Invisable scroll bars

GarySJ wrote on 9/4/2005, 4:15 PM

I've installed MovieStudio 6.0 (build 43). I'm running windows XP Home (SP2). When I first opened MS everything worked fine. I looked at a few tutorials etc. and closed the program. When I next opened MS the vertical and horizontal scroll bars on the track view (timeline) had vanished! I also noticed that when I opened a tutorial the "next" button at the bottom of the pop-up window was gone. If I put my mouse pointer over the spot the buttons should be and click, it works as if the button is there (but it's not visible). I opened the DVD Architect 3 program that came bundled with MS and I'm having the same problem with the "next" button missing on the tutorial pop-ups. Is this weird or what? All other programs on my computer (including other Sony products) are running fine. Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

Comments

jimmyz wrote on 9/4/2005, 5:46 PM

try resarting vegas while holding control and shift. It will ask you if you want to reset to the default settings. Hope this helps

GarySJ wrote on 9/4/2005, 8:20 PM

Thanks for your response Jimmy. I gave your suggestion a try and still no luck.

Chienworks wrote on 9/5/2005, 5:05 AM

Except for the fact that other programs are all visible, it sounds like you're running out of system resources. This could be due to running to many programs at once, running programs that are memory hogs, too long since a reboot (not as much of a problem under XP as it was in the past), not enough memory, or lots of unnecessary background processes (like utility programs or viruses, worms, and spyware).

Do you have the problem if Movie Studio is the only program running? Have you made sure that Movie Studio is the only program running by hitting Ctrl-Alt-Del and checking the list of processes? Do you have antivirus and antispyware software installed? How much memory do you have?

GarySJ wrote on 9/5/2005, 7:53 AM

Thank you for your response Chienworks.

My computer has a Celeron D processor and 2 gigs of RAM so it should have enough oomph to run the program. I've used Pinnacle Studio 9 in the past with no problem.

In your opinion could this be the result of a bad install disc?

Thanks again!

Chienworks wrote on 9/5/2005, 9:19 AM

I suppose it's possible. I usually never install from the disc. Try downloading the version here: http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/download/step1.asp?CatID=1 It will use the same serial number you already have.

GarySJ wrote on 9/5/2005, 4:11 PM

Thanks again for your response Chienworks.

I downloaded the version from the Sony website and I have the same issues so I can rule out a bad install disc. I haven't changed any settings within the program so it has to be some conflict with my computer.

I've never seen anything like this. If anyone has any other ideas I could try it would be much appreciated!

Storyman wrote on 9/5/2005, 7:44 PM

Gary,

Did you install over the old version or did you first delete MS and all of the associated programs?

In situations like this I've found it helpful to create a backup of the registery and then remove the program's file from the software section of the registry. If you aren't sure what you're doing with the registry, then have someone who knows do it for you. Mess up the registry and you're going to have REAL problems. (You might call Sony's tech support to have them help you with this.)

GarySJ wrote on 9/5/2005, 9:18 PM

Hi Storyman, thanks for your response.

Actually in addition to MS 6.0, I am running Vegas Video LE 3.0, Sound Forge 6.0 and Acid 2.0.

I wonder if that's why when I try to capture video from MS 6.0 I get this error message - "The device could not be opened. Please make sure it is turned on and is not being used by another application or user." But I can capture video in Vegas LE. That's why I was leaving it installed.

I have an email in to tech support (I don't have a service plan so I can't call) so hopefully they can help me if it's a registry issue.

I think you may be on to something here. Thanks again for your help!

Storyman wrote on 9/6/2005, 10:28 AM

Gary,

Try uninstalling the programs you listed. (Forgo the registery for now.) Start by installing MS, then see if you can import okay. If not, the registry will need to cleaned of all of the programs mentioned. If you can import okay, then install the other programs one-by-one and test MS' import cababilities after each install. If there is a conflict with a particular program you'll know which one.

GarySJ wrote on 9/6/2005, 6:37 PM

Heya Storyman, gave your suggestion a try and I'm sorry to report even with all other programs removed... the scroll bars etc. are invisible.

This is REALLY frustrating!

From what I can tell I'd like this program much better than the Studio 9+ I was using. That is if I can get these issues worked out. Thanks again for the suggestion.

Gary

Storyman wrote on 9/6/2005, 7:04 PM

Were you able to clean out the registery? It is something to consider.

BTW did you also remove the Studio 9 program? You might want to add that to the list of programs to remove.

Is there a chance of installing the program on another computer?

GarySJ wrote on 9/6/2005, 8:22 PM

Hi again Storyman. Ok... this only gets better all the time...lol. I set a restore point before I deleted all the programs (btw I did run my registry cleaner) so when I restored my computer back to pre-delete status I re-booted. Lo-and-behold the invisible items had appeared!. Wanting to make sure it wasn't a fluke I re-booted again and... you guessed it... invisible again! This is just too much. No I didn't think to remove Studio 9 but now that the scroll bars appeared once can we rule out software conflict? Again, my thanks for your time and effort Storyman.

Storyman wrote on 9/6/2005, 10:13 PM

Gary,

Your computer was probably lonely and just wanted extra attention. ;~)

GarySJ wrote on 9/6/2005, 10:55 PM

lol... heck Story, I'd buy it a hooker if I thought it would help!

I haven't heard back from tech support yet. I hope they may have some ideas.

In the mean time I visualize my scroll buttons in my minds eye and click away.

Take care Storyman.

IanG wrote on 9/7/2005, 1:18 AM

If you try the hooker experiment let us know how you get on! In the meantime, have you tried using a different windows theme? It might be worth going into the display properties and trying different styles, switching off some of the effects etc.

Ian G.

GarySJ wrote on 9/7/2005, 3:12 PM

Hi Ian, the hooker thing was a bust too (no pun intended). I'm not running any Windows theme at all, just plain ol' gray screen (I'm so boring). No screensaver either. And still no reply from tech support. Thanks for your suggestion though Ian.

GarySJ wrote on 9/7/2005, 9:47 PM

Ian, you're my new best friend!! On your advice I tried changing my desktop. I just switched to a classic windows theme, and... I think the mystery of the vanishing scroll bars is solved! I've rebooted several times and each time I open MS the missing items are there. So thanks again for the suggestion Ian, and thanks to Jimmyz, Chienworks & Storyman for your input.

Gary

Storyman wrote on 9/8/2005, 8:25 AM

Gary,

Would you mind doing a little test and switch back to the previous desktop theme? Do the scrollbars disappear? This is something that should be reported to Sony.

GarySJ wrote on 9/8/2005, 8:22 PM

Hi Storyman. I did my best to switch the desktop back the way it was but I wasn't able to get the bars to disappear again. I was just using the Windows Classic theme with a light gray background. No screensaver.

I haven't heard back from tech support yet but when I do I'll let them know how we resolved the problem. Again thanks for all your input and looking forward to seeing you on this board.

Gary