Is there a known issue with MEP17 and Windows 8. Updated to Windows 8 when it first came out, but just now getting around to reintsalling MEP17. it did install, but crashes as soon as I load a video file.
Does the crash occur with any video type or just one format? Try a program reset - Files, Settings, Reset program to defaults.
Is this a new PC or did you upgrade from a previous version of Windows if an upgrade did you do a clean install or ugrade the existing Windows?
There would appear to be several issues with older versions of MEP and Windows 8.
Depending on the version MEP may not run at all to it will run however something breaks - so far the problem I have seen most of in the various video forums is the DVD/BD burner is not recognised.
To ensure 100% compatibility it would be best to upgrade to the latest version - you can use the trial version to test for any compatibility issues particularly if you have just upgraded to a brand new PC or laptop.