Screen Shots

[anotheoldgit]

I recently carried out a screen shot exercise, by holding down Alt key and pressing Print Screen key, then opening up Paint and pressing paste.

The problem was that it produced a Print shop Pro X Image.

Since I do not have this programme I was unable to view the result of my screen shot, but I overcame this, by opening it up as a Windows Picture and fax Viewer image.

The question that I ask is how do I get screen shots to open up via this programme automatically all the time?

[Buenchico]

I've no idea why you held the Alt key down. Pressing Print Screen is sufficient to copy a screenshot to your computer's clipboard.

If you use Save As (rather than Save) you'll have the option to save your screen shot as as a jpeg file, which will then open in any picture viewing program. (If you're using the version of Paint that is supplied with Windows 7, Save As is accessed (via the File menu) from the blue box near to the top left-hand corner.

However if you're using Windows 7 you don't need to use Paint (or Print Screen) at all. The Snipping Tool is easier and more flexible (as it allows you to select just part of the screen if you want to). It's available from Start > All Programs > Accessories.

[SlackAlice]

Sounds like you need to re-set your default programs.

Go to Control panel/All Control Panel Items/Default Programs click on 'Set Default Programs' and then select from the list offered the program you want to open these files with (Windows Picture and fax viewer) then click on 'set this program as default' and close the page by clicking 'OK'

[sandyRoe]

Does 'print screen' share a key with 'Sys Rq'(whatever that does)? Maybe that's why AOG needs to use 'Alt' as well.

[VHG]

>>>I've no idea why you held the Alt key down

You can hold the Alt key down if you want a shot of JUST the current window rather than the whole desktop.

[Buenchico]

>>>whatever that does

Er, not a lot!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_request

[VHG]

btw If you have a number of windows open then the current window is the one that has "cursor focus" (ie the last one selected by the mouse to make it the "current window")

[Buenchico]

Thanks, VHG. I vaguely remember that now!
(However the snipping tool is still a lot easier!)

[VHG]

Note that some versions of Windows have a program called the "Snipping Tool" that allows you to take a screen shots of some or all of the desktop.

You can start the Snipping Tool then "frame" an area of the screen any size or shape you like (using the mouse) and save it as a jpg or png or similar graphic file.

Windows 7 has the Snipping Tool, so I think does Windows Vista. Not sure about Windows 8.

[Dodger666]

I always use "Shift & Print Screen" together to send the screen shot into Paint in Windows 7. Never heard of the Snipping Tool. Will check it out.

[Dodger666]

Just checked out the Snipping Tool, it's great. No need for Print Screen at all.

You learn something new every day on AB. Thanks Buenchico.

[anotheoldgit]

Thanks for all your replies, but I am now blinded by science.

I am not so up to date as some hence I am still using Windows XP.

I did a search and was told that I had to hold down the Alt key and press the print Screen key etc etc.

[anotheoldgit]

SlackAlice

Been into Control Panel but cant see anything regarding Default Programs.

[hc4361]

There is lots of free screenshot software available, like this one:
http://www.fenrir-inc.com/uk/snapcrab/

If you do decide to download a free program make sure you untick all the boxes for additional software downloads. You only want the screen capture.

[SlackAlice]

AOG

Sorry, my details applied to W7

Those for Windows XP, as per the link,

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/change-file-association-in-windows-xp/

[anotheoldgit]

Thank you once again, all sorted now, they now open in Windows Picture and Fax viewer.

[Old_Geezer]

It doesn't produce any particular file type until you save or save as, so I'm unsure what you mean by "it produced a Print shop Pro X Image".

Ah typical I see you are sorted now, well have a free extra post anyway.