Creating an AVI file with movie maker 2

I have created a movie from slides in movie maker 2 and have been able to
save it as a WMV and MSWMM file and save it a CD for playing on my computer.
When I try to save it as an AVI file, the save feature starts counting up the
time remaining and this continues with no movement on the status bar. I next
get a message that the movie is completed that the save is complete and try
to run the movie. I get a Window Media Player encountered an unknown error. I
clicked on the help and found the error number is C00D11CD. I followed the
link to the microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/ site and followed the
instruction on the Microsoft site but still cannot get the movie to save as a
AVI file. Any help will be appreciated.
I also would like to know if there is a program that will make a DVD that
all or most DVD players can use?

Thanks for any help given.