Adobe "help" not working via PSE

[kimh]

I know this was recently asked. Cannot find it though. I don't get anything when I go to the 'help' while in my Elements 3. I have not really missed it but it is referred to in the class I am taking. I guess I need to figure out how to get it back if I can.
Thanks to anyone who can help.
kimh

[ATR]

I had that happen to me, but with Premiere Elements 2.0. And, here nothing else was affected except gaining access to the Help Menu. I would click Help. No drop down list, just an hourglass that would appear and then disappear.

I would like to say by design, but by accident I discovered that programs running in the background were the problem. If and when the Help would not come up, I unplugged my two printers and that did the job.

If I come across any other related problem/solution, I will post again.

ATR

[ATR]

I think that I found the Thread that you were looking for:

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12171

Hope all this hopes.

ATR

[kimh]

Yes, Thank you. I will try later when I have a little more time.
Kimh

[msbrad]

I had the same problem too. I called Adobe on the phone and spoke with a very helpful tech. He said I needed to turn off one of the firewalls.Husband had several on. He also said running of system mechanic (if that is the correct name) also messes up elements. Hope this helps as another possibility.
m

[mom to 4]

What is the system machanic?????:o

[msbrad]

It is a little red icon on the desk top that when run...it clears out all kinds of unwanted stuff on the different drives. I know this is a sorry answer, but it will get better. When i can catch my husband at work this morning, I will return with a much better answer.
Back later
m

[ATR]

Good Morning msbrad,

I saw your last post and think I know what was helpful for you.

My Windows XP has "Disc Cleanup Utility" which comes in handy to free up disc space. I use that a lot plus Defragmentation under System Tools. When you click on the Disc Cleanup Utility icon, a dialog box pops up giving you choices for deleting files from places such as Temporary Internet Files, Recycle Bin, Temporary Files, and a few other places. If this utility ever fails, do not panic. There is a Microsoft document on how to repair it.

I am always amazed by how much stuff builds up in those files under "normal" computer use. So, it is a good idea to set up a routine for checking out and dealing with build up.

ATR

[msbrad]

Hello all,
I just re-checked with my husband and the system mechanic thing, and it has a 4 that went with. Anyhow, when it deletes items fromthe registry it also deleted some of my PSE4 functions, and now we just use the regular XP clean up. We also use the regular windows firewall and pop up blocker.
Oh, and almost forgot, after allwas said and done, I re-installed PSE4 and all was well again.

The adobe tech was on the phone with me for over 2 hours and I went into areas, I'd never gone to before (scary)
m

[ATR]

msbrad

Thank you for posting the outcome. I am so glad that the issue is resolved with Adobe Technical Service coming to the rescue. Good job.

Registry changes are not that difficult, BUT you have to make sure of the why, how, when, and all that stuff before you attempt changes there. Nearly all documents describing Registry changes that I have ever seen come with a beware type warning. If you see any problem fixes requiring Registry changes, best get a second opinion.

Be that as it may, you are moving forward.

Continued success.

ATR