Windows Video Editor, formerly known as Windows Movie Maker, has been a staple for video editing enthusiasts since its release in 2000. Although Microsoft discontinued support for the software in 2017, many users still rely on it for its simplicity and ease of use. If you’re one of them, you might have encountered issues with the program, such as crashes, errors, or even complete disappearance from your system. Fear not, as this article will guide you through the process of restoring Windows Video Editor to its former glory.
Understanding The Issue
Before we dive into the restoration process, it’s essential to understand why Windows Video Editor might not be working as expected. There are several reasons for this:
- Discontinued support: As mentioned earlier, Microsoft stopped supporting Windows Video Editor in 2017, which means no more updates or bug fixes.
- Compatibility issues: The software might not be compatible with newer versions of Windows, leading to errors or crashes.
- Corrupted files: Damaged or corrupted files can cause the program to malfunction or not open at all.
- Uninstallation or accidental deletion: You might have uninstalled the program by mistake or deleted some of its essential files.
Method 1: Reinstalling Windows Video Editor
If you’ve accidentally uninstalled Windows Video Editor or it’s not working due to corrupted files, reinstalling the program might be the simplest solution.
Downloading The Installer
To reinstall Windows Video Editor, you’ll need to download the installer from a trusted source. You can try the following:
- Visit the official Microsoft website and search for “Windows Movie Maker” or “Windows Video Editor.”
- Look for a download link that matches your Windows version (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Alternatively, you can try downloading the installer from a reputable third-party website, such as Softpedia or FileHippo.
Installing The Program
Once you’ve downloaded the installer, follow these steps:
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to begin the installation process.
- Accept the terms and conditions, then choose the installation location.
- Wait for the installation to complete. This might take a few minutes.
- Once installed, launch Windows Video Editor to see if it’s working correctly.
Method 2: Repairing Corrupted Files
If reinstalling the program doesn’t work, you might need to repair corrupted files. This can be done using the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool in Windows.
Running The SFC Tool
To run the SFC tool, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - The SFC tool will scan your system files and replace any corrupted ones.
- Wait for the process to complete. This might take several minutes.
Verifying The Repair
After running the SFC tool, verify that the repair was successful:
- Launch Windows Video Editor to see if it’s working correctly.
- If the program still doesn’t work, try reinstalling it using the method described earlier.
Method 3: Using A Third-Party Installer
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a third-party installer to restore Windows Video Editor. These installers often include the necessary files and registry entries to get the program working again.
Downloading A Third-Party Installer
You can search for third-party installers on websites like Softpedia or FileHippo. Be cautious when downloading from third-party sources, as some might bundle malware or adware with the installer.
Installing The Program
Once you’ve downloaded the third-party installer, follow these steps:
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to begin the installation process.
- Accept the terms and conditions, then choose the installation location.
- Wait for the installation to complete. This might take a few minutes.
- Once installed, launch Windows Video Editor to see if it’s working correctly.
Method 4: Restoring From A Backup
If you’ve backed up your system or Windows Video Editor files, you can try restoring them to a previous state.
Restoring From A System Backup
If you’ve created a system backup using the built-in Backup and Restore tool in Windows, you can try restoring your system to a previous state.
- Go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click on “Restore my files” and follow the prompts to select the backup you want to restore from.
- Wait for the restoration process to complete. This might take several minutes.
Restoring From A File Backup
If you’ve backed up your Windows Video Editor files, you can try restoring them to their original location.
- Go to the backup location and find the Windows Video Editor files.
- Copy the files and paste them into the original location (usually
C:\Program Files\Windows Movie MakerorC:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Movie Maker). - Launch Windows Video Editor to see if it’s working correctly.
Conclusion
Restoring Windows Video Editor can be a challenging task, but by following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to get the program working again. Remember to always be cautious when downloading from third-party sources, and make sure to back up your system and files regularly to avoid data loss. If none of the methods work, you might need to consider alternative video editing software.
What Is Windows Video Editor And Why Restore It?
Windows Video Editor is a free video editing software that was included with Windows operating systems until Windows 7. It was a simple yet effective tool for editing and creating videos. Restoring Windows Video Editor can be useful for those who prefer a lightweight and easy-to-use video editing software or for those who are nostalgic for the classic Windows experience.
Restoring Windows Video Editor can also be a fun project for those who enjoy tinkering with old software and operating systems. Additionally, it can be a useful tool for educational purposes, such as teaching students about video editing and the history of video editing software.
What Are The System Requirements For Restoring Windows Video Editor?
To restore Windows Video Editor, you will need a computer running Windows 10 or later. You will also need to have the necessary system files and dependencies installed, which can be obtained from the Windows 7 installation media or by downloading them from Microsoft’s website. Additionally, you will need to have a compatible video codec installed, such as the Windows Media Video codec.
It’s also important to note that restoring Windows Video Editor may not work on all systems, especially those with newer hardware or software configurations. You may need to perform a clean install of Windows 10 or use a virtual machine to get the software to work properly.
How Do I Obtain The Necessary System Files And Dependencies?
To obtain the necessary system files and dependencies, you can use the Windows 7 installation media or download them from Microsoft’s website. You will need to extract the files from the installation media or download them as a zip file. Once you have the files, you can copy them to the correct location on your Windows 10 system.
Alternatively, you can use a third-party tool to extract the necessary files from the Windows 7 installation media. These tools can simplify the process and ensure that you have all the necessary files. However, be cautious when using third-party tools, as they may contain malware or viruses.
How Do I Install The Windows Video Editor Software?
To install the Windows Video Editor software, you will need to copy the extracted files to the correct location on your Windows 10 system. You will then need to register the DLL files and configure the software to work with your system. This can be done using the Command Prompt or by using a third-party tool.
Once you have installed the software, you can launch it by searching for “Windows Video Editor” in the Start menu. You may need to configure the software to work with your video codec and other system settings. You can do this by accessing the software’s settings menu.
How Do I Troubleshoot Common Issues With Windows Video Editor?
If you encounter issues with Windows Video Editor, such as crashes or errors, you can try troubleshooting the software by checking the system logs and event viewer. You can also try reinstalling the software or updating your video codec.
Additionally, you can search online for solutions to common issues or seek help from online forums and communities. You can also try running the software in compatibility mode or using a third-party tool to fix common issues.
Can I Use Windows Video Editor On Newer Versions Of Windows?
Windows Video Editor is designed to work on Windows 10 and earlier versions of Windows. However, it may not work on newer versions of Windows, such as Windows 11. If you try to install the software on a newer version of Windows, you may encounter compatibility issues or errors.
If you want to use Windows Video Editor on a newer version of Windows, you may need to use a virtual machine or a compatibility layer to run the software. Alternatively, you can consider using a newer video editing software that is designed to work on newer versions of Windows.
Are There Any Alternatives To Windows Video Editor?
Yes, there are many alternatives to Windows Video Editor, both free and paid. Some popular alternatives include Shotcut, Lightworks, and VSDC Free Video Editor. These software offer more advanced features and functionality than Windows Video Editor and are designed to work on newer versions of Windows.
If you are looking for a free and lightweight video editing software, you may want to consider using Shotcut or VSDC Free Video Editor. If you are looking for a more advanced video editing software, you may want to consider using Lightworks or Adobe Premiere Pro.