I have lost the ability to play video recordings

I know I'm supposed to keep this short but don't know how to.

I use Camtasia Studio to produce videos for students and lessons I sell. I use a Sony Handycam DCR-SR82 camera to make recordings. Camtasia doesn't read the format so I purchased Movavi Video Converter to convert to WMV. Everthing was working fine until now. I hadn't used the camera or Movavi since before December 2008 (illness and holiday).

In the meantime I updated Camtasia 5 to Camtasia 6. Installed Incredimail (uninstalled it), installed a Webex .arf program and that's all I can think of now.

The Sony camera program won't let me play the video, now, and when using Movavi, I couldn't even open the program.

Uninstalled Camtasia 6, uninstalled both programs that play videos, reinstalled Sony and Movavi. Updated Sony and still won't play video. I can transfer to the computer, that's all. Movavi plays video but it is horrible. Purple lines and blurry, awful presentation.

So, uninstalled everything and back to Camtasia 5. Installed Sony again and when I try to install the update I get an error message that says it can't because I have the latest update my computer (duh!)

Windows Media Player works so didn't think I needed to update that and don't even know if that would help.

My question is, have I lost a codec or something that is needed to play video recordings or something? Techsmith says if uninstalling Camtasia and the programs still didn't work, then it isn't Techsmith (Camtasia). Movavi won't give me tech support.

Sony tried to help but need to get someone with more knowledge so can call them later.

Thanks you,

This is my business and I am at a loss.

 

Try K lite Codec Pack from http://www.majorgeeks.com/K-Lite_Mega_Codec_Pack_d5230.html.

If its a codec issue, it would most probaly solve it.

 

I've never done a system restore. It scares me. I'm afraid of losing "stuff." I forgot to mention that I have Windows XP SP2

 

I back up ALL my data, upgrades to software, my website, etc. onto 2 external hard drives and the website onto a cd (I don't have a big website). I don't back up the computer itself. Was told that wasn't necessary.

I don't know what I will lose with a system restore. I used to always set a restore point before installing new software, but things got complicated with life and just haven't done it for awhile.

 

Okay, I'll download the codec listed above. Don't know why I thought it was codec problem other than that's what the Sony tech said on the phone yesterday since the only programs that I can tell that are affected are programs to do with videos, other than Camtasia which has it's own codec.

I try the codec first, then if that doesn't do it, I'll try to pick a good date to do a system restore. I run software for sewing machines and it is a devil to update. Problems galore and I've never had a problem but so many people are so don't want to restore back that far.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help here. I was tempted to do the "registry fix" on my computer; opened it up and scanned and it came up with 1098 problems for the registry alone. Checked out every single one of them but really didn't know what I was looking at except they all said that the file didn't exist in this location (or something like that). I backed out of it. The computer store where I take the computer says those type of programs can cause more problems.

I'll let you know what I end up doing. Again, thanks.

 

Good advice.

Can I ask what registry repair program you are using?

Re: Store's advice, you'll get the same here and 99% of the time it's correct.

If you let us know what rgistry fix software you're using we can determine whether it's valid or not and possibly instruct you to post a log of those "1089 problems" to assist in repair if required.

 

It's called RegistryFixV6.2. Registryfix.com. Can't remember who talked me into buying it but I haven't used it in some time since the store said not to.

Also, I downloaded the codec program listed above. So, would the best plan to be to install that and if that doesn't work do a system restore?

 

Yes, I'd definately do both suggestions before relying on a. n. other registry fix application.

 

Okay, will do. Thanks again.

 

It's me again. Before installing the codec program there is an area to read about it and it says to uninstall any codecs on my computer. Let's get real, here......I'm a 69 year old woman who teaches embroidery, software for home embroidery machines, etc. I'm not a guru. As far as codecs, I only know of the Camtasia one. It also says that I will be asked to accept, etc., the different parts of the installation, I guess that means whether I want to replace something.

I think I'm in trouble here.

 

You said before you have your software & upgrades so you're not in trouble,

During the install read the prompts and follow instructions

The install program will remove old codecs for you, you may be requested to close your browser (IE, Firefox etc) and possibley reboot your computer.

Click Yes/OK/Finish as appropriate.

Let us know if you have any problems.

 

Okay, will do. Thank you so much.

 

I'm back. Installed the codec and then installed the two programs, again, Sony and Movavi and didn't fix it.

Went in to do a system restore and want to do in December. Checked on each date and some of the dates have this info: Dec 12th - Software Distribution Service 3.0, Dec 11th - Installed Network Recording Player, Dec 18th - Software Distribution Service 3.0, Dec 29th - Installed that Spyware program I told you about, Dec 31st - Installed Camtasia 6.

The rest of the dates were "system checks" or something like that.

Now, I am not sure what the Network Recording Player unless that is the same player to watch the WebEx presentations on my computer. If that's it, no problem. Not sure what the Software Distribution Service 3.0 is, though.

Why you are thinking how to help me, if this restore doesn't do it and I have to go back further, can I do another restore to an earlier date, then?

Thank you and sorry to be such a bother.

 

Oh forgot something. Still can't install the update for Sony. I get the message " this update cannot be applied because a newer version of Sony Picture Utility is already installed on this computer. The program will now quit. "

I thought it would have been uninstalled when I uninstalled the software. Gee.

 

Checked into the System Restore for November and there is one that is "removed blaze media pro." I haven't a clue what that is and I don't know how it got on there or off.

It's evening in So. CA so I'll check back tomorrow before going any further.

Thanks.

 

Hi,

Well, I did the System Restore to December1, 2008 because I don't remember the last time I used those programs.

I had to uninstall and reinstall the Sony Camera and the Movavi Converter programs. They are working good, now. Still can't update the Sony camera.

I ended up just putting Camtasia 5 on the computer because I don't know WHAT caused the problem to begin with. It's working good, too. I think Camtasia 6 has some issues and they had an update almost as soon as I purchased it. Will wait on that.

I'll download that program listed above(Windows Installer Cleanup Utility) and take a look at it. I can also call Sony (yep, they let us do that for free) and see what they say.

Thank you. You guys are terrific.