This information will be in the manual. Briefly, aim the camcorder at the subject, and press the record button. Not knowing the make of the equipment, we cannot help with the second part of your query.
You have given no information about the equipment you are using, the connections, the software and the OS on the computer. Not knowing these, we cannot begin to offer any guidance.
This could be either a bad viewfinder or a bad CCD image sensor. Neither of these are user serviceable and will require repair by a qualified repair shop.
GT Recovery for Windows Download: www.gtrecovery.net.
Lost your photos on Android phone & need to recover deleted pictures, try GT Recovery for Windows- the World's 1st Data Recovery Software for Android smart phones.
It can directly recover deleted pictures, photos lost due to deleting, restoring factory settings, flashing ROM, rooting, etc., from SD cards inside Android devices.
It let you preview the deleted photos before recovery. Watch the video tutorial to learn how to retrieve photos from Android phone easily with simple clicks.
Key features of Data Recovery - GT Recovery for Android:
1). Preview & selectively retrieve photos and video lost due to any problem
2). Support all Android phones/tablets, like Samsung, HTC, LG, Motorola...
Very often these older camcorders have internal batteries that give out so you need to plug in the power card and that should at least let you use it using the charging system. It may take awhile before some juice is picked up by the old internal battery and then try it. You may be able to buy a new rechargeable battery for it on eBay.
