After each picture the view screen and next captured picture is completely black. I have to shut it off and restart it after each picture.

try fresh batties

Try restore pc to factory setting. here is the way : http://support.gateway.com/s/software/microsof/Vista/7515910/7515910su12.shtml
Or follow this without picture is the same info:

Restore from Factory Default

The Factory Default installs a new copy of Windows Vista™ on the computer. The installation restores the computer back to the factory installation of Windows Vista with all the drivers and programs that originally came with the computer.
Notes:

• Be sure that you back up your data files before performing this option. All of your personal data files and applications are erased during the recovery process.
• Due to the large number of virus and Spyware threats on the Internet, it is recommended that you disconnect all Internet connections before performing the recovery. After the recovery, antivirus and firewall software can be installed, and then the Internet connection can be re-enabled to update the antivirus definitions and perform Microsoft® Windows Updates.

1. Remove all CDs or DVDs from the optical drives.
   
2. Turn off the computer, using the normal Windows shut down process.
   
3. After the computer is turned off, disconnect all USB devices except the keyboard and mouse. This includes USB devices such as a printer, scanner, removable storage, or camera.
   
4. Turn on the computer. After the Gateway BIOS logo appears, press ALT+F10. The easiest method is to hold down the ALT key and repeatedly press the F10 key. Note: There is no prompt to press Alt+F10.
   
5. Windows loads files.
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6. The Please wait a moment screen is displayed.
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7. In the Restore from factory default dialog box, click Next.
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8. In the Destination Disk Information dialog box, click Next.
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9. In the Notice dialog box, click OK.
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10. The hard drive partition is created.
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11. The factory default installation is copied to the hard drive.
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12. In the Finished dialog box, click OK.
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13. The Please wait a moment screen is displayed and the computer restarts.
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14. Windows prepares to start for the first time. This may take a few minutes.
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15. Windows continues setting up the computer.
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16. The computer restarts.
    
17. In the Set Up Windows screen, click Next.
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18. In the Please read the license terms screen, select the I accept the license terms check box for each item, and then click Next.
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19. In the Choose a user name and picture screen, enter the appropriate information, and then click Next.
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20. In the Type a computer name and choose a desktop background screen, enter the appropriate information, and then click Next.
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21. In the Help protect Windows automatically screen, click Use recommended settings.
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22. In the Review your time and date settings screen, select the appropriate settings, and then click Next.
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23. In the Select your computer's current location screen, click the appropriate option.
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24. In the Thank You screen, click Start.
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25. Windows checks the computers performance. Depending on hardware, this process can take up to 15 minutes to complete.
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26. Windows prepares the desktop.
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27. The Gateway Recovery Management is installed.
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28. Installation is complete.

HI,
It's impossible to turn the camera off. Only way is take out the battery.
No button warks, but I can change the shooting mode and turn playback, but I can't change the image in playback mode.
Please, help me to solve this problem.
I think, the camera needs to be restarted, but how to do that?
Thanks a lot.

this will perform an install that will eraseeverything and start over.

1. Remove all CDs or DVDs from the optical drives.
   
2. Turn off the computer using the normal Windows shut down process.
   
3. After the computer is turned off, disconnect all USB devices except the keyboard and mouse. This includes USB devices such as a printer, scanner, removable storage, or camera.
   
4. Turn on the computer. To start recovery, at the prompt press the F11 key.
   View Picture Note: If this is the first time the computer has been started to the recovery partition, insert the System Restore CD when prompted and then click OK.
   View Picture Files copy.
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5. In the System Restore Options dialog box, select Full System Restore (Destructive), and then click Next.
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6. In the System Restore - Format and Recover dialog box, click Yes.
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7. Files copy.
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8. In the System Restore dialog box, click Restart.
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9. The computer restarts.
   
10. Drivers and applications are installed.
    View Picture Note: The following Out of Box Experience (OOBE) screens may vary slightly between models.
    
11. In the Welcome to Microsoft Windows screen, click Next.
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12. In the Are your speakers working? screen, click Yes! I can hear the music!, and then click Next.
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13. In the What time zone are you in? screen, select the appropriate time zone, and then click Next.
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14. In the End User License Agreement screen, click Yes I accept for both EULAs, and then click Next.
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15. In the Help protect your PC screen, click Help protect my PC by turning on Automatic Updates now, and then click Next.
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16. In the What's your computer's name screen, type a name for the computer and a description, if desired, and then click Next.
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17. In the What's your Administrator password? screen, type the appropriate information, and then click Next.
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18. In the Is this computer in a domain? screen, click Skip.
    
19. The computer checks the Internet connectivity. Please wait.
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20. In the How will this computer connect to the Internet? screen, select the appropriate option, and then click Next.
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21. In the Do you use a username and password to connect to the Internet? screen, select the appropriate option, and then click Next.
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22. In the Setting up a high speed connection screen, select the appropriate options, and then click Next.
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23. In the Ready to register with Microsoft screen, to register with Microsoft after the OOBE screens are completed, select No, not at this time, and then click Next.
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24. In the Thank you screen, click Finish.
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25. Installation is complete. Any application that shipped on a separate CD can now be installed. It is recommended to update the antivirus definitions and perform Windows Updates.

1. Remove all CDs or DVDs from the optical drives.
   
2. Turn off the computer using the normal Windows shut down process.
   
3. After the computer is turned off, disconnect all USB devices except the keyboard and mouse. This includes USB devices such as a printer, scanner, removable storage, or camera.
   
4. Turn on the computer. To start recovery, at the prompt press the F11 key.
   View Picture
   
5. In the Systems Restore Options dialog box, select Non-Destructive System Restore (Recommended), and then click Next.
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6. Files copy.
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7. In the System Recovery dialog box, click Restart.
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8. The computer restarts into Windows.
   
9. Installation is complete.
   

1. Remove all CDs or DVDs from the optical drives.
   
2. Turn off the computer using the normal Windows shut down process.
   
3. After the computer is turned off, disconnect all USB devices except the keyboard and mouse. This includes USB devices such as a printer, scanner, removable storage, or camera.
   
4. Turn on the computer. To start recovery, at the prompt press the F11 key.
   View Picture
   
5. In the Systems Restore Options dialog box, select Non-Destructive System Restore (Recommended), and then click Next.
   View Picture
   
6. Files copy.
   View Picture
   
7. In the System Recovery dialog box, click Restart.
   View Picture
   
8. The computer restarts into Windows.
   
9. Installation is complete.
   

try alternative software like sage tv or beyond tv and it should fix your problem

Most likely it is a mechanical failure such that the reflection mirror does not return back to its normal position, then blocking any light to the viewfinder.

Check this by unmounting the lens. If so, you may have to consider a repair operation.

I had the exact same camera blacked-out malfunction. I followed booj's advice and it cured the problem. What I did: I turned off the w375 phone by pressing and holding the red button (not just closing the clam shell, like I normally do), after the phone powered down, I restarted it by pressing and holding the green button. After it powered up, the camera at first had the same black screen, then, all of a sudden, the view finder started working normally and it now takes pictures correctly. - MGB

Probably you are using the M mode or manual mode for taking the pictures. this shouldn't happen in Auto mode. The exposure time is set to maximum and the camera behaves as it shoot during the completely dark environment - trying to stay "open" to absorb as much light as it needed for the picture. If you are trying it during the night you will be more satisfied with the result - 30 seconds of "capturing" on the screen, a tripod and you are goimg to have exellent night shot. I had the same problem, just because I haven'got read the manual for the camera first. My advise is to check in the manual what is written for the "M" mode. Hope that I help.