Convert video files into files supported by the Zune software and the Zune player or phone

This article describes how to convert unsupported files into Zune-supported files so you can sync them to your Zune player or phone.

This article also shows you how to use three Microsoft programs to convert video files into .wmv files. For more information about file formats that are supported by the Zune software, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Microsoft has several programs that convert video files. These programs include Windows Movie Maker, Microsoft Expression Encoder, and Windows Media Encoder. Many third-party software programs can also convert video files. You can search the Internet for the correct software.

Here's how to convert your video files by using the three Microsoft programs:

Windows Movie Maker

Windows Movie Maker is a component of Windows XP and Windows Vista. Windows Movie Maker supports files that are imported in the following video formats:

• .asf
• .avi
• .m1v
• .mp2
• .mp2v
• .mpe
• .mpeg
• .mpg
• .mpv2
• .wm
• .wmv

Here's how to convert video files into .wmv format by using Windows Movie Maker: 

1. Open Windows Movie Maker.
   • In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type moviemk.exe, and then click OK.
   • In Windows Vista, click Start
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     , type moviemk.exe in the Start Search box, and then click ENTER.
   • If you're using Windows 7, you'll need to install Windows Live Movie Maker (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/movie-maker ) . As soon as it's installed, continue following the instructions.
2. On the File menu, you can choose Import into Collections or Import Media Items. Make your selection and then click Import.
3. Drag the video to the storyboard at the bottom of the window.
4. On the File menu, click Save Movie File in Windows XP. If you’re using Windows Vista, click Publish Movie.
5. Click My Computer, and then follow the steps in the Save Movie Wizard to save your file.
6. When the wizard prompts you to select the movie file settings, select the settings that are most appropriate to the kind of device you want to play your movie on.
7. After you create the movie file, move the file to one of the folders in your Zune library. To do this, open your Zune software. Then copy and paste (or drag) the movie file into the appropriate Zune folder. In Windows XP and Vista the folders are found in Monitored Folders; in Windows 7 they’re found in Windows 7 Libraries, accessed from Settings in your Zune software. As soon as this is completed you can connect your Zune player or phone to your computer to sync the movie. 
   
   For more information about Windows Movie Maker, visit the following Microsoft website:
   http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx)

Microsoft Expression Encoder 4

1. Open Microsoft Expression Encoder.
2. From the File menu, click Import.
3. Locate and open the video file that you want to convert.
4. From the Edit menu, select Apply Preset > Encoding for Devices > WMV and then select the preset your device of choice.
5. Click Encode.
6. After encoding is complete, click the Output tab. Under Job Output you’ll see a directory section. Browse to the location of the job you're performing.
7. After you create the movie file, move the file to one of the folders in your Zune library. To do this, open your Zune software. Then copy and paste (or drag and drop) the movie file into the appropriate Zune folder. In Windows XP and Vista the folders are found in Monitored Folders; in Windows 7 they’re found in Windows 7 Libraries, accessed from Settings in your Zune software. As soon as this is completed you can connect your Zune player or phone to your computer to sync the movie. 
   
   For more information about Microsoft Expression Encoder, visit the following Microsoft website:
   
   http://expression.microsoft.com (http://expression.microsoft.com)

Windows Media Encoder

To download Windows Media Encoder, visit the following Microsoft website:Windows Media Encoder was designed for content producers who want to capture audio and video content by using the many innovations in Windows Media. Windows Media Encoder supports files that are imported in the following video formats:

• .asf
• .avi
• .bmp
• .jpg
• .mpg
• .wmv

Here's how to convert video files into .wmv format by using Windows Media Encoder: 

1. Start Windows Media Encoder.
   • In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type wmenc.exe, and then click OK.
   • In Windows Vista and Windows 7, click Start
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     , type Microsoft expression encoder 4 in the Start Search box, and then press Enter.
2. In the New Session dialog box, click Convert a file, and then click OK. Or, click New on the File menu, and then click Convert a file.
3. To select a source file, click Browse next to Source file, select the file that you want to convert, and then click Open.
4. Click Next.
5. When the wizard prompts you to select the movie file settings, select the settings that are most appropriate to the kind of device you want to play your movie on.
6. Follow the steps in the wizard to convert the file. When the conversion is finished, move the movie file to one of the folders in your Zune library. To do this, open your Zune software. Then copy and paste (or drag) the movie file into the appropriate Zune folder. In Windows XP and Vista the folders are found in Monitored Folders; in Windows 7 they’re found in Windows 7 Libraries, accessed from Settings in your Zune software. As soon as this is completed you can connect your Zune player or phone to your computer to sync the movie.
   
   For more information about Windows Media Encoder, visit the following website: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/encoder/faq.aspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/encoder/faq.aspx)

For more information about how to provide content for Zune, visit the following Zune website: