Is there a way to take screenshots and video clips from real media player?

Question

I have the free version of Real Player, and I want to make some still and animated avatars, but the video files I want to use are in rmvb format. I tried using the printscreen button, but the computer does something wierd with that... it's hard to describe. I can paste my screen into any imaging program, but it will only show black where the real player window was, and if real player is running, it will actually show the image through that black spot, but only if real media is behind the window. Like I said, it's hard to describe. But is there a program I can use to edit real media video files, or convert them to an mpeg or avi format? BTW- I have dial up and can't afford to buy any software so please only suggest a freeware or demo that is reasonable to download on a 56k modem or a solution that involves changing my pc settings or something. Thnx.

Answer 1

Go to Tools>Preferences>Hardware>Video Card Compatibilty
Move the slider to the left which reads "Disable optimized video and overlays"
Press OK
Play the video, press the pause button for the frame that you need. Press PrtSC (Print Screen) on your keyboard.
Go to Start>Programs>Accessories>Paint.
Inside the Paint program, go to Edit>Paste and you should see the screen capture.