BLACK SCREEN CREATED

oddsilverfish wrote on 11/10/2014, 7:22 PM

HELP PLEASE! I've somehow created a black screen that has the file name as a heading, but I cannot see the video play anymore. I think I might have clicked on something that creates an addition to the video and it provided the screen & now awaits for me to do something!! Gotta long wait!!. I tried to delete it but it told me to save it to use again [or something like that]. So I did. Now I have two files that load with a black screen.

Also I cannot find the very basic command "Close File/project" - can only find Exit which shuts the whole programme down. Am using Movie Editor Pro 2014.

So frustrating, as was quite pleased that I had nearly finished my first attempt as a beginner it!!! Thanks in advance.

Comments

terrypin wrote on 11/11/2014, 2:05 AM

Hi,

First, just to ensure it's not a layout issue, use the F9 key to restore the default layout.

Then, as another very basic step, use File > Settings > Reset program settings to default.

Otherwise it does seem like a corrupt project, so you need to isolate the cause. Has MEP 2014 been taking automatic backups with file extension .MV_? This should be the deafult and is set here:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4019461/MEP2014-Autobackup.jpg

You get to that as shown here:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4019461/MEP2014-ProgramSettings.jpg

The folder in which you'll find those backups (keeping your fingers crossed that they do exist!) is shown under the Folder tab of that same window, in the Project box.

Then you can start MEP and use File > Load backup project... and methodically step back in time until you get a good result, i.e. one that removes the black screen but leaves you with most of your work intact.

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To close an existing project you have at least these choices:

1. Window > Remove all movies from project

2. File > Manage movies > Remove from project (Ctrl + F4)

3. File > New project

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I'd recommend you read up on the basics in the PDF manual.

oddsilverfish wrote on 11/11/2014, 6:23 PM

Hello Terry

Thanks very much for your rescue in pointing me to the backup copies - & I found the best one with hardly anything missing except the dreaded black screen. Have you any idea what key I might of hit? Can you load a blank screen to add to [like a collage]? Oh and I had already tried the reset.

Re: Close: I have used two you mention, but when faced with four lines of instructions and words like Delete, remove, those are not the usual words for a simple Close Project. Would never in a million years guess New Project is also a close tool. Did try it.

Finally, now as I speak, it won't load my chosen project whichever method I use. Will ask again if it doesn't right itself. Might this version be buggy?

Many thanks, most appreciated.

terrypin wrote on 11/12/2014, 1:27 AM

Pleased to hear you made progress, albeit apparently only temporarily!

Impossible to say what caused the initial black screen. FWIW I quite frequently get unexpected black panes. Usually fixed by clicking within the individual pane, although sometimes a full restart proves necessary.

Re: Close: I have used two you mention, but when faced with four lines of instructions and words like Delete, remove, those are not the usual words for a simple Close Project. Would never in a million years guess New Project is also a close tool. Did try it.

Closing an MEP project isn't as straightforward as say closing a Notepad text file. Even that app will ask you whether you want to save the file in its current state. In MEP you have the significant added complexity of multiple 'movies' within a single 'project'. As suggested, read up the basics.

Finally, now as I speak, it won't load my chosen project whichever method I use. Will ask again if it doesn't right itself. Might this version be buggy?

You haven't fully specified your version. I'm using Movie Edit Pro 2014 Premium 13.0.5.4 (UDC2). But if you browse this site's Q&A and Forum you'll see that MEP in any version is far from bug free!

If the latest problem persists you'll need to be specific about exactly what you do and what happens. With screenshots and any other relevant details to help identify the cause.