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 Having an outdated video graphics driver.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
    2014-02-15T22:05:27+00:00

    Sorry for delay in replying as I have been abroad. I also cleaned up my computer so may have deleted some of the info you wanted. However I have created the information you requested and this is on my desktop but I don't seem able to attach it to this reply

     I hope that it is as comprehensive as you require.

    Regards Gerry

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-02T07:07:35+00:00

    Hi loriellenew and GGlover,

    I apologize for not responding on your query on a timely manner. I understand that when viewing a file it only shows black screen in preview. For us to investigate your issue further I created a private message, kindly provide us the log files there. To collect log files follow the steps on this link.

    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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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-27T15:13:33+00:00

    I have an HP DM 4 beats edition laptop with the intel and Radeon graphics adaptors. I get a black preview screen even running the wildlife .wmv sample file. I've tried all the MS fixit, driver updates routes etc. etc with no joy. Could the twin graphics adapters be the  problem? Many people on the various forums seem to have HP laptops, presumably with twin adapters.

    I have down loaded Movie maker 2.6 and this seems OK. Media Payer is OK.

    Anybody had a solution as MS and HP seem to be at a loss?

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-26T03:14:08+00:00

    hi richard

    ive been having  this  black screen problem  too-- and have tried all the  suggested fixex-  & NOTHING!!!

    im  very  frustrated

    ive  been days of  customer  sevice  and  tech  support phone calls &

    still  no picture

    im  win 7 home premium- HP envy- 1 year old

    using wmm 2012

    trying & fialing to get pix on  mpeg file, ipad  video, and evey other  video  i  could  test on my  omputer--  every program had the  same  result-  NO PICTUERE!!

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