Black background strip at the top and bottom of imported pictures

> monetary wrote:

> > Hello...
> >
> > I have imported several pictures into movie maker and a few of them
> > have a black (background) strip at the top and bottom of the picutre.
> > I have tried to resize the pictures but no matter how large I make
> > them the black strip is still at the top and bottom of the picture.
> >
> > Please help!
> >
> > Thanks

> ===================================
> Making the pictures larger is not the answer...
> you need to change the aspect ratio. Apparently
> the images you are importing are widescreen
> format (16:9) and Movie Maker is not (4:3).
>
> PhotoStory 3 has an option that solves this issue
> during the creation of your movie. And is actually
> a better app to use if your project consists of only
> still images and music files.
>
> PhotoStory 3 For Windows
> http://tinyurl.com/4f869
>
>
> If you prefer to continue using Movie maker
> you will need to prepare (Crop) the images
> before you import them.
>
> The following free software has an option that
> will allow you to Crop the images to the correct
> aspect ratio.
>
> FastStone Image Viewer
> http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm
>
>
> Here are some instructions:
>
> To achieve a particular size without
> distorting the image, you must "Crop"
> a portion the size you need. Imagine
> cutting out a particular size with scissors...
>
> If you download the freeware FastStone
> Image Viewer...and install it...you can
> open your image in the program and go
> to...Edit / Crop Board...
>
> On the Crop Board screen, you will see
> a button below the image with three dots
> on it...if you click it you will see a menu
> of sizes to choose from. If the size you
> need is not present, you can add it. Then
> click OK. Now you can left click/drag the
> corners of the selection box to frame the
> portion of the image you wish to keep.
> And you can reposition the box by
> dragging the 4 way arrow.
>
> When you are happy with the selection ...
> click the Crop button.
>
> Now...File / save As...choose a save
> location / enter a name / click...save.
>
> More info...
>
> Batch Cropping In
> FastStone Image Viewer
> =====================
> Open FastStone and go to...
>
> Tools / Batch Convert / check the box
> 'Use Advanced Options' / Advanced Options
> button / Crop tab / check the box 'Use Crop' /
> Aspect Ratio / 4:3 / OK...
>
> Browse to the folder that contains the images
> you wish to batch crop...
>
> Add All button.
>
> Choose a format and a Save Folder...
>
> Click...Start button.
>
> If batch cropping removes important objects
> (peoples heads for example) you may have to
> manually crop some of the images.
>
> --
>
> John Inzer
> MS Picture It! -
> Digital Image MVP
>
> Digital Image
> Highlights and FAQs
> http://tinyurl.com/aczzp
>
> Notice
> This is not tech support
> I am a volunteer
>
> Solutions that work for
> me may not work for you
>
> Proceed at your own risk
>
>
>

> Hello John,
>
> Thanks so much! Your answer was
> extreamly detailed and informational.
>
> Donna