On a Windows Vista-based computer, you cannot use an external monitor that is connected by using an S-video connection to view pictures in Windows Photo Gallery

Consider the following scenario:

• You are using a Windows Vista-based computer.
• The computer is connected to an external monitor by using an S-video connection.
• You configure the desktop area to extend across both displays. This configuration is known as "Extended desktop" mode.

In this scenario, when you click Play in either the Pictures section or the Videos section of Windows Photo Gallery, a black screen appears to load. However, the pictures or the videos do not appear on the screen.

This problem occurs because you cannot use an external monitor that is connected by using an S-video connection to view pictures or videos in Windows Photo Gallery.

To resolve this problem, change the monitor driver from clone mode to another mode. Or, put the external monitor in clone mode. For information about how to do this, contact the video card vendor for more information. For information about how to contact the video card vendor, click the appropriate article number in the following list to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
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To work around this problem, do not view pictures or videos in Windows Photo Gallery on an external monitor that is connected by using an S-video connection.

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