This is a strange problem but I will do my best to explain it.

I spent several hours adding and trimming mp4 video files into WLMM and all was going fine.

Then it froze and when I reset it, my files were gone, but it still said Item 1 of 161 in the bottom corner.

(Despite the large number, all my files are between 0.6 and 2 seconds in length so the whole thing only lasts about 2 and a half minutes. I have also made dozens of successful videos in this manner so I'm convinced size is not the problem.)

Upon another reload, my files were compressed to the width of an eyelash as if I had zoomed out as far as possible. After expanding them, I found that all my files are still there, exactly as I left them, but I CANNOT ACCESS THEM!

I cannot edit them, copy/paste them or interact with them, except to remove them, or "Fix" them (with the only suggestion being to remove them, so really no help!)

I can still add other videos around them (the same raw file in fact) but I cannot do anything with the files I have already added and spent hours editing to my liking.

I really don't want to delete the project unless I ABSOLUTELY have to, so anyone who may have had this problem before please help me out.

I am using Windows Live Movie Maker from Windows Essentials 2012 on Windows 7.
WLMM still works as I can add and edit files in other projects.

My Video Cards and other devices are up to date.
Not entirely sure what else to include but I can provide relevant info on request.