An old newbie says hello!

[Sharoniac]

I've had PSE 4, updated to 4.0.1, for a while but haven't really used it much. Now I want to and need help from more experienced folks!
I have an Intel iMac with 2GB of RAM. When I originally installed PSE4 it took a couple of tries and I finally got it to open without crashing by dragging its icon to my desktop, where it remains. After I updated to 4.0.1, my How-tos were gone. There is no Magic Extractor in the Image menu and the Magic Selection brush doesn't work. This was the case in 4.0 as well. It draws on the photo, but as soon as I let the mouse button up, the brush strokes disappear and there are no marching ants.
There is a Magic Extractor item in the Applications/Plug-ins/Filters folder but no Magic Extractor in the actual app.
I've been using iPhoto's Adjust feature, but I want to use the more sophisticated features in PSE4. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
I'm old but still willing to learn!

[Wendy]

Hi ...

... and welcome to the Village :)

OK then ... try this:

To do that close down Elements then click on the start up icon and quickly hold down the Command, Option and Shift keys. Continue to hold down all three keys until you get a screen asking if you want to delete Settings ... just say Yes. You do have to be quick holding down the keys so if you have problems with it try holding down the keys with one hand before you click on the icon :)

Lets see if that sorts it out :)

Wendy

[Sharoniac]

Hi Wendy

and thanks for the quicky reply. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to have the desired effect. Still no Magic Extractor and Magic Selection Brush still does not work.

Interestingly, PSE4 started up a LOT faster once I deleted the settings.

BTW: when I purchased PSE4, I downloaded it directly from Adobe's site rather than getting a disc. Do you think this may have something to do with the problems? (I haven't found Adobe's site very helpful in dealing with these problems.):confused:

[Wendy]

Hi ...

Umm ... I hope that would sort it out :(

Lets see ... did you keep a backup copy of Elements when you downloaded it ?

Wendy

[Sharoniac]

Hi ...

Umm ... I hope that would sort it out :(

Lets see ... did you keep a backup copy of Elements when you downloaded it ?

Wendy
Yes, I did, it's PSE4_Mac-UE_Web.dmg.

I have used it to re-install PSE. Still the same problem, tho'.

I really appreciate your taking the time to try and help.

Sharon

[Wendy]

Hi ...

We really need one of the people who has PSE4 installed on an intel Mac to see if the items are there on their install ... hopefully one of them will be around soon :)

Wendy

[Sharoniac]

Hi ...

We really need one of the people who has PSE4 installed on an intel Mac to see if the items are there on their install ... hopefully one of them will be around soon :)

Wendy
Is there a particular forum subject in Village that I would be more likely to find someone who has PSE4 on an Intel Mac?

I'm really happy to have found Elements Village and your enlightened self!

[Wendy]

Hi ...

You will find that most people read all of the subforums ... but with it being Christmas a lot of people are not around at the moment :(.

Another thought ... when you did the reinstall did you turn off any virus program you have ??

Wendy

[Sharoniac]

No virus software.

I finally found someone on Adobe's user-to-user forum who gave me a bunch of suggestions, none of which solved the problem. I suspect my downloaded file from Adobe was corrupt in the first place. And, of course, I can't get another one from Adobe now.:(

I'm just going to have to live without the magic extractor and magic selection brush.:mad:

But I've downloaded a trial version of CS3 and will probably buy it for myself as a post-Christmas present.;)

Happy holidays to you and thank you for all your help.:)

[Wendy]

Hi ..

If you bought Elements as a download from Adobe then I am pretty sure that you will be able to download it again. Why not phone them and see what they say :)

Wendy

[Sharoniac]

Hi ..

If you bought Elements as a download from Adobe then I am pretty sure that you will be able to download it again. Why not phone them and see what they say :)

Wendy
Okay, I'll give that shot.

I'm loving Photoshop CS3, but it sure costs a lot of $$$!!

Sharon

[Sharoniac]

Adobe is claiming that my serial # is invalid. I downloaded it from their website.:confused:

I got transferred to at least 4 different people, one of whom told me my serial # was valid and that he'd transfer me to customer service (!) and they'd be able to send me a CD for just shipping charges. I was transferred to a message that told me the # I had called was not available.:confused:

I give up. I'll keep 4.0 and use it as is, but I will not buy the new version when it comes out in 2008. I will not buy CS3 either, considering the poor customer service of Adobe. I don't want to spend that much $$$ and be told that my serial # is invalid.:p

Thanks for all your help.:)

[Wendy]

Hi ...

Try phoning again ... maybe this time you will get someone who wants to help :)

Wendy