How can i get a copy of movie maker 2012?

A structured approach to identify and potentially recover your files, ranging from simple solutions to advanced options.

Step 1: Identify What You Have

First, determine the exact file format and condition:

• Check file extensions: Are they .mov, .avi, .mp4, .mswmm (Windows Movie Maker project), or something else?

• Analyze with MediaInfo: Download this free tool to inspect the codec, resolution, and file structure. This is critical for old files, as they may use deprecated codecs .

• Check file size: If it's only a few KB, the file is likely empty or severely corrupted .

Step 2: Try Immediate Playback Solutions

Before attempting repairs, test these quick fixes:

For Mac users with old .mov files:

• Try changing the extension from .mov to .mp4—this surprisingly works for some legacy QuickTime files .

• Install QuickTime 7 (32-bit version) if you're on an older macOS (Mojave or earlier). It can open many obsolete formats that modern QuickTime cannot .

For all platforms:

• VLC Media Player: This free tool plays almost any format and can sometimes fix corruption automatically. Go to Media > Convert/Save to output a clean copy .

• IINA Player: A modern Mac alternative that supports abandoned video codecs .

Step 3: Attempt File Repair

If the file won't play, try these repair methods:

Free options:

1. FFmpeg (command-line tool):

ffmpeg -i damaged.mp4 -c copy repaired.mp4

This attempts to copy streams to a new file, fixing container issues .

2. VLC's Repair Feature:

• Go to Tools > Preferences > All > Input/Codecs

• Set "Damaged or incomplete AVI file" to "Always fix"

• Convert the file through Media > Convert/Save

3. Untrunc: A free, open-source repair tool for various formats (requires technical skill) .

Paid software (for severely corrupted files):

• Stellar Repair for Video or Wondershare Repairit offer trial versions .

Step 4: Convert to Modern Format

If repair fails, conversion might work:

• HandBrake: Free, cross-platform converter. If it can't find a valid source, the file is likely too damaged .

• MiniTool Video Converter: Windows-specific, good for converting HEVC/H.265 files to H.264 for broader compatibility .

Step 5: Special Cases

Windows Movie Maker (.mswmm) project files: These are extremely problematic. Microsoft discontinued support, and even legacy versions often fail with "Invalid Pointer" errors . Your best bet is to:

• Locate all original source files (WMV/AVI) referenced by the project

• Rebuild the project in modern software like DaVinci Resolve

Files from the 1990s: Old QuickTime files may have lost their resource fork during transfers, making them unrecoverable without older backups .

Step 6: Professional Help

If the content is valuable and DIY methods fail:

• Professional digitization services like EverPresent can handle tape-based sources and severely damaged digital files .

• Online repair services: Fix.Video and Restore.Media are reputable but not free .

• Local data recovery experts: Find someone familiar with hex editing video containers .

⚠️ Critical Warnings:

• Backup first: Work on copies, not originals.

• Avoid sketchy software: Many "repair" tools are malware. Stick to VLC, FFmpeg, HandBrake, and reputable paid options .

• Set realistic expectations: Files with 0:00 duration in VLC or that HandBrake rejects are likely beyond repair .