Troubleshoot problems with importing files into Windows Movie Maker

This error message is displayed when you attempt to import audio or video that has been protected with digital rights management (DRM). DRM is a technology that lets content authors and publishers, such as record companies and movie studios, control how their digital music and video files are used and distributed. Protected digital media files cannot be imported into Windows Movie Maker.

Some audio and video file formats are not supported in Windows Movie Maker and cannot be imported. However, if you have a video or audio file that is not supported, you may be able to use a non-Microsoft video editing program to convert the file into a format that Windows Movie Maker supports, and then import the resulting audio or video file into Windows Movie Maker. Some files also require you to install a codec before you can use the files in Windows Movie Maker.

In rare cases, a file with a file type that Windows Movie Maker does not support may cause Windows Movie Maker to stop responding. This may be cause by incompatible video filters. You can verify what filters are installed and force Windows Movie Maker to avoid loading specific filters by simply restarting Windows Movie Maker.

To check your video filter settings, on the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Compatibility tab. To learn more about video filters, see Video filters: frequently asked questions.

Windows Movie Maker no longer supports importing video from a web camera or analog video source such as a VCR. To use video from your web camera, use the software that comes with the camera to record the video to your computer, and then import the resulting video file into Windows Movie Maker.