Getting Windows Movie Maker to Import Kodak Zi8 mov Video Files

Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera is a popular little digital camcorder that rivals (some believe exceeds) the Flip UltraHD/Flip MinoHD and the iPhone’s camcorder. This popular little device often frustrates PC uses because its files are saved as .mov filetype. While that’s fine and dandy for some, majority of PC users want to be able to edit their files in the free Windows Movie Maker which can not read .mov files.

Here’s some simple steps to teach fool Movie Maker and make your life simpler!

1. First, you want to go to “Folder Options”. In XP/Vista/Win7, this is found in the Control Panel -> Folder Options.
2. Open Folder Options and we want to either CHECK “show extensions for known file types” or UNCHECK “hide extensions for known file types”. (Basically we want to be able to see the extensions for all files, but wording will depend on your OS) and Click OKAY to confirm this change.
3. Now we need some codecs, which are like language files for PCs, that will let Windows Movie Maker have less trouble with this file when we get done pulling the wool over its eyes, so we need to download (free) K-Lite Mega Codec Pack. Select the “Standard” installation, then select Mirror 1 or 2 (doesn’t matter which) and on the page that opens, find the Download button.
4. Once K-Lite is downloaded, install it, you can accept all its defaults, both before and after the required reboot. Just let it do its thing. When in doubt, click okay.
5. Now, navigate to your .mov file. Right click it, select rename, and carefully remove the .mov and type in .mp4 (Hit enter or click away to make it stay/confirm it)
6. Now open Windows Movie Maker and re-attempt your import. It should work flawlessly. On the off chance it does not, pick up a copy of Microsoft.s (free) Windows LIVE Movie Maker which should solve the problem.

I look forward to seeing all of your awesome videos!  This workaround should work for any .mov file not just those from the Kodak.

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