Windows 7 movie maker, has black screen but has audio

Anonymous
2013-04-16T05:33:22+00:00

I have windows 7 movie maker and the preview screen is black, I can here audio but can't see anything. How do I fix this?

Windows for home | Other | Music, photos, and video

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Anonymous
2013-04-16T16:20:01+00:00

The most common causes of black video (only audio) are:

  1. Not having the correct video codec to decode the video file.  This can happen with certain file types. While it might be possible to remedy this by figuring out what exact codec the file needs and then getting that installed on your system, this can be fraught with peril.  My recommendation in these cases is to convert the source video file to a supported file type (preferably .wmv).  I've used Freemake Video Converter for this task, but feel free to research your options.
  2. Having an outdated video graphics driver.  The solution for this is to run dxdiag and go to the Display tab.  Find out the make/model of your graphics card along with the installed driver version.  Then go to the manufacturer's website and find and install an update.  Alternatively, you may have to go to your PC manufacturer's website to get a graphics driver update, if they prevent you from installing driver updates directly.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-12-03T17:04:26+00:00

    How exactly does one tell if a driver "seems outdated"?

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-04-24T00:50:47+00:00

    This appears to be a very common problem that no one seems to have solved.

    Interested to hear when and if anyone does work it out.

    I have tried all the suggested solutions and have now given up and will source another app.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-04-16T05:59:36+00:00

    Hi Gerry,

    I apologize for the delayed response. I replied on the private message. Don't forget to sign in to Microsoft Community Forum to view the link.

    Your cooperation on this matter will be highly appreciated. I'll look forward to your reply.

    Thank you.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-04-16T05:53:07+00:00

    Hi William Trewartha-Jones and StephenJWilliams,

    I apologize for not responding on your query on a timely manner. I'll be happy to help you with your issue that when viewing a file it only shows black screen in preview. For us to investigate your issue further I created a private message wherein you will provide us additional information needed.

    Please click on You have a private reply to this message link just above your post to view the message. Don't forget to sign in to Microsoft Community Forum to view the link.

    Your cooperation on this matter will be highly appreciated. I'll look forward to your reply.

    Thank you.

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