What codec do you need to transfer videos to Windows Movie Maker?

Answer 1

You do not need a codec to transfer videos to Windows Movie Maker. What you need to do is 'convert' the video to one of the file name extensions (formats) compatible with the program:

.asf, .avi, dvr-ms, .m1v, .mp2, .mp2v, .mpe, .mpeg, .mpg, .mpv2, .wm, .wmv

Answer 2

You do not need to download a codec or codec package for Windows Movie Maker.

What you need is a video/audio converter because some media files are not compatible with Windows Movie Maker. These are the formats used by the program:

• 
  .asf, .avi, dvr-ms, .m1v, .mp2, .mp2v, .mpe, .mpeg, .mpg, .mpv2, .wm, .wmv
• 
  .aif, .aifc, .aiff, .asf, .au, .mp2, .mp3, .mpa, .snd, .wav, .wma
• 
  .bmp, .dib, .emf, .gif, .jfif, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .tif, .tiff, .wmf

If the file is not one of those listed above, go online and download a free video/audio converter. Follow the converter's instructions making sure your 'output source' is one of those listed above.

Successfully converted files can be imported and edited in Windows Movie Maker without ever having to download any codecs.

Answer 3

You do not need to download a codec to import/play videos from your Kodak camera in WMM (windows movie maker). Codecs (and codec packs) are risky to download. Read the following information from Windows Help and Support:

Codecs that you find on the internet, particularly some of the free codec packs that claim to include codecs from a wide variety of companies or organizations: incompatibilities are known to exist with some of the components in these codec packs that can cause serious playback issues in the Player and other players, lead to system corruption and make it difficult for Microsoft Support to diagnose and troubleshoot playback issues.

For these reasons, you are strongly discouraged from installing these codec packs, and recommend that you remove them if you have installed them and you are having problems with the Player. Install only codecs, filters, or plug-ins from trusted, authorized sources, such as the website of the official supplier.

Even then, use caution; many codec suppliers offer minimal customer support. Before installing any digital media components, set a system restore point. The restore point enables you to return to your original system configuration, if necessary.

Personally, I have never downloaded any additional codecs(codec packs), filters or plug-ins to use my Windows Movie Maker or Windows Media Player. If I am unable to play a file, or import it into WMM, I simply convert it. Free converters are available online. Simply Google: Free video converters. Once you have one downloaded, follow the instructions to convert the file to an extension used by WMM:

.asf, .avi, dvr-ms, .m1v, .mp2, .mp2v, .mpe, .mpeg, .mpg, .mpv2, .wm, and .wmv

Once converted, the file can be imported into WMM --- and you won't have had to download any codecs to complete the task.