MEP Installation

Some users have had trouble with corrupted installations eg failed DVD burning because of conflicts with Antivirus software during the installation process.

A recommended installation method, supplied by Junktodevnull from the forum, is:

For MEP 10 and earlier, Install the "Ligos Splitter Patch". If you have an AMD 64 system, install the "Ligos Encoder Update"; also install the "Ligos Codec for Windows XP Servicepack 1" codec update (this is applicable for XP SP 2 as well),

Install the latest program patches for your version of MEP:

MEP 2004 (3.0.X): There is currently one patch available for MEP 2004 from the UK and USA Magix websites. But, it is called the 3.0.3 patch. The problem is that many copies of MEP 2004 are already at the 3.0.3 version status. So even if Help>About... says your version is 3.0.3, apply the patch that is on the website to fix DVD Menu and pixellation problems.
MEP 2005 : 2 available on the Magix UK website to take the program to version 4.0.2.6 (doesn't fix the 48khz DV-AVI export problem though, despite what it says...).
MEP 10: Original: 4.5.3; Latest Patch 4.5.4.
MEP 10 Plus: Original: 5.0.5.1; Latest Patch 5.0.5.2: Patch available on the Magix UK website to take the version to 5.0.5.2. There have been reports that the patch causes problems: read this for details. However, I have not had any problems burning DVDs with the patch applied.
MEP 11 US: Original 5.5.3.2; Latest Patch 5.5.5.0: Patch available on the Magix USA website.
MEP 11 UK: Original ?; Latest Patch 6.0.5.2: Patch available on the Magix UK website.
MEP 11 PLUS: Original 6.0.1.1, Latest Patch 6.0.5.2; Patch available on the UK website.
MEP 12 US: Original 6.5.4.0, Latest patch 6.5.4.4 (MPEG 4-Activation fixed, DVD-Layouts adapted, Progress-bar for burning fixed). Patch available on the Magix USA website.
MEP 14 Plus Boxed (UK and possibly Canada) Original 7.5.2.11. No patches issued.
MEP 14 Plus Boxed US original 7.5.3.1 (and in one case 7.5.3.11). Latest patch 7.5.3.2. From Magix: "This patch fixes NTSC Problem solved in AVI-Export and various problems in dialog 'Image size and position' solved". However, it has introduced a bug where any text changes made to the DVD Chapter menus are not saved. Patch available on the Magix USA Support site.
MEP 14/14 Plus E-version Worldwide: Original version 7.5.2.8, patch to 7.5.2.10, latest patch 7.5.3.1
MEP 15/15Plus Download version Worldwide: Original 8.0.5.8 (C2). Latest patch 8.6.1.0 (C2). Patch details for Plus version here.
MEP 15/15 Plus Boxed version Worldwide: Original 8.0.5.8. (C1). Latest patch 8.6.1.0 (C2). Patch details for Plus version here.
MEP 16/16 Plus Boxed version worldwide: Original 9.0.1.60 (C1). Latest patch 9.0.6.6 (C1).
MEP 17/17 Plus Boxed version worldwide: Original 10.0.0.33, Latest Patch 10.0.10.2.

To get the patches:

First, try the Online Update system (not available on very early versions). Click on Help>Online Update.

If that doesn't work go to the Magix Support Site (you must be logged in and your product registered with Magix to download any patches) and follow the Download link.

Update your Burn Routines

Update your Burn Routines file (lower down on your personalised Download page). This file contains the latest information for MEP from Magix for CD/DVD burners.

Install any Tools required. Various Magix tools are available.

For MEP 10 and earlier:

Ligos Encoder Update for AMD 64 systems available in the TOOLS section. If you have trouble applying the patch ie if it stops at this message: "the following Magix Products will be updated", then uninstall MEP and reinstall and then apply the patch again.
Windows XP Ligos Indeo codec reset patch tool.

There are other tools available, including one to remove all traces of the program during uninstallation.

Set the default audio properties for new projects to 48,000khz: Open a new movie (File>New movie), then Files>Movie properties (or later versions>File>Settings>Movie Settings) and set the audio sample rate to 48,000khz. Then tick "use settings as presets for new projects".
In MEP, set the Extract Sound From Videos option. File>System (or Program) Settings.... (or key Y), click on the Video/Audio tab, then tick Extract Sound From Videos. This will ensure you have a soundtrack as well as video when you capture or import video files.

Read my Folder Management spiel in Tips and Tricks about how to set up your folders.