Knowledge Base

Problem

EthoVision XT fails to launch or crashes with an error indicating that the 'SampleGrabber' component is not installed, has been removed, or is conflicting with another version.

Details

The Noldus SampleGrabber is a software component installed with EthoVision XT that handles video capture. It can become missing or corrupted if EthoVision was partially uninstalled, if multiple versions of EthoVision were installed on the same PC, or if system changes removed the component. This error prevents EthoVision from accessing camera or video input.

Solution

1. Open Windows Settings > Apps (or Control Panel > Programs and Features).
2. Search for 'Noldus SampleGrabber'. If any version is listed, uninstall it.
3. Also check for any other versions of EthoVision XT installed that may have their own SampleGrabber — uninstall those as well if they are not the intended version.
4. Download the correct version of the Noldus SampleGrabber installer from the Noldus support portal or use the EthoVision installation package to reinstall it.
5. Run the SampleGrabber installer as Administrator.
6. Restart the computer.
7. Relaunch EthoVision XT and verify that the error no longer appears and camera/video input is accessible.
8. If multiple EthoVision versions must coexist, ensure only the SampleGrabber corresponding to the active version is installed.