Add Network Support to Windows Live Movie Maker

Enabling Network Support in Windows Live Movie Maker

Windows Live Movie Maker presents a viable solution for video creation within the Windows 7 operating system. However, a limitation exists regarding direct video import from network locations.

This article details a straightforward registry modification that will activate network support within the application. Attempting to incorporate a video file from a network drive, such as a home server, typically results in an error message.

The error indicates that files cannot be directly added from network folders, suggesting a copy to the local machine is necessary. This may be impractical due to storage constraints or time limitations.

Furthermore, there's no inherent reason why file addition from a network source should be restricted.

Implementing the Registry Hack

Network support can be enabled through a simple registry adjustment. Begin by clicking the Start button and entering 'regedit' into the search field.

Press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

Navigate through the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Live\Movie Maker.

Within this location, a new DWORD value must be created.

Name this value "AllowNetworkFiles" and assign it a value data of 1. Confirm your changes and close the Registry Editor.

Verifying the Change

Following this modification, Windows Live Movie Maker will now support the addition of video files directly from network locations.

This eliminates the need for prior file transfer to a local drive.

Concluding Remarks

While copying videos from the server to a local machine or external drive serves as a workaround, it is an unnecessary step.

This registry adjustment effectively enables network support and is compatible with both Windows 7 and Vista operating systems.

Acknowledgement is given to the indie band, The Krims, for providing the video file utilized in the demonstration of this process.