I can't get my wlmp file to open in Movie Maker

Anonymous
2012-11-23T09:23:41+00:00

Original title: I can't get my wlmp file to open in windows live media player

I was making a video earlier today for a client and saved it as an unfinished wlmp file onto a memory stick.

I have tried to open it on my home computer and it is saying that the file isn't compatible with the version of windows live movie maker I have.

"Sorry, Windows Movie Maker can't open this product file. the file might not be compatible with Windows Live Movie Maker or be corrupted. Please select a different project file.

Sorry, this project can't be opened because it was created in a version of Windows Live Movie Maker that isn't compatible with this current version

How can I open this project in Windows Live Movie Maker?"

(The underlined bit had a link - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/movie-maker-the-project-cant-be-opened )

I then tried loading two old versions of windows movie maker, and it wouldn't load on those either.... I am at my wits end - I spent hours on this video and don't want to have to start over entirely.

I can't find a codec, I can't find an old version of windows live movie maker, and I can't find any way to salvage the project. Even if I had a way to turn the project to a video file I would be happy with, but nothing is working.

Windows for home | Other | Music, photos, and video

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-24T07:20:35+00:00

    A project file isn't a movie at all.  It is the project file with just the instructions to build a movie from the original source files.  If all you have saved is the .wlmp file, it doesn't matter if you can open it or not, unless you have the same source files with you as well.  So I hope you have those too.  Otherwise, it's like trying to follow a recipe without ingredients.  :)

    However, as a first step, you need to know what specific version your client was using.  That project file cannot be opened in an earlier version, so I suggest making sure you have the latest version possible on your computer.  The latest version is 16.4.3505.0912 and is part of Windows Essentials 2012.

    Update: The latest version is 16.4.3532.0331 and isn't available on the Microsoft website anymore. Read more about your options in the following link:

    Movie Maker went away on January 10, 2017

    If on the other hand you are trying to open this in Windows Media Player, it obviously won't play at all because it isn't a movie, as a mentioned before.

    If you are still having issues, please post back with:

    1. What exact verison of Movie Maker is on your client computer?  (Check About Movie Maker)
    2. Did you copy all the source files too?
    3. What version of Movie Maker are you running?
    4. If you open up the .wlmp file in Notepad, what version does it show on the Project line (65538?  65540?)

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-05-16T16:25:10+00:00

    A project file isn't a movie at all; it's just the instructions for making a movie.  Even if you could open the .wlmp file, unless you have the same source files and the same version of Movie Maker, this will not work.

    What your friend should have done is given you the actual movie.  To create a movie from a project, your friend would need to use File > Save movie.  That will create a .wmv or .mp4 file that can be viewed in Windows Media Player.  It does not require you to have Movie Maker at all. 

    Incidentally, 14.0 is pretty old since the latest is 16.4; if your hardware meets the specs and you have the correct graphics drivers loaded, you may want to update to the latest version of Windows Essentials 2012 (which includes Movie Maker).

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-12-29T07:04:19+00:00

    Hi cluis0,

    For us to better help you, please provide us the project file so we can determine if it is a compatibility error, or possible file corruption. I have sent you a private message for the instructions. After uploading the file, please notify us in this thread.

    Thanks.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-12-29T05:02:10+00:00

    Hi there,

    I have the very same issue than AmeliaMonash. I know about the nature of the project files (instructions other than movies). Also, I have my source files collected inside the .wlmp file.

    I look forward the version also.

    Answering your questions:

    1. Windows Live Movie Maker,  14.0.8117.0416
    2. Yes
    3. Windows Live Movie Maker, 14.0.8117.0416
    4. 65538

    Hope you have some advice.

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  5. Anonymous
    2012-11-24T03:55:14+00:00

    Hello,

    For us to better assist you, I have provided a private message where you can upload the project file that has been corrupted. We will try to fix the project file if it can be recovered. Note that you need to be signed in to view the private message. Afterwards, reply back to this public thread.

    Thank you.

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