Windows DVD Maker help

(I realise that this isn't a PC hardware question but I figure you lot might be able to help me.) I've been using Windows DVD Maker and have been trying to get a .avi file onto a dvd but everytime it starts encoding it, the DVD Maker says it's encountered a problem and closes. Do you think I'd have more luck if I converted my .avi video to .mpeg then used the DVD Maker using the mpeg video instead?

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