Hello everyone! *waving*

I'm new to this site and in desperate need of help. I edit images in Photoshop CS3, until last night every function performed beautifully...here is my problem, step by step

I launch Photoshop CS3 successfully
I click FILE
I click OPEN
THE OPEN WINDOW POPS UP FOR A SECOND AND IMMEDIATELY CLOSES (I do not have time to see my files in the OPEN window, let alone select anything!)
the Photoshop CS3 title bar then "mutes" and I cannot make it active again
I then have to shut down PHOTOSHOP CS3
Note: The other commands work: NEW, BROWSE, ETC. - it is only FILE > OPEN that gives this complication

I am an illustrator scanning and editing portraits - I use this alot, so if there's anyone out there who can keep me from driving myself, my car and my computer over the edge of a cliff, please talk to me!

If you are going to drive over a cliff, can I have you CS3, please..?

A lot of intermittant and/or sudden unexplained  irritations and bugs in CS, CS2 and CS3 can be cured by trashing the preferences file and the resetting same to your wis
h.
Have you tried that ?

 

lol...that's cold

so much for concern for my well being, huh?

Thank you for responding, I just saw from research on this problem that this is suggested...so I will try it when I get home and hope for the best

I would say keep your fingers crossed for me, but seeing as how you're hoping for my demise so you can come claim my CS3, I know it's a moot point lol

Thanks again!

TERRI!

How did you set up your scratch disc-did you put it on a separate drive than that of the windows scratch disc (you'll need two different physical drives to do this, so if you only have one, then don't worry about it).

Also, how many fonts do you have loaded into windows?

I'd agree with alumbagh, try trashing your preferences first (hold down ctrl, alt and shift when you start PS) and see if that helps.

HERE's a link to some useful information from the Adobe website.

Let us know if it works for you!

Hey everyone thanks for reaching out

I tried resetting the preferences...didn't work

I've tried everything and it is still doing the same thing...I open photoshop, click on file, click open - the open window flickers on for a split second and then the program freezes

I don't know how to check a scratch disk and I only have one drive

tried deleting large graphics files...nothing

you can clown me if you want to, but I really want to hillary...sorry, I mean cry ...I have so much to do and I do it all through photoshop cs3

What else do you have open on your computer when you're running PS?

Are their any other issues with your computer-anything out of the norm or anything that doesn't seem right or acts weird?

The scratch disc is set via preferences (Edit>Preferecnes). While you're right there, go to Edit>Purge>All. If "All" isn't available, click whatever is. This dumps some temp memory I believe (I do it at work when the computer starts to lag and it helps to speed it up).

Also, the files you're trying to open-are they in a folder that has a file with layer, specifically a .psd file? If so, then try moving your .psd file (or any file with layers) to another file then try to open up things. If you have a .psd file saved on your C: drive, put it in a folder (any folder, you can even make one).

Let us know if this helps at all! Keep your chin up, we'll figure this out!

Hi (that smile is a front, I'm actually dying inside)

I'm answering the questions in the order you posted 'em, kay?

No other programs are running

Will try the purge all deal..okay, just went there, nothing says purge...can only adjust cache/history levels and things like that

tried making new folder for all PSD files...same problem, every single program in my Adobe Photoshop Master Collection CS3 will not open a file

I'm at wits end

I don't know if this means anything at all...but I was trying to see what WOULD work in PHotoshop CS3 and when I clicked on Device Central, it said that my product license expired

that was the only message I've gotten thus far

yeah, I must be pissed and frustrated...I said "thus"

Uh oh. That doesn't bode well. And do you know that to be true? If so, that would certainly seem to be the root of your problems.

BTW, have you tried creating a new image from scratch and saving it?

I don't see how a product license can expire on a version of PS, unless it's a demo or trial. Is the license for something else?

Try this-open up windows explorer (short cut is the windows key and "E"). Minimize it. Now, open up PS and maximize it (so it takes up your entire screen). Go back to windows explorer, and make it so that it takes up maybe a quarter of your screen. Find a photo in windows explorer and with your left mouse button, click and hold, then drag it over the background of photoshop and release the left mouse button. This is another shortcut for opening in PS.

Hi, Steve and everyone

I will definitely try that...because I was able to open PS files from my desktop and they would open in the program...I haven't tried saving anything, I just closed out after it opened successfully.

I'm at work, but I'm eager to try this quick fix as I think it just may work!

The person who installed Adobe Photoshop CS3 Master Collection on my pc is an IT person and supposedly gave me a registered or corporate transferrable copy. I've had it for a while and this is the first time I've seen any message referencing a license expiration.

I will let you know how your suggestion works later on tonight *keep your fingers crossed for me*!

TERRI!

and to DIALER: same thing, I don't think that I had anything with a "trial" foundation, yanno? and if the programs were trial version, would they open at all? Because I'm able to work within it, like opening a new PS document, or opening a PS document from another area and working on it...I just can't access my file folder to open something by using the FILE>OPEN command in Photoshop...thanks for speaking to me about this

Terri, yep, I had been thinking along the lines of a trial or demo version, which often are workable for a limited time period or with limited features. But given your explanation of its origins, I can see that's not the case. You might want to check with the person who installed CS3 for you to see what he or she might know about the license expiration message.

Hi Dialer and Steve

First, thank you sooooooooooo much for even taking the time to help me, it is greatly appreciated, you made me feel like we've been friends for a while!

I'm happy because Steve's "quick fix" worked and at least I can open my files to work on them, by opening Windows Explorer and dragging the file into Photoshop - THANK YOU - I'm still ticked that something is malfunctioning with Photoshop, but at least you've enabled ME to function until I can afford to pay someone to look at my pc

I'm sure you hear this all the time, but you (all of you) are truly great.

Hi Terry,

I'm delighted that Steve's fix worked for you (and that you didn't have to drive off that cliff!). He's one smart dude, for sure.

This really is an incredible community. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled across it and all the terrific folks here who are so helpful. I'm still very short in the technology arena, but because I've received so much assistance here, I try to help out when I can.

BTW, a belated to BC.

Thanks for the compliments everyone! I'm sure that if it wasn't me that figured out a quick fix, then someone else would have!






Don't bother paying someone to check your computer just yet-you've got an entire site here full of smart folks just itching to help you out!

To try to fix the problem (rather than work around it), I'd uninstall then reinstall it (with a computer restart in between). This might fix it, or it'll waste 10 minutes of your life that you'll never get back! Kidding of course!

If that fails, then if it were me and for my own piece of mind, I'd try these steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 HERE, but do not post a HJT log (unless you find that you're computer is really infected). This would just help to rule out that malware is playing tricks on your computer. I know, it's probably unlikely, but IMHO it's worth the time.

Let us know how you do with this!

Uhhhhhhh, was "HERE" supposed to be a link to HERE?

Yep, that's it! LOL! Looks like I forgot to include a link......again! Thanks for keeping me straight Dialer-we all know it's not an easy job!

Hey Steve

I just got a 4 disc set of the ADobe photoshop cs3 master collection from a dude for installation...I asked him about a registration code, he said if I have any problem installing, I can call him and get the serial number...but he thinks it's a cracked copy. Here's what I need to know:

1. What in the flickettyflanfilthflarn does "cracked" mean?

2. Will I HAVE to have a serial number in order to install?

3. I know that I can go to CONTROL PANEL then ADD OR REMOVE PROGRAMS and it has each faction of CS3 master collections listed independently... do I go through uninstallation one by one or am I able to select multiple programs to remove?

4. Does UNinstallation in this manner (No. 3) remove EVERY component...or is this just a "laypersons" removal that still leaves traces? I ask because I don't want whatever corrupted the FILE>OPEN command to resurface 'cause there's still some of the "old residue", if you will. I cannot do the FILE>OPEN command in any photoshop cs3 application

err...I think I'm done

Holla back, Steve

Cracked means that the version you have installed on your computer is illegal, meaning that you don't own the license to it.

Per the forum rules HERE:



I'm sorry, but we cannot assist you further with this issue unless you own your copy of Photoshop. Chances are the version you have isn't activated or the license you have hasn't been renewed which is causing your problems.

I responded to you privately, but I'm also replying publicly Steve

You should be able to conceive how new I am at everything because I certainly wouldn't have asked for help with anything I KNOWINGLY illegally required.

To all of the members, I pray I haven't offended...I am returning this 4 disk set of Adobe Photoshop CS3, as I didn't realize that it's origin could be "bootleg"....as I explained earlier, the version currently ON my pc was installed by an IT friend who got this for me through his old company who purchased multiple licenses so that their IT professionals could install the programs at home, giving them On Call IT Tech Support capabilities. He never installed that one on his and gave it to me and his former company was fully aware that he would do this from time to time. Regrettably, he has moved to Atlanta and it seems that we may not be on the best of terms *shrug* so I haven't had success in finding out why this may happen...although honestly, I know he won't have a handle on it, as his familiarity is with programming not glitches in applications.

Again, I didn't mean to offend, or break any rules - which is why I asked YOU guys what "cracked" means and not the person who gave this new set of discs to my friend...I mean, really, I couldn't assume that he'd tell me the truth...so I figured I'd ask those who know.

Thank you for setting me straight and I hope that I can continue to post to this board when I need help again.

I still feel it's best for me to put my pc in a shop because, since I can't get in touch with my old friend, I can't get any registered number, or serial numbers, or any other number required to figure this out on my own.

Thanks for the help

signed,
Yes, you CAN be 40 and still be naive

Having participated in this thread, and even having picked up on the license issue when you first posted it, I am not the least bit concerned about your integrity, Terri, nor in the slightest bit offended. I'm just sorry that this has happened to you.

Kind regards,
Dialer

Agreed. No worries at all. I'm glad to hear that you're doing the "right thing" here (removing the cracked version).

I look forward to reading your posts in the future! You are more than welcome here at BC!

BTW, Terri, if you tell us what kinds of features you need for your work, the folks here at BC might be able to help you put together your own "suite" using some free or inexpensive software. You'd be surprised at how many excellent programs are available.

I'd suggest you start a new thread in this forum for that.

To Steve and Dialer

Steve, I didn't have to remove the "cracked" (ugh) version...I never installed it, just gave the four discs back to my friend and told him they "weren't for me", which left him puzzled looking

Dialer, the cs3 I have on my computer is legit, unless a former good friend is shady too, but I doubt it...it's just that I don't know enough about how this works to have asked him for info, or installation CDs...it's like this, if my pc did ANYTHING funky, i called him and he came over and fixed it, i never thought beyond him not being around honestly...lawd, I sound like one of those housewives married for 30 odd years, perplexed when the husband leaves suddenly realizing they're helpless...well, that's me with my pc, so I'm more liable than anyone to have something go terribly wrong. I explained to Steve that my, I guess now "former" friend, doesn't return my calls or my emails so I can't get anything I need to move beyond this stage.

The last thing on earth I can do right now is uninstall it, because it's going to be a minute before I can purchase a copy.

Dialer, I do limited graphics on cs3, I have a custom card company, and some people send me photos for the card cover, so I do crafty things with the photos and know my way around cs3 well enough to NORMALLY be pleased with the results.

BUT THE BIG DEAL, is that I do hand illustrated portraits for clients on size 19x24 paper...I have to scan each portrait in sections in order to have a copy of the original. and I may do light manipulation in photoshop regarding blur and level adjustment...oh! I LIVE FOR THE FRAME feature, because it's a beautiful way to present the portrait to the client via an emailed image prior to shipping.

I'm going to try to put in a link to a few of the portraits so that you wonderful folks can check it out. Holla back

http://www.urbanaspeakz.com/TERRI/KATRINA2ND72.jpg

http://www.urbanaspeakz.com/TERRI/SYDNEY72.jpg

http://www.urbanaspeakz.com/TERRI/TOSH72.jpg

err...okay, so yeah

I don't know how to link you to the portraits I want you to see

*slinking away in shame*


EDIT: Fixed BB code and inserted links to artwork ~ stevealmighty

Thank you!

err...what did I do wrong? that's how I put in a code for everything else and this time it didn't link it to anything...I'd love to know for future reference

also, please check out my illustrations...I'm up working on another one right now...sleepy...but that's irrelevant...gotta stay on pace

I'm far from an expert when it comes to using the BB code, but it appeared that there was no "link" that would allow a user to click anything to see them, and it was the incorrect code for having it show up as a picture in the post.

Feel free to check out the TEST AND SCRIBBLES area where you can test posts, pictures, code and anything else there. It's also a great area to receive help with BB code questions.

Ahhhh, I guess I was confused and thought the two friends were the same person.

As for CS3, maybe a better question would have been to ask what functions you can no longer use? Or is it just opening a new file that's at issue? For example, can you use the framing feature?

I didn't see the original links before Steve fixed them, but I'm guessing that you typed them in without the http:// portion. The board needs that part to create a link automatically.

I was able to see the first portrait you posted, but being on slow dialup, my bandwidth wouldn't accommodate me for the other two. But what I saw was lovely!

Hi, Dialer *waving*

sorry it's taken me soo long to holla back

yup, one was my friend, the other who gave my boyfriend that "cracked" version I don't even know. I've emailed my former friend and he simply won't respond. I can still use the framing feature and everything else, but throughout every cs3 application it is the FILE>OPEN procedure that has somehow been corrupted.

I'm still plugging along because of the tip Steve gave me, however, so it's all to the good.

THANK YOU for the compliment on my artwork, it's keep me busy and gaining me some extra income, so I'm happy

I'll check back in soon, until then, have a wonderful day!

TERRI!

Hi Terri

Thanks for posting. It's great to hear that you're still able to use CS3. But remember, if it ever totally shuts down on you, this is the place to come for help with finding alternatives.

BTW and just an FYI...

Because of the license situation, I'd say it's more likely that opening files has been disabled, rather than corrupted. The distinction isn't really important to you, though, I'm sure. LOL

You take good care,
Dialer

but Dialer, that confuses me...it shouldn't be a licensing situation and why wouldn't photoshop cs3 make it so that nothing works?...as opposed to one thing that you can work around? but remember, this is the version that my legit former IT friend installed and he ASSURED me that everything was on the up and up

Well, there's an excellent possibility that I could be wrong!

In any event, I still don't question the legitimacy of the original license. However, if it's expired, perhaps CS3 has somehow turned into something that acts more like a trial or demo version. But, come to think of it, that doesn't make much sense either, because the thing that's usually disabled is the ability to save, not to open.

So, I guess you're right and there's some kind of file corruption involved.

I feel you and that makes sense to me too...because while this is annoying and frustrating, especially when I go through the rote routine of clicking FILE>OPEN and have it freeze on me, forgetting that I now have to do it through explorer...I can still work

not to not be able to SAVE!! perish the thought and that would seem like an outstanding GOTCHA style deterrent.

Just so you know, the friend I keep referring to was once a wonderful gent (he and his wife maaaaaad cool) who just started helping me with my computer issues, fixed my son's for free, made it like new, I bought a computer from him for $500 and told him I need enough memory to store human beings...so far so good...he set up my Vonage account, my High speed internet, my email account...sometimes coming over with his wife, working until the wee hours to make sure I was never "down"...of course, having full faith in not only his capabilities, but his spirit, I told my best friend to get a computer for him...my best friend let me newer IT friend know that he only had $500 to spend and needed a computer with triple the capacity of his last one (which was like 180 gigs whatever the heck that means ) anyhoo, by the time it was all said and done Best Friend shelled out $700 to newer IT friend, with some of the things he was to do having not been completed. Newer IT friend moves out of state...best friend is having difficulty catching up with newer IT friend while he's in transition...finally IT friend won't return any calls and best friend discovers that his NEW COMPUTER doesn't even have a third of the memory his old computer has...had to buy an external hard drive...I left message for Newer IT friend (voice mail) asking him to please return Best Friend's calls...then told newer IT Friend's wife the situation, hoping she could persuade him to do the right thing. Altho she tried to act as if she wasn't, she was on the defensive...now newer IT friend doesn't call anyone and that's how I got in this predicament and found y'all

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it lol

Alrighty, then.

<Dialer fumbles around, trying to figure out what part of her brain to store this info in.>

I know

I just wanted you to know how I got into this mess and why this friend i constantly refer to won't call me back so that this mess can be straightened out

you're too funny!

I was reading your issue about cs3 and noticed you had said you only have a single drive.Well before I got myself into this virus/trojan/worm thingamajiggy,I had photoshop installed on my computer,and have one one drive.I noticed when first installing it that it asked me if I wanted to add the "parsing file" to another drive,now I don't have a clue as to what the parsing file is,but I do know that I couldn't run alot of programs while running photoshop.It made my screen jittery it lagged terribly,like running 3d max at the same time.It seems that this parsing file must go into another drive because I believe photoshop pulls and stores quite a large sum of data to and from this file.Just a thought I had while browsing the forum,awaiting the results of mcafee's stinger(nail bitting) I hope you get your problem worked out,I miss my photoshop something awful,FrEaK.

Thanks for mentioning that about the parsing file, Leashed one. I don't know what it is, either, but I might look into this for some of my problems on Vista (a miserable OS in the first place) trying to run PSP, Bryce, and XenoDream at the same time. When I was on XP, with far less RAM, this was never a problem.

Ooops. Sorry for going OT, Terri. And just so you know, I did appreciate your explanation.

Ok...So, I spent the better part of today trying to fix the same problem with my CS3...
Right off base I am going to mention that it is the real deal CS3, purchased from Adobe as an upgrade from PSE3...
I was so glad to find out someone was having the EXACT same problem as me...
I was also having problems with my text tool, if I tried to type anything an error came up saying "could not complete your request because something prevented the text engine from initializing"... after a few hours of googling I found a fix for the text thing, but not for the Open file business....
As a last resort I asked DH for some help...(he's a computer geek...no offence anyone)... He fixed it for me ...this is how he did it

In CS3 go to Edit>Preferences>File Handling and unselect "Enable Version Cue". Then Exit CS3 and restart....
Anyway, I was at my wits end with this so hopefully it helps someone out there!!

to BC, Tobi!

What an obscure setting! Glad it worked for you, and I sure hope this is the thing that will do the trick for Terri.

Thanks Dialer...now I am back in CS3 Heaven!! ahhhh

Thansk a bunch guys!
I have exactly the same problem with photoshop CS3, (cant open files) and have spent like 2days try to get it work

And: In CS3 go to Edit>Preferences>File Handling and unselect "Enable Version Cue". Then Exit CS3 and restart....
Anyway, I was at my wits end with this so hopefully it helps someone out there!!

Fixed it, So thanks you so much for this Tobib

I bet a re-install would have worked? Dont know if it was tried, didnt read the whole thread

I tried to re install...twice, didn't work either...

DIALER! thank you soooo much for continuing to look out for me!

TOBIB: Thank you , I truly can't wait until I get home to try it...I will let you know

I really and truly have fallen in love with all of you!!

You're welcome, Terri. Sure hope it works for you; I'll be holding my breath! 1... 2... 3...

Opps...my mistake, I didn't re-install, I just tried to repair...twice... Reinstall probably would have worked, but I didn't want to lose all of my settings and preferences...although as a last resort...(if my husband hadn't come through for me) I probably would have un-installed, re-installed.

SOMEONE PLEASE BRING THE SMELLING SALTS FOR DIALER, SHE'S BEEN HOLDING HER BREATH FOR A LONG TIME!

DIALER, STEVE, TOBIB ERRY'BOTTY

I AM ECSTATIC TO BE ABLE TO ANNOUNCE THAT TOBIB'S FIX OF DISABLING VERSION CUE IN PHOTOSHOP CS3, UNDER PREFERENCES>FILE HANDLING WORKED LIKE A FRIGGIN CHARM!!! I'M UP AND RUNNING NORMALLY NOW.

MANNNN OH MANNNNNNNNNN...THANK YOU FOR THIS...

ESPECIALLY BECAUSE I WAS STARTING TO GET REALLY FRIGHTENED THAT MY FORMER FRIEND HAD BEEN REALLLLY SHADY AND INSTALLED A BOOTLEGGED PROGRAM ON MY PC, EVEN THOUGH HE KNOWS BETTER...NOW I CAN BREATHE EASY

I am sooooo happy for you, Terri!

Now don't be a stranger around these parts, OK?

Glad to be of service....Off to tell my husband he is a superhero!!!

please do

err...can you ask him how I fix the same problem in my In Design? I went to EDIT>PREFERENCE>FILE HANDLING> and Enable Version Cue isn't checked

What on earth have I done to deserve this???!!

I have a problem, Steve, Dialer, Tobib:

I still have the same FILE>OPEN problem in In Design cs3...but here's the real issue, on the In Design start up page is says that In Design is a trial version....what am I to do? Does this mean that the entire CS3 Master Collection that my former friend put on my computer is a trial version? It doesn't have that statement on the home pages on any of the other applications of the CS3 master collection.

What do I do? Of course, I want to do the right thing...but i did not install this and this message has me wondering about the entire software program...and honestly, there is no way I can afford to purchase my own and at the risk of sounding pitiful, that possibility is a long way off.

Would you guys say that this "trial" message on In Design means that the entire installation was trial? It also references a 30 day trial when I clicked on the link, but I've had this software for mucccccccccccccccccch longer than 30 days without any of these situations arising.

I'm really confused and lost right now, please give me your thoughts/comments/suggestions/advice.

TERRI!