Resources

I have problems with some video links and websites. When I click the link it shows a small sign in the corner.  Please help me with this?

Troubleshooting Video Errors

There are a few things that you can do to troubleshoot video errors. Depending on your operating system and the media player that you are using, you should start with some updates and upgrades. Having the latest software on your computer is important because manufacturers and developers issue patches and software updates that your computer needs to stay compatible with both online video sources and links. If you are trying to open videos that were made using new technology with an older program that doesn’t understand the new technology, it makes sense that it isn’t going to work.

Update Windows XP or Vista, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player

First things first, get the latest updates for your Windows operating system with Windows Updates. If you are running Windows XP, there are three Service Packs available with timely updates from Microsoft and, if you are running Vista, there is already one Service Pack available. Use this link to visit Windows Updates and you can also set Updates to run automatically on a schedule to keep your system up to date.

As well as Windows Updates, you should also update your version of Internet Explorer, for the latest updates to your web browser. If you are using Windows Media Player, there is the link to get the latest version of the media program. If you are using something other than WMP, visit the website for the program and get the latest releases and updates.

Install Java

These software updates alone might be enough to sort out your viewing problems, but if you are still having trouble there are some more advanced software applications that you might be missing. Sites like YouTube use Adobe Flash Player - which is a graphics program. Adobe programs are especially sensitive to older versions left behind on your computer, so you need to properly uninstall all previous versions before downloading and installing a new one.

Here is the link to the Adobe page where you can download the Adobe Flash Player Uninstaller. Click the link to download the program, then run it on your computer and follow all the direction. When it’s finished, reboot your computer and then use this link to download and install the latest version of Adobe Flash Player.

I hope this takes care of your video problem. If not, write us again, let us know what operating system and programs you are using, what you’ve tried and what problems you are having specifically. Good luck!

Why can’t I get picture in full screen mode when I’m watching videos on the Internet when I can get sound still?

A few different scenarios could lead to this problem. Read through these suggestions and use them one at a time until you solve your problem. Try the first solution first as it is the most likely one.

Full Screen Mode and WMP

When the full screen mode is used with WPM or Windows Media Player, the player is sometimes actually bumped out of the screen. Hence, you can hear the movie but you can’t see it. The thought of that just makes me cringe with annoyance so I can imagine how you are feeling.

Let’s see if the following adjustment works to fix the problem:

Open Windows Media Player>Select Access Application Menus>Select Tools>Select Options>Select Performance>Select Advanced> Select Video Acceleration>Turn off the “Enable full screen mode switch” by removing the check that appears in the little box in front of it. Alternatively, if the “Enable full screen mode switch” isn’t turned on, you can place a check in the box and see if that makes the problem go away.

Troubleshooting Full Screen Mode Errors

It might be necessary to change the video acceleration in order to get full screen viewing. To do so, use this path:

Open Windows Media Player>Select Access Application Menus>Select Tools>Select Options>Select Performance>Select Advanced>Select Video Acceleration>Move the slider to decrease or turn off the acceleration.

Requirements for Viewing Videos

In order to view videos, it is necessary for you to first install the proper program onto your machine. For example, this problem of no video while audio still works can occur if you are trying to view the video through Windows Media Player but the video has been formatted for use with a different player. Before you install a new program, try these strategies first:

• Update the Video card drivers.
• Install a video converter such as Windows Media Encoder, Windows Movie Maker, or Microsoft Expression (all of which are offered by Microsoft.)

Video Playback and Viewing

If you know which extension is attached to the video that you are trying to view, you can determine whether or not you have the correct player for viewing. Here’s a list to help you in the future.

• The .avi file extension can be opened with “Windows Media Player.”
• The .ram. file extension can be opened with “RealPlayer.”
• The .mov file extension can be opened with “QuickTime.”
• The .qt file extension can be opened with “QuickTime.”