WMV9 format using Freemake Video Converter.

      Delete
  124. First of all, thanks for this. Much better than WLMM.

    Ok, i have a problem with the 64-bit one. It installs fine, but when trying to play any wmv files in it, they won't play, and when i pause them and double click another to try and get that to play, it freezes. I'm on Windows 7.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you sure they are good .wmv files? How does it work with photos or the sample videos? How did you get these files in .wmv format? Try using Freemake Video Converter. Do converted .wmv files from that program work?

      Delete
  125. I think I love you. Why the f*&% couldn't Microsoft have just released this for W7 in the first place? Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  126. HELP, I GOT AN ERROR:

    The file C:\Users\Name\Desktop\TheatreProj\MainVidsTP\20130310_170453.mp4 cannot be imported because the codec required to play the file is not installed on your computer. If you have already tried to download and install the codec, close and restart Windows Movie Maker, and then try to import the file again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The classic versions of Movie Maker have poor support for MP4 files. Your best bet is to convert the file to WMV format using Freemake Video Converter.

      Delete
  127. sorry but could i please have help with how to use it?? i cant put itune music on it it says something like the codec and that i need to intall the music but i have. also how do you mute the video music in the background??? and do you no any websites that will help me use some?? iif so plz put the web adress in the reply xxx
    thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For iTunes music, try converting it to .mp3 or .wma using Freemake Audio Converter. For questions on using Movie Maker, check WindowsMovieMakers.net. To ask a question, go to the Forums.

      Delete
  128. Big THANX for you help Blaine! Really annoyed with how basic WLMM is and was here WISHING I never had Windows 7. Found a link to your blog from a forum and I'm soooo glad I didn't give up my search for a solution to my movie maker woes. Thanks a mil for sharing this info!

    ReplyDelete
  129. First of all a big thank you for this nice tool!
    Is there a way do get language options too?
    I would love to have it in Swedish if possible. Is there a language plugin somewhere?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately this is only based on an English install of WMM 6.0 so it doesn't have alternate languages.

      Delete
  130. Okay, thank you for the fast reply.

    ReplyDelete
  131. Please Help. I can't install your "Movie Maker 6.0 for Windows 7/8 (32-bit)" on my PC (windows 8). It says "not compatible".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll check it, but are you sure you have a 32-bit version of Windows 8? It isn't an RT version is it?

      Delete
  132. I managed to install WMM 6.0, but when I tried to import a file, it says "the file cannot be imported because the codec required to play the file is not installed on your computer." Please help me where I can get this codec. Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What file type are you trying to import? Try a conversion to .wmv using Freemake Video Converter.

      Delete
  133. Still using and enjoying your WMM 6.0 on Windows 7.

    I could not see any colour correction tools to add to it and wonder if there are any.

    If not, can you recommend any programs for colour correction. Right now my needs are basic and primarily flesh tones.

    Thanks, Daryl.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There aren't any tools or add-ons for color correction. There are some custom effects for tinting or film looks but that's more for altering the final color.

      Delete
  134. I'm an old WMM user and am trying to use mp4 files from a Sony Flip camera. Could have sworn they worked in my old computer/program, but 2.6 doesn't support them, but 7.0 does. Before I install your 6.0 version, will it work with the mp4 files? Thx - SVH.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. None of the older versions work well with .mp4 files. I've always worked around that by using something like Freemake Video Converter to turn them into palatable .wmv files instead.

      Delete
  135. I am an old WMM fan and now have 7.0 = miss the timeline. I downloaded 2.6, but it doesn't seem to allow my mp4 files from my Flip camera - ? (thought the old computer/program did.) Before I install it, will your 6.0 version "like" my mp4 files? Thx, SVH

    ReplyDelete
  136. I have been searching for days for an answer to my problem and am about to give up. I am new to WMM so I will do my best to explain clearly my problem.

    I installed WMM 6.0 from your site on a Win 7 64 bit machine (I had also installed WLMM 2011, but have since uninstalled it). Everything seemed to work fine for a very short period of time. Now I can't open my projects in WMM. I do know not to move or re-name the source file or else connection will be lost.

    The first time I try to open the project it will appear that it is going to open and then I get nothing. Subsequent attempts to open produce a "file in use" error message. I do get a "preview size" message which appears briefly in the MM viewer.

    I have uninstalled MM6 several times, and I have tried fixes published for other "file in use" messages given in Win 7. I also get a "fugitive" options tab that hangs on my screen if I open Tools>Options in MM 6 (it remains even after MM 6 is closed).

    This has been quite frustrating. I save the project and it exists and shows the appropriate file extension for a WMM 6 project. But, as soon as I remove it from the MM timeline there is no re-opening that project. I can even close MM and go to the project file and click to open it and that will open MM, but the file still will not show up in MM and then it shows the "file in use" error if you try to open it again in MM.

    Hope you can help. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm afraid I've not encountered those errors. I would try a project just with photos and another with a sample .wmv. If that works I'd try converting your files to .wmv and .wma. If it doesn't I'd check the source location and make sure it isn't on an external or network drive. And a clean boot is another good idea.

      Delete
  137. The files I am working with are .wmv files. As I noted, MM did work correctly for a very short period of time (a day or so). Source location of the files is the C drive of the computer. Clean boot did not correct the issue. There does not appear to be a logical solution to this issue. Guess I will give up on MM 6.

    ReplyDelete
  138. And I re-installed WLMM 2011 with same basic result, although I don't get the "file in use" message. Can create and save the project, but once you remove it from WLMM it can't be re-opened. No message from the program as to why. Something odd going on here, but I don't know what it is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suggest, at this point, asking about WLMM 2011 in the Microsoft Community Forums for Movie Maker. This sounds like a bigger problem unrelated to the version of Movie Maker that is being run.

      Delete
  139. Blaine,

    Thanks for making this available. I used to use a Vista laptop, but that crashed and I was unable to get my programs off, only my documents. I tried using the new Movie Maker for my Windows 7 laptop, and I hated that there were so many things that I couldn't do anymore. I mainly used it for creating tribute videos and slideshows with original music, and the new Movie Maker made it so hard to get the two to meet up correctly. Now that I can use the Vista version again, it makes it so much easier for me.

    Thanks again,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  140. What a relief! Thanks for making this so easily available. I spent a couple of hours in shock and scrambled the web for a solution before I found your downloads. My vista mswmm files work perfectly with the 64 bit version. Do you recommend converting them to a more generic type for future compatibility issues?

    Thanks,
    Sandy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. .mswmm files are the project files for assembling your movie; they are essential just text files with a list of file names and applied transitions and effects. For viewing and archiving you want to publish the final movie which will be in .wmv format.

      Delete
  141. thank you so much! you saved my life!

    ReplyDelete
  142. First let me say thank you for all of this great information. I have a Windows 7 laptop and have downloaded the transition and effects you have given. However, When I go to select an effect, that works. But the transitions are not working. Any time I select a transition and preview it all I see is the standard fade. Once applied to the slide, still no transition. PLEASE HELP!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most of my transitions rely on Rehan's ShaderTFX. Most likely you didn't correctly install the DirectX Runtimes as noted on his pages. The easiest way to confirm that is to see if any of Rehan's transitions are working first.

      Delete
  143. I have a Windows 8 and I downloaded it, but for some reason when I run the Exe nothing happens it says "Please wait while Windows configures Movie Maker 6.0 for Windows 7" and then closes, nothing happens after ^^
    I have a 64 bit Toshiba laptop, currently running Windows Movie Maker 2.6 because I hate the new things ^^

    ReplyDelete