You cannot view pictures by using Windows Picture and Fax Viewer in Windows XP (921048)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

When you try to view pictures by using Windows Picture and Fax Viewer in Microsoft Windows XP, the pictures are not displayed as expected. However, when you view the pictures by using Microsoft Paint, the pictures are displayed as expected.

Note Some of the picture thumbnails may not be displayed in Windows Explorer.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if the Shimgvw.dll file is no longer registered.

RESOLUTION

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.To resolve this problem, register the Shimgvw.dll file. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Log on to the computer as an administrator.
  2. Click Start, click Run, type regsvr32 %systemroot%\system32\shimgvw.dll, and then click OK.
  3. When you receive a message that resembles the following, click OK:

    DllRegisterServer in C:\Windows\System32\shimgvw.dll succeeded.

  4. Close Windows Explorer, and then try to view the picture again.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

REFERENCES

For more information about problems when you try to view pictures in Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

329270 You cannot view TIFF images using Windows Picture and Fax Viewer

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/6/2006
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB921048 kbAudEndUser
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