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Q127913: Artist: Saved Documents Are Black with ATI Mach 64

Article: Q127913
Product(s): Microsoft Home Kids Products
Version(s): 1.00 1.10 1.10a
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbfaq
Last Modified: 21-OCT-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Fine Artist for Windows, versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.1a 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you open a previously saved document in Fine Artist, it may appear on the
screen as solid black if you are using a computer with an ATI Mach 64 card or
STB Vision Meta driver.

CAUSE
=====

This behavior occurs when the video display driver is set for 32,000 colors or
more, and/or when the WinSwitch utility is turned on (enabled)

RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve the problem, use the following steps:

Check to see that the video display driver is set to 256 colors:

1. In Program Manager, open the ATI DeskTop program group.

2. Run ATI DeskTop, then click ATI FlexDesk.

3. If 256 Colors is not already selected, select 256 Colors.

4. Choose the Advanced button.

5. Choose Color Palette, then choose OK.

6. Choose OK to close FlexDesk.

7. When you receive the message to restart Windows, choose Continue instead.

Once 256-color video mode has been selected, do the following to turn off
(disable) ATI's WinSwitch (if installed):

1. In Program Manager, go to the ATI DeskTop group.

2. Run ATI DeskTop, then click ATI FlexDesk.

3. Choose the WinSwitch button. WinSwitch is turned on (enabled) if the
  WinSwitch Enable box is selected.

4. Turn off WinSwitch by clearing the WinSwitch Enable check box.

5. Choose OK to close WinSwitch.

6. Restart Windows when prompted to do so.

After following these steps, you should be able to save Fine Artist documents in
color successfully. Previously saved documents still appear as solid black and
are not recoverable.

For additional information, please see the following article(s) in the Microsoft
Knowledge Base:

  Q120546 Artist: Saved Documents Are Black

MORE INFORMATION
================

WinSwitch is an ATI utility that allows you to use keyboard commands to
dynamically change the number of colors available on the screen in Windows. To
do this, however, it loads all 64,000 colors so they can be made available as
needed.

When the 256-color option is selected in combination with WinSwitch, the color
palette is not in use.

The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft;
we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance
or reliability.

Additional query words: 1.0 1.1 win mskids white solid win display wm_artist black background kids mczee desk flex top picture pictures screen win switch 1.10a

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Keywords          :  kbfaq
Technology        : kbHomeProdSearch kbZNotKeyword2 kbFineArtist100 kbFineArtist110 kbFineArtist110a
Version           : 1.00 1.10 1.10a

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