Occasionally a problem might be caused by a driver conflict or a DirectX error. Such errors usually result in an Windows error message or a locally generated error message when the file is loaded or conversion starts. Driver or component errors are reported in your DirectX diagnostic report.

All other problems with Fx MPEG Writer are related to errors within source files or with a codec that is  not supported by your operating system or your processor. These sorts of problems show up as incomplete or out of sync output files or with Fx MPEG Writer locking up (freezing) but neither Windows nor Fx MPEG Writer can detect the problems so no error is raised.

•  Generally speaking when a source file is flawed, the converter will run until it reaches the bad spot then it will continue to retry endlessly until you stop the process manually.
•  Codec errors usually cause a Windows fault or lock up the application when the first frame is converted.

One way to quickly determine if you problem is with your system or your source file is to download a sample file of the same type as the troublesome file from our web site:

http://www.jhepple.com/support/sample_movies1.htm

It is important to note that file size has nothing to do with conversion problems other than the likelihood of a flaw in a big file is greater simply because it holds more data.

Here are some additional resources:

If your source file is an AVI format it probably has a corrupt or missing key frame. You may be able to fix it with VirtualDub. You can download VirtualDub free from the below page. Just follow the directions on the page to re-key your file then use the new file as your source.

http://www.jhepple.com/virtualdub.htm

If your source file is Windows Media you may not have the correct codec or you may be able to repair it using the Microsoft tools. Please see the below page for more information.

http://www.jhepple.com/support/kb/wmv_conversion.htm

The QuickTime Alternative or Real Alternatives available from free-codecs.com or other similar sources seem to work with no problems. However the K-Lite codec packs can install codecs that are incompatible with your system such as DivX ;-) which will freeze applications running in the newer version of Windows or the DivX 4 codec which does not run properly on any processor other than the Pentium Plus. See the below Microsoft knowledge base article for more.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316688

Exotic DirectX filters such as audio splitters or stream switchers will not convert unless you have the writable version of the filter. You must contact the manufacturer of the codec or filter.

A variety of problems have been reported when trying to convert files created by Pinnacle Studio 8. There are some issues created when Nero Burning is installed after Pinnacle and other issues with the Pinnacle updates. We cannot offer support for fixing Pinnacle installations or files. Please visit Pinnacle Studio web site:

http://www.pinnaclesys.com

If you need further assistance please complete a service request from our web site. Be sure to include your DirectX diagnostic report:

http://www.jhepple.com/support/service_request.htm

Please note that this tool will not convert copy protected movies or movies for which you do not have an appropriate license.