Microsoft KB Archive/937229

= When you capture a screenshot on a Windows Vista-based computer, the screenshot unexpectedly includes the mouse pointer =

Article ID: 937229

Article Last Modified on 9/11/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Business
 * Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Home Premium
 * Windows Vista Ultimate

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SYMPTOMS
On a Windows Vista-based computer, you can capture a screenshot by pressing PRINT SCREEN on the keyboard. However, the screenshot unexpectedly includes the mouse pointer.

This behavior occurs if the following conditions are true:
 * You have configured the computer to use the Windows Aero color scheme feature.
 * You either move the window or resize the window while you capture the screenshot.

Note This behavior may also affect some third-party screen-capture programs such as Camtasia Studio.



CAUSE
This behavior occurs because of a design change in Windows Vista.

The Windows Aero color scheme is a new desktop feature that is enabled by Desktop Window Manager (DWM). When DWM is enabled, Windows Vista uses video memory to draw individual windows on off-screen surfaces. Then, Windows Vista displays these windows on the desktop.

If DWM is enabled when you move the window or when you resize the window, Windows Vista uses a software cursor instead of a hardware cursor. The software cursor is a part of the DWM off-screen image of the window before the screen-capture program directs DWM to hide the pointer in the screenshot. For the end-user, this software cursor appears the same as a standard mouse pointer.



RESOLUTION
In Windows Vista, this behavior occurs by design. However, if you have Camtasia Studio installed on the computer, you can install a hotfix to change this behavior. This hotfix takes effect only when Camtasia Studio is running.

Note When Camtasia Studio is running directly or is running as a Microsoft PowerPoint plug-in, this hotfix disables the software cursor when you move the window or when you resize the window.

Hotfix information
A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem, submit a request to Microsoft Online Customer Services to obtain the hotfix. To submit an online request to obtain the hotfix, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=6294451

Note If additional issues occur or any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. To create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement
You do not have to restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information
This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information
To use one of the hotfixes in this package, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information
The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista, x64-based versions


STATUS
This behavior is by design.



MORE INFORMATION
For more information about DWM, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa969540.aspx

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.

Keywords: kbfix kbqfe kbpubtypekc kbexpertisebeginner kbhotfixserver KB937229

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