Movie Maker end-of-life issues


  1. Posts : 74
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    Movie Maker end-of-life issues


    Fantastic. Movie Maker won't import any video files made out of VirtualDub without procuring a yellow triangle, and now from what I'm reading, that software will reach the end of its life cycle on January 10th.

    Starting off as a built-in program for Windows XP, Windows Movie Maker allowed for amateur filmmakers to create their own movies right on their desktops. When that functionality was removed from Windows 7 and onwards, it was offered as a separate download.

    And just for the record, I've been encoding my movies using the x264 VFW codec. It gave WLMM no end of trouble, except now this...

    Every time a file in my project doesn't work, I have to convert it again, and again only to find that WLMM doesn't support the codec. And specifically so ... If a file calling itself "abc.avi" was used in a project before, but then gets deleted, but a new file calling itself "abc.avi" with a longer length, different dimensions (1080p vs. 720p) and a different codec, then that's when the thing goes full tilt and rejects the file.

    For this I ask three things:

    Why doesn't WLMM acknowledge that files on the filesystem change constantly? If it sees something different from the one it had seen before, then it should "analyze" the file and process it into the timeline without giving that hideous yellow triangle.

    What formats / codec combinations does WLMM support? I know that files I save out of the program also have to be run through a lengthy and time-consuming process because whatever codec that Microsoft is using is not entirely stable, either.

    Are there alternatives to using Movie Maker? The last day to get the installer is on January 10th; trying to install Movie Maker beyond then will be impossible.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 31,473
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #2

    HoneycombWX said:
    Are there alternatives to using Movie Maker? The last day to get the installer is on January 10th; trying to install Movie Maker beyond then will be impossible.
    No, only impossible with the online installer, it won't work after January 10th because the files it will try to download won't be available any more. There is however an offline installer which at 130Mb contains all the necessary files. You can download it from Microsoft now and use it to install Movie Maker any time you want. See...
    Windows Essentials 2012 will reach end of support on January 10th 2017
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 31,473
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #3

    HoneycombWX said:
    Every time a file in my project doesn't work, I have to convert it again, and again only to find that WLMM doesn't support the codec. And specifically so ... If a file calling itself "abc.avi" was used in a project before, but then gets deleted, but a new file calling itself "abc.avi" with a longer length, different dimensions (1080p vs. 720p) and a different codec, then that's when the thing goes full tilt and rejects the file.
    ...

    Why doesn't WLMM acknowledge that files on the filesystem change constantly? If it sees something different from the one it had seen before, then it should "analyze" the file and process it into the timeline without giving that hideous yellow triangle.
    Whenever a filename, path or file properties change from what's in the project file WLMM throws that yellow triangle. It would be nice if it fixed it automatically, but it doesn't. It does however let you fix it manually. Just double-click on the clip showing the yellow warning and browse to find the modified file you want it to use - like this...

    Movie Maker end-of-life issues-wlmm-yellow_triangle.png
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 31,473
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #4

    HoneycombWX said:
    Are there alternatives to using Movie Maker?
    Apparently there should be one in the form of a new App from Microsoft...

    Microsoft Support said:
    Are there any recommended alternatives?

    • Movie Maker will soon be available from Windows Store for Windows 10 users.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13785

    It's not in the Store yet, presumably they are waiting until after Jan 10th to launch it.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    HoneycombWX said:
    Are there alternatives to using Movie Maker? The last day to get the installer is on January 10th; trying to install Movie Maker beyond then will be impossible.
    I can wholeheartedly recommend DaVinci Resolve from BlackMagic Design. It's free but comes with features making many professional paid for video editors pale in comparison. It is relatively easy to learn and use, goes far beyond of what Movie Maker can do.

    Download: Blackmagic Design: DaVinci Resolve 12

    Select free version:

    Movie Maker end-of-life issues-image.png

    Please notice: DaVinci Resolve free version download requires registration. required information includes name, email, phone number, city, state and country. However, I can tell based on my own experience that in about two years I've had the free version installed, I've received two emails from BlackMagic. They will not spam.


    Another viable option is PowerDirector from Cyberlink. PowerDirector is not free but at the moment a light version of PowerDirector 14 is available for free at Shareware On Sale: Checkout | Reviews, news, tips, and tricks | SharewareOnSale

    This offer can expire any day now, if interested in testing please download and install it now. Notice that at least two thirds of all videos in Ten Forums video thread are made with PowerDirector, including all my videos. However, the free version is somewhat limited which is why I recommend DaVinci Resolve.

    Kari
    Last edited by Kari; 22 Nov 2016 at 05:16.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 74
    Windows 10 Home
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Well, there was Cyberlink's PowerDirector 15 Ultimate which there was a Newegg sale and a coupon code on that I got for around $30 plus shipping (Original price, $129.99).
    I never touched DaVinci, for obvious reasons, because I don't even have a ginormous control panel that has knobs and switches and dials and buttons and etc. so why bother?

    The only confusing part about PD15U is the amount of plugins that came shipped with the two CDs out of the box. Like, should I install all of them or not?
      My Computer

  7.   My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #8

    HoneycombWX said:
    The only confusing part about PD15U is the amount of plugins that came shipped with the two CDs out of the box. Like, should I install all of them or not?
    Are you referring to various content packs (Content Pack Essential, Content Pack Premium, Holiday Pack and so on)?
      My Computer


 

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