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VFW_E_NO_COLOR_KEY_FOUND
Meaning
Windows documents VFW_E_NO_COLOR_KEY_FOUND as “No matching color key is available”. In practical terms, it is returned when DirectShow cannot find a color-key value compatible with the overlay surface and current display state.
Likely causes
- Possible cause 1: all candidate key values collide with existing desktop colors.
- Possible cause 2: the renderer or driver cannot satisfy the requested key type.
- Possible cause 3: display-format changes invalidate earlier key-search assumptions.
Evidence to collect
- Capture 1: requested key type, candidate range and driver capabilities.
- Capture 2: display pixel format and overlay surface format.
- Capture 3: renderer negotiation trace and graphics-driver version.
Correct handling and retry
- Corrective action 1: allow the renderer to select from a valid range.
- Corrective action 2: choose a non-color-key presentation mode when supported.
- Corrective action 3: re-negotiate after display-mode changes.
Retry guidance. Retry only after changing the candidate range, display state or renderer; repeating the same search is deterministic.
Practical scenario
A palette-constrained desktop leaves no usable destination key for a legacy overlay; switching render mode avoids it.
Difference from nearby HRESULTs
VFW_E_NO_COLOR_KEY_SET means no key was configured; it means negotiation attempted but found no acceptable value.
Official Microsoft references
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