Last edit for "Final Cut Express: Basic Troubleshooting" tip

Question

Hi again,
I'd like to propose a final edit to my previous tip [Final Cut Express: Basic Troubleshooting|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2662419]. This edit adds post anchor points to allow for easy linking in the future.
The final version will be submitted in the post below.
Thanks for your help!
- Sasha
Edit: Example link = [Trash your preferences|http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=12689228#TrashP refs]

Answer 1

Final Cut Express: Basic Troubleshooting
There are many problems that can occur in any version of Final Cut Express and each one is generally best treated with a solution specifically tailored to it. However, you will generally get the best results if you follow a simple step-by-step approach to troubleshooting outlined here.
1. Quit the application.
2. Is your computer supported by the version of FCE you are running?
Final Cut is particularly susceptible to problems when being used in conjunction with hardware, operating systems, and versions of Quicktime other than those that are supported. Always check before updating to see if the version you are running will continue to be supported. You can view the hardware requirements for FCE4 [here|http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/specs.html]. Note that FCE4 is the only version of the program supported by Snow Leopard. It is generally a good idea when working with Pro Apps to do a complete erase and install when updating to a new OS and then reinstall the program afterwards. Never update any critical software such as Quicktime or your OS when you are in the middle of an important project. Always keep a backup in case something goes wrong when you do.
3. Is your software fully updated to the current version?
In the upper menu bar, select the  symbol and click +Software Update+ in the contextual menu that appears. Make sure to download any Final Cut Express, Quicktime (if supported by the version of FCE you are running) , ProKit, and other important updates that the system recommends. Updated versions provide critical bug fixes and improvements that may solve the problem you were experiencing.
4. Are you using supported external hardware?
FCE can capture using FireWire from camcorders recording in DV-NTSC, DV-PAL, or HDV and can ingest using USB from AVCHD camcorders. Make sure that your recording device is compliant with one of these formats and not some related variant (such as AVCHD Lite). External USB drives are not supported by Apple for video editing - if you are experiencing problems while using one try disconnecting it and see if the issue persists.
5. Trash your preference files and repair disk permissions.
Whenever you have trouble in Final Cut Express it is almost always a good idea start by trashing your preference files. These can easily get corrupted and many problems can be quickly fixed by giving them a dump. The Apple Knowledge Base article found [here|http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2611] outlines how to do this - [Tom Wolsky|http://discussions.apple.com/profile.jspa?userID=342090] also describes a good method [here|http://fcpbook.com/Misc1.html]. It is also a good idea to repair any permissions issues that may have arisen, and you can find a good description of the process [here|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2963?viewlocale=en_US].
6. Search the discussion forums for solutions to similar problems.
You may be experiencing a common problem with the application or one that has been addressed when brought up by other users. Enter your query in the search bar on Apple Discussions and narrow your question to the [FCE forum|http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=936&start=0] to get the most accurate results. Unless something very strange is going on it’s likely that you will find an answer or proposed solution has already been posted.
7. Start a new topic.
If you are unable to find an already posted solution on the forum that works for you and trashing your preference files has not fixed your problem, post a new topic in the FCE forum describing what is going on. Be as descriptive as possible and make sure to include pertinent information such as the specifications of your computer, OS, Quicktime version, the sequence you are editing in within the program, and the clip you are placing in it if this relates to the problem you are experiencing. Refer to [Eric W.|http://discussions.apple.com/profile.jspa?userID=337386]’s announcement [How to Post a new Topic|http://discussions.apple.com/ann.jspa?annID=650] for more information.
8. Perform a complete removal of the application and reinstall.
If you are not receiving working answers to your problem or it appears that your dilemma has not been reproduced in the past, try reinstalling FCE. You should first completely remove all traces of the program. Digital Rebellion has a nice free application called [FCS Remover|http://www.digitalrebellion.com/fcs_remover.htm] which automatically does this - alternatively you can manually do it by moving all components listed [here|http://support.apple.com/kb/TA47818?viewlocale=en_US] to the trash and emptying it. Note that the files listed may be named something slightly different if you are using a different version of Final Cut.
9. Contact Apple.
If all else fails, you should go ahead and contact Apple. It’s possible that you received a faulty disc or that they will have a solution to the problem that no one else has thought of. You can find pertinent contact information [here|http://www.apple.com/contact>.