DVD Files Won't Play on Your PC?
You've ripped a DVD or found VOB files in your VIDEO_TS folder, but Windows Media Player won't open them. VOB is the native DVD video format, and while it stores high-quality video, most Windows applications don't support it natively.
Converting to WMV solves this instantly. WMV (Windows Media Video) is Microsoft's native format, meaning it plays perfectly in Windows Media Player, integrates with Windows Movie Maker, and works seamlessly across all Windows applications. If you have multiple VOB files from a DVD, you can convert them all at once.
How to Convert VOB to WMV
- Upload your VOB file - Drag and drop or click to select files from your DVD rip
- Select WMV as output - Choose Windows Media Video for maximum Windows compatibility
- Download your video - Your converted file is ready to play on any Windows PC
The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required.
Why VOB Files Are Difficult
VOB (Video Object) files are part of the DVD-Video specification. When you look inside a DVD's VIDEO_TS folder, you'll find multiple VOB files containing the actual video content, audio tracks, and subtitles. Here's why they cause problems:
- Multiple files per movie - A single DVD movie is split across several VOB files (VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, etc.)
- Limited player support - Windows Media Player requires additional codecs to play VOB
- Large file sizes - VOB files are uncompressed, taking up significant storage space
- Navigation issues - Menu structures and chapters don't transfer to most players
WMV consolidates your video into a single, compact file that any Windows PC can play without extra software.
VOB vs WMV: Format Comparison
Understanding the differences helps you know what to expect after conversion:
- Compression - VOB uses MPEG-2 compression from the DVD era. WMV uses more modern VC-1 or WMV9 codecs, achieving better compression at similar quality levels
- File size - In our testing, WMV files are typically 40-60% smaller than the original VOB while maintaining good visual quality
- Compatibility - VOB requires DVD player software or codec packs. WMV plays natively on any Windows version since XP
- Editing - WMV works directly in Windows Movie Maker and many free video editors. VOB often needs conversion first
Common Use Cases
Archiving Your DVD Collection
Digitizing old DVDs before they degrade? Converting VOB to WMV creates smaller files that are easier to store and organize. A typical 2-hour DVD compresses from 4-8GB of VOB files to around 1-2GB in WMV.
Playing on Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player handles WMV files without any codec installation. If you want hassle-free playback on Windows, WMV is the native choice.
Editing Home Movies
Family videos recorded to DVD-R can be converted to WMV for editing in Windows Movie Maker or other entry-level editors that don't support VOB directly.
When to Consider Alternatives
WMV is ideal for Windows-only workflows, but other formats may serve you better in certain situations:
- VOB to MP4 - Better choice if you need cross-platform compatibility (Mac, iPhone, Android, web)
- VOB to MKV - Preserves multiple audio tracks and subtitles from the original DVD
- VOB to AVI - Works on older systems that don't support WMV
For pure Windows workflows, WMV remains the most integrated option.
Works on Any Device
Our converter runs entirely in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- No software installation required
- No registration or account needed
Upload your VOB file and download WMV - that's all there is to it.