Screen turns black or grey while using Snipping Tool on Internet Explorer

Question

The Snipping tool works fine except when I try to use it in Internet explorer.  The entire screen goes to either black or grey when a snipping tool or "New" is selected.

Answer 1

Hi Stansd,

It seems like something in Internet Explorer is preventing Snipping Tool to do its task.

Were you able to capture screenshots earlier from Internet Explorer using Snipping Tool before this issue occurred?

Firstly, check to see if snipping tool works on other web browsers. Also, try the steps mentioned below to see if that help you in fixing the issue.

Step 1: Run Snipping Tool in Administrator mode

a.    Click on Start; in the Start search type Snipping Tool.

b.    Right click on Snipping Tool and choose to “Run as administrator”.

c.    Open Internet Explorer and then try to capture screen shots.

Step 2: Perform a System File Checker

The System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) scans for missing or corrupted system files and repairs them. Visit the link below to know how to perform system file checker scan on your computer.

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Step 3: Update video drivers on your computer

Visit the link below to know how to update device drivers on your computer

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

Step 4: Test the issue with a new user account

Visit the link below to knowhow to create a test account

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/Windows7/Create-a-user-account

Hope this information is helpful and let me know if you need any further assistance.

Mouneshwar R – Microsoft Support

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Answer 2

Do you see the same behavior from "Safe Mode with Networking"?

Vista Advanced Boot Options (or 7)

http://techblissonline.com/vista-advanced-boot-options/

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929135

Snipping Tool Fails

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/itprovistaapps/thread/610ecb85-9aea-472c-8590-b835a0982f68

Answer 3

I tried all 4 Steps with the same results each time.  I have not tried any of the links / suggestions from your second reply yet

Thanks

Stan

Answer 4

The Snipping Tool now works at random. I have also tried it with Firefox and Chrome and the same randomness occurs.

This problem started when Microsoft installed Messenger 2011, without a bye your leave.  I shall uninstall it and keep you in touch.

Answer 5

You could try an alternative if all else fails.  I haven't used it myself so I can't say if it works on anything else but XP but there is a chance that it might.

What is Snippy?

http://www.bhelpuri.net/Snippy/