Convert .wtv to dvr-ms format by right clicking does not exist despite what Windows Help instructions say.____

Question

Windows 7 help and support says to "Convert a recorded TV file (.wtv) to an older format go to the folder where your recorded TV files are stored (usually C:\Users\Public), right-click the file that you want to convert, and then click Convert to .dvr-ms Format."

When I right click on these files there is no option to "Convert to .dvr-ms Format."  Is there a way to do this, or a setting within the folder to allow this?

Answer 1

I don't know why your computer doesn't have that option.  See if your computer has the conversion program: C:\windows\ehome\wtvconverter.exe.  If it does, you can run it from a command prompt window (Start >All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt ) by typing these commands:

      cd /d c:\windows\ehome      wtvconverter sourcefile targetfile /ShowUI

where:

      sourcefile = full path of the .wtv file that you want to convert

      targetfile = full path of the .dvr-ms file that you want to create

      /ShowUI (optional).  If present, shows the conversion progress in a separate window

For example:

cd /d c:\windows\ehome      wtvconverter "C:\users\public\public recorded tv\TV Show.wtv"  "C:\users\public\public recorded tv\TV Show.dvr-ms" /ShowUI

To convert a whole folder of .wtv files to .drv-ms format, use this command:

      wtvconverter sourcefolder**\*.wtv** /ShowUI

For example:

      wtvconverter "C:\users\public\public recorded tv\*.wtv" /ShowUI

Answer 2

I had the same problem but just discovered how to reinstall the the option "convert to .dvr ms"

Rightclick the .wtw file and then click options. Select change and open with  windows media center.

Click OK and now the option "convert to .dvr ms" is back!

In my case hp media smart vjdeo main program had been chosen as default after

reinstalling win 7

Answer 3

Thanks Steve,

I'll give it a try.  I'm sure I need to check the full path...I'm terrible at entering things into the command prompt correctly!

Answer 4

You're welcome.

I don't know if HD 16:9 could cause the message.  That message also occurs if the sourcefile doesn't exist, possibly due to an error in specifying its name.  Specify the full path, exactly as I showed in the examples.

Answer 5

I do have the wtvconverter.exe file - but running the command prompt tells me that the *.wtv file is not compatable with conversion to dvr-ms.  Perhaps it's because it's an HD tv recording in 16:9 format, or because it's from a QAM tuner?