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VOB files on Movie Maker

I have a new laptop that came with Windows 8.1. I downloaded Windows Essentials and Windows Movie Maker Version 2012 (Build 16.4.3508.0205) won't play the video from VOB files. The Audio does play. I had Windows 7 previously and the VOB files played just fine. 

I copy the file from the DVD and store it on the computer before trying to play it. The file will play just fine in Windows Media Player, VLC Media Player and Windows Photo Gallery. I tried selecting the file in Photo Gallery and then selecting Create, Movie and it opens the file in Movie Maker but will NOT show the video. I did download the KLite Codec pack but that did not help. 

I did download FreeMake file converter to convert the file to WMV, however that is an extra step and now I end up with 2 large files instead of 1. 

I did run a repair on Windows Movie Maker through the Control Panel but that didn't fix it. 

Any suggestions? Thanks. 


Answer
Answer

Regarding MPEG-2 files (such as DVD .vob files), support for those formats is only included through Windows 7.  For Windows 8 (and 8.1), the required codecs are not licensed and included.  This is alluded to in the bottom notes on the supported file types where it says,

"Support for using MPEG‑2 and Microsoft Recorded TV Show video files in your movie is available only if your computer is running one of the following editions of Windows: Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise, or Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Vista Home Premium, or Windows Vista Ultimate."

When I need to work with MPEG-2 (.vob) files, I too have used Freemake Video Converter.  As with any freeware, you must be careful when installing.  Always choose the custom installation and uncheck all add-ons it offers to install.  Then you'll just get the program without any browser add-ons, etc.

I've used Adobe Premiere Elements and found it a lot more confusing compared to Movie Maker.  I've also used Adobe Premiere Pro which I actually found easier to use compared to Elements -- go figure.  But it has a higher cost for the additional pro level features.

Other options to consider:  Pinnacle Studio and Nero Video 2014.  They are lower end (i.e. less costly) but have additional features compared to Movie Maker.  I know Nero Video has a 15-day trial so you may want to try that.  If it meets your needs, there is an "upgrade" from the trial to the full for $24.99. 

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Last updated April 23, 2025 Views 4,019 Applies to: