Initial issues with PS CS4 Extended Windows XP Pro.

D
Posted By
danpettus
Oct 17, 2008
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2421
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52
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Initial issues with PS CS4 Extended Windows XP Pro.

CS3 worked just fine but had many issues with Bridge CS3. So frustrating that the $$ to upgrade to CS4 seem worth it. Mostly works OK with the following exceptions:

1. Sometimes the file menu selections are non-selectable grey including fundamental functions like Open and Exit … not even clicking on the “x” will allow PS to close! I found a workaround, I can select a tool that is not currently selected (like the crop or brush) and now the menu items appear.

2. The “Arrange Documents” drop down menu is blank except for the lower text portion. All icons are missing. Roll over text popup shows what is supposed to be on the menu but no icons.

3. I have setup Bridge CS4 to auto start at logon. Works OK but sometimes for whatever reason stays busy after I close. Task Manager shows Bridge using up to 25% of CPU time and the program is not even open!

5. I purchased a couple Canon EOS 50D’s as backup cameras for our business. Worked last week with CS3 and Bridge with Raw 4.6 upgrade. Does not work with RAW 5.0 in CS4…bummer!

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M
Mylenium
Oct 17, 2008
What’s your graphic card setup? Pretty much all your issues circle circle around items not showing up in the UI or UIs not loading entirely, which to me is a pretty clear indicator that the graphics card may not be supported. As a minor, try to install a new driver and see if it helps.

Mylenium
SG
steve_guilhamet
Oct 17, 2008
Hi Dan,

1. Do you have any 3rd party plug-ins loading? Try Ctrl + A and then look at the menu items to see if they are active.

3. Post this over in the Bridge forum. You’ll probably get better answers over there. Do you know if the folder you’ve browsed before closing have any large or corrupt files?

5. Camera Raw 5.1 should post next week and support the 50D. See post in Camera Raw forum: <http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3bb6a869.59b6bfd6/0>

Regards,
steve
W
wings
Oct 18, 2008
If you have that many problem you have to start looking at your hardware and OS, because I really doubt that Adobe let so many bugs skip pass the beta testing.
S
szirtesi
Oct 20, 2008

2. The “Arrange Documents” drop down menu is blank except for the lower text portion. All icons are missing. Roll over text popup shows what is supposed to be on the menu but no icons.

I have the same problem, but only under the 32 bit version. In 64 bit version no problem. I have Vista Ultimate 64.
DM
dave_milbut
Oct 20, 2008
#2 sounds like a video driver problem. have you updated your video drivers?
ND
Nick_Decker
Oct 20, 2008

2. The “Arrange Documents” drop down menu is blank except for the lower
text portion. All icons are missing. Roll over text popup shows what is supposed to be on the menu but no icons.

Same problem here. Vid card is ATI Radeon X1950 Pro, with new drivers installed two days ago.

Edit: I’ve tried disabling OpenGL Drawing in prefs, but the problem remains.
S
szirtesi
Oct 20, 2008
Nvidia 8800, with latest drivers.
GP
Geoffrey_Pocock
Oct 21, 2008
Same problem with Arrange Documents window here.

XP Professional, NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS with the very latest drivers
ND
Nick_Decker
Oct 21, 2008
The odd thing to me, with the Arrange Documents menu being blank, is that my rotate canvas, continuous zoom, sharp at all zoom percentages and hand toss work beautifully. I would think those things would take more GPU power than simply displaying the contents of a menu.

Edit: I’m on XP Pro with 4 GB RAM, just the vanilla CS PS 4, not Extended.
S
szirtesi
Oct 21, 2008
I have my solution. I installed some NIK filters. If I remove the Nik "Selective Tool" directory from Plug-ins\Nik Software directory, the Arrange Documents Menu will be correct.
You need completely remove Selective Tool, disabling will not help.
LH
Lawrence_Hudetz
Oct 21, 2008
I would notify Nik about that.I use them too, and I’ll not upgrade to a version which puts itself in conflict with third party providers which already have been proven in earlier editions.
ND
Nick_Decker
Oct 21, 2008
Hmm. I fixed the Arrange Documents problem by removing PhotoKit Sharpening and PhotoKit PhotoTools (by Jeff Schewe and company) from the Automate directory. I’ll see if I can get in touch with their support people…
LH
Lawrence_Hudetz
Oct 21, 2008
All I can say is WOW!:-(
ND
Nick_Decker
Oct 21, 2008
After further testing, I’ve narrowed it down to the PhotoKit plugin causing the problem. If I have only PK Sharpener in the Automate directory, all is well with the Arrange Documents menu.

I’ve emailed PixelGenius support about the problem.
GP
Geoffrey_Pocock
Oct 21, 2008
I removed Nik but no better. But when I removed the Photokit plugins all OK
ND
Nick_Decker
Oct 21, 2008
It gets stranger.

Here’s what I’ve done so far. I read here about removing the NIK plugins, so I started removing plugins of my own (I don’t have NIK). When I dragged the PhotoKit and PK Sharpener modules out of the Automate folder, the problem went away.

I then went to the Pixel Genius site and noticed that I didn’t have the most recent versions (1.2.6) installed. Downloaded those and installed them. Still saw the blank Arrange Docs menu. Pulled the PhotoKit module out of Automate and the problem went away.

Emailed Pixel Genius and they responded, asking for a screen shot of the blank menu. So I dragged the PhotoKit module back into the Automate folder, to reproduce the problem and grab a screen shot. But the problem was still gone, I now see what I’m supposed to in the Arrange Docs menu.

Geoffrey, if you haven’t already done so, I’d recommend going to the Pixel Genius site and downloading/installing versions 1.2.6 of PhotoKit and PK Sharpener.
JS
Jeff_Schewe
Oct 21, 2008
This is what PixelGenius’ engineer wrote:

"I am not seeing this on either Vista or XP. According to the last post, the problem seems to have resolved itself (at least for the person posting). I don’t see how our plug-ins could possibly influence the Arrange Documents button; I suspect it is something else that has been resolved in the meantime for the user."

We’ve been testing our products in CS4 for a while and the only known issue is people running Vista 64 and installing Photoshop CS4 as a 64 bit application will not be able to run our products until we release an new installer and 32/64 bit binary versions so hat they will run in 64 bit. No exact time table other than "soon".
ND
Nick_Decker
Oct 21, 2008
Thanks for the response, Jeff. As I said earlier, the problem (for me) has mysteriously gone away. I don’t know why it surfaced, or know what exactly I did to cure it.

I’m not running 64 bit anything.
RP
Russell_Proulx
Oct 22, 2008
the only known issue is people running Vista 64 and installing Photoshop CS4 as a 64 bit application will not be able to run our products until we release an new installer and 32/64 bit binary versions

Jeff,

Sorry, I don’t mean to butt in, but just want to say that I installed CS4 under Vista64 and the 64bit version works just fine. I assume you mean that *some users* are having installation problems. Or is the 64bit/Vista64 install issue widespread?

Russell
SG
steve_guilhamet
Oct 22, 2008
Russell,

Jeff is only forwarding that the 3rd party plug-ins are currently not complied for x64. So if you want to use existing PK, PK Sharpener, or PK Color on Vista64 you have to launch the 32 bit Ps target.

steve
RP
Russell_Proulx
Oct 22, 2008
Oops.. thanks Steve.

a Roseanne Roseannadanna moment 😉

Russell
T
TomCorbin
Oct 23, 2008
I had the same problem with Arrange Documents missing the icons. I removed Nik and then PhotoKit and nothing resolved.
Then I replaced PhotoKit and removed 2 other plugins in the Automate folder – PhotoKit Color 2.11 and onOne PhotoTools 1 Pro and all the missing icons returned.
GR
Giorgina_Ruca
Oct 26, 2008
For me the problem started with the problem started with the NIK sharpener. From all the posts it seems that different plugins cause the same issue. My conclusion is that there is a bug in the way CS4 currently handles plugins in general.
JJ
John Joslin
Oct 26, 2008
there is a bug in the way CS4 currently handles plugins in general.

I think it would be more accurate to say that the plug-ins have not been updated to the CS4 configuration.

…. or should the tail wag the dog?
RD
Ray_Daley
Oct 26, 2008
Alien Skin Plug-ins caused the same issue in my CS4 "Arrange Documents"

After trouble shooting the issue I found that it is caused by a file named "AutoLayer.8li" located in the Plugins/Alien Skin folder.

Removing that file (all instances of it) solved my problem and the filters all function properly with one exception.
In some of the plug-ins there is an option to "Create Output in new layer Above Current" That option is grayed out now but other than that the filters all function properly.

Hope this helps
LH
Lawrence_Hudetz
Oct 26, 2008
I think it would be more accurate to say that the plug-ins have not been updated to the CS4 configuration.

Planned obsolescence.
ND
Nick_Decker
Oct 26, 2008
Whatever plugins you might be having problems with, I’d suggest that you reinstall the plugins for CS4. Just dragging the old install of the plugins from a previous version of PS into CS4 is probably not the right way to do it.
GR
George_Rembert
Oct 31, 2008
I was having the same problem with "Arrange Documents" being blank. After reading all the replys, I simply reinstalled the Photo Kit Sharpener plugin, V1.2.6 and the problem went away. And yes I did initially copy the plugin from CS3 and paste it into CS4. That seems to cause the problem. It appears the Nick Decker had the right idea.

It is odd that different plugins would cause the same problem.
SS
Stephen_Selwyn
Nov 2, 2008
A number of the latest On One plug-ins do the same.

So is it Adobe or the Plug-in suppliers that are wrong.
ND
Nick_Decker
Nov 2, 2008

3. I have setup Bridge CS4 to auto start at logon. Works OK but sometimes
for whatever reason stays busy after I close. Task Manager shows Bridge using up to 25% of CPU time and the program is not even open!

If you have Bridge set up to launch at system start-up, it will continue to run even if you close it in the conventional way. Look in your Task Bar (lower right corner of screen) and you’ll see the Bridge icon. If you want it to really close, right click that icon and choose Exit.

IMO, they should have given us the option of starting Bridge at system start-up, or at Photoshop launch like it was in CS 3.
OB
Oliver_Beyer
Nov 9, 2008
I tried the removel of the Nik Selective Tool. However this stops the Nik plugins from working all together. Normally they create a new layer with the midified image in it. Without the selective tool nothing happens at all. So yes, you’ll get the arrange drop down back but at least the Nik plugins won’t work anymore.
JS
John_Storjohann
Nov 9, 2008
I did a clean install of CS4…PhotoKit Color 2.1.1 is the culprit for me. I install it, I start having the "blank icon" issue with the arrange documents icons when I hover over them…uninstall it, the problem goes away…install it again, it comes back. Photokit Sharpener does not cause the problem for me. Vista Ultimate, NVidia 8800GTS with current drivers.
DB
Dan_Barba
Nov 10, 2008
I think I’m going to pull my hair out. I’ve tried ALL of the above and still get blank, although usable ‘arrange documents’ icon.

Any thoughts?

Dan
CC
Chris_Cox
Nov 11, 2008
Oliver – then disable the Nik plugins until Nik can fix the bugs and make their code work with Photoshop CS4.

Dan – did you remove all third party plugins? (and verify that they are not loaded by checking "about plugins")
DB
Dan_Barba
Nov 11, 2008
Hi Chris,
Actually, I thought I had done it, but just did it again and the icons are back. Now I’ll start the painful process of reinstalling and checking for the culprit.
Thanks!
Dan
OB
Oliver_Beyer
Nov 11, 2008
Chris – I’ll do that. Fortunately I was still on the trial so I can leave them out without losing functionality I paid for. Nik says though that all their plugins are working perfectly with CS4. Who knows.
KV
Kerry_Voelker
Nov 12, 2008
I had the same problem with blank/missing "Arrange Documents" icons. And I use NIK and OnOne plugins (CS4 & Vista). These plugins are all supposed to be compatible with CS4 and I use them ALOT – so I refused to remove them. Today I also started having a problem with an error re: needing to install a printer before I could select print functions.

I found the answer to both problems!! While researching the error message I found information from Adobe support stating that you should:
1. Quit Photoshop
2. Vista: Rename the Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS4\Adobe Photoshop CS4 Settings\Adobe Photoshop CS4 Prefs.psp file to Adobe Photoshop CS4 Prefs.old

Windows XP path: Documents and Settings/[username]/Application Data/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop CS4/Adobe Photoshop CS4 Settings/Adobe Photoshop CS4 Prefs.psp

3. Start Photoshop – it will create a new preferences file.

My print error message is gone AND I have Arrange Documents icons!!!
OB
Oliver_Beyer
Nov 18, 2008
I tried that but absolutely nothing changed for me, still the same error caused by the NIK plugins.
JJ
John Joslin
Nov 18, 2008
That 1. 2. 3. sequence is just one way of resetting the Photoshop preferences.

There seem to be four recurring possible solutions:

Update video drivers
Unplug plug-ins
Reset preferences
Turn off Open GL Drawing
SB
Steve_Bingham
Nov 22, 2008
Just installed CS4 – and have a serious problem. In Explorer I can’t get a JPG to open in CS4. It will open in any of 6 other choices – but not CS4. Tiff, PSD, not a problem. I selected "Open with" and CS4 added itself to the preferred list – except the file doesn’t open. Instead it says the file is "not a Valid Win 32 application". I had absolutely no problem in CS3. 1-2 hr fussing – no luck. I give.

I can open this same JPG file when in CS4 (with "open"). What gives?
SB
Steve_Bingham
Nov 22, 2008
No matter how many different ways I try to fix this problem, they have all failed – including cleaning the registry (Registry Mechanic) and reloading PS CS4.

When in Explorer the designated associated software for opening JPG and JPEG is PS CS4. This is clearly shown. When I double click on the photo (in Explorer) I get "xxx.JPG is not a Valid Win 32 Application". These JPGs were created in either CS, CS2, or CS3. Never a problem when in CS3.

1- Any JPG opens in Bridge (select and double click) or CS4 (select with File -Open)

2- Any TIF, PSD, and NEF files open in Explorer – which selects the correct program (PS4) and opens.

3- JPG files open (in Explorer) with just about anything EXCEPT CS4. (WordPerfect, Paint, and 6 others)

Amazing. Reloaded PS CS4 twice. Once before first removing CS3 and once after removing all traces of CS3. Tried all the above suggestions to no avail. Left a message in Adobe Forums but got no real answer – just the stuff I already knew.

I have a feeling that I have a corrupt file SOMEWHERE that is causing Explorer and "JPG opening in PS CS4" to not communicate well.

Tried Adobe forum. No luck. I will call Adobe on Monday unless I can get the solution here. I know there are some very sharp techs on this forum. I can only hope.
SB
Steve_Bingham
Nov 22, 2008
Solved in the Retouching Forum on dpreview.com.
< http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1006&me ssage=30102486>
RT
Roy_Thatcher
Dec 6, 2008
Hi guys, after reading all the help on this forum I took out the Alien Skin AutoLayer.8Li from my Plugin folder and low and behold all my blanked out icons were restored.
It seems a lot of the plungins are causing the trouble but who would have thought they were the culprits. Thanks for all the help.
S
szirtesi
Dec 8, 2008
Some new issue abaut NIK Selective Tool:

If you choose in CS4 File/Automate/Nik Selective Tool – the "Arrange Documents" will no more blank. But after every restarting of CS4 need you choose File/Automate/Nik Selective Tool.
JC
Jean_Chang
Jan 16, 2009
Alien Skin’s support site is aware of this problem with several of their plug-ins. They have a download for an updated "AutoLayer.8Li" file. I just installed it, and my "arrange documents" is working again. Just deleting the file took away the ability to have the new layer automatically loaded. Now with the updated file, it works perfect again! Yay!

Jean
JC
Jean_Chang
Jan 16, 2009
Oops, I forgot to give the link, in case anyone wants it.

<http://support.alienskin.com/Article_A476A.aspx>
JC
Jean_Chang
Jan 17, 2009
Okay, forget my last messages. Yes, Alien Skin’s upgrade for the autolayer.8li file did work, but only for about an hour, then I lost my menu items for "arrange documents" again. I sent them an e-mail, but have not heard back yet.

I hate software…sigh…

Jean
M
marksisco
Jan 18, 2009
"
If you choose in CS4 File/Automate/Nik Selective Tool – the "Arrange Documents" will no more blank. But after every restarting of CS4 need you choose File/Automate/Nik Selective Tool. "

Yep, that worked for me. Wild, though, that the NIK plugins would be causing this.
P
petershaw
Jan 23, 2009
I’m also having problems with plugins. Noise Ninja and DxO Optics v 5 plugins don’t load in CS4.

Windows Vista 64-bit OS.

Any suggestions?
BL
Bob Levine
Jan 23, 2009
Any suggestions?

Unless they’re specifically 64 bit plugins you’ll need to use them with the 32 bit version of Photoshop.

Bob
P
petershaw
Jan 23, 2009
That sounds logical. Thanks for the information.
EL
Edward_Leiken
Mar 2, 2009
For me, removing the "penpalette" folder (which is a Nik plugin) fixed the problem with the missing icons.

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