I'm trying out CS4 but it's crashing on the open

[Joe_Zi...@adobeforums.com]

I just downloaded the CS4 free trial, but as soon as I open an image, I get an error and the program closes. I called tech support, and they sent me here.

The exact message says (as soon as Photoshop opens "Photoshop has encountered a problem with the display driver, and has temporarily disabled GPU enhancements. Check the video card manufacturer's website for the latest software."

Then, as soon as I open an image, I get another error message and the whole program closes. Does anyone know how I should proceed? Do I need to download everything all over again?

Thanks,
Joe

[Don_Mc...@adobeforums.com]

Did you go to your video card manufacturer's website and download the latest software?

[Chri...@adobeforums.com]

And if the latest driver doesn't fix it, did you file a bug with the video card maker?

[Myle...@adobeforums.com]

Re-downloading won't do anything. Please tell us, what graphics card you are using. Both ATI and NVidia have provided specific updated drivers for CS4, so installing those would be the logical thing to do.

Mylenium

[Ri...@adobeforums.com]

What error do you get when the program crashes?
If you drag an image into the work area does it still crash?

-Rilla

[John Joslin]

That list is as much use as tits on a bull. :(

At best it is a guide only – some cards on the list don't work for some people, others not on the list, will work.

The cards have been tested by Adobe and worked for them, but there are too many variables; like driver version, card settings, OS settings, and PS settings.

I don't think Adobe realised what they were getting into.

Having said that, I think it's the best upgrade since they introduced layers and I'm loving it! :)

[Free...@adobeforums.com]

Here's what I would do if I had these problems:

1. Reformat and clean Windows install.
2. Install chipset drivers.
3. Install latest graphic driver.
Leave EVERYTHING else for later.
4. Install Photoshop/Creative Suite.

Have anyone tried that?

[Free...@adobeforums.com]

(should that be has BTW? constantly confused by these little things, not being native English-speaking...)

Anyway, it was not a rhetorical question, I'm really curious. It should separate video card problems from system conflicts.

[David_E_...@adobeforums.com]

Freeagent,

I had to nuke my system a while back to get CS4 to load correctly. The installer stopped 3/4 the way through. CS4 has registry entries that cannot be deleted. At the time I installed CS4 there was no un-installer to wipe out the registry entries that are locked in the registry. So I was screwed.

Some of my steps are like yours but I did some other steps in between that I do from past experience.

1. Did a fresh install with Vista ultimate 64 bit "with" service pack one.

2. Accomplished all the other updates that microsoft showed on auto update plus cheked "recommended updates" and checked "use microsoft update" to receive other software updates for things like your motherboard.

3. Defragged hard drive and turned on windows installer to automatic in services.

4. Downloaded directx package and installed. (This does not update by microsoft updates).

5. Had to download and install .net because ATI CCC uses it to run.

6. Went to ATI website and downloaded and installed 8.10 drivers (that was the ones shown when I updated)

7. Rebooted then defragged. Turned off windows defender and the firewall.

8. Installed CS registered and rebooted (I was updating to CS4 extended from that)

9. Defragged

10. Installed CS4 extended upgrade then registered and rebooted

11. After reboot turned on firewall and defragged again

12. Then installed and updated the remaining software and drivers.

This may seem a lot to do but most of the steps are found in the adobe help area for installing.

So it took me like 4 hours to re-do everything.

A un-installer like CS3 had would have been nice at the time of the CS4 release.

Hope this helps people.

[Nick_...@adobeforums.com]

Mylenia,

Both ATI and NVidia have provided specific updated drivers for CS4, so
installing those would be the logical thing to do.

I am unaware of any ATI drivers that were issued specific to CS4. If you or anyone else has a link, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Ri...@adobeforums.com]

Joe - What motherboard and graphics card do you have installed?

John – That is not a “Guide” that’s a list of cards that will work with CS4 using the latest drivers, and the latest windows updates using the default card and windows settings.

-Rilla

[Free...@adobeforums.com]

that’s a list of cards that will work with CS4

It would have been nice if it were that simple, but the truth is that most of the cards people have problems with are actually on that list.

Now whether they have "default" settings elsewhere is of course another matter, which is why I suggested trying with a completely fresh Windows install.

Nick,

Mylenia

He's a he! (I think...?)

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

It would have been nice if it were that simple, but the truth is that
most of the cards people have problems with are actually on that list.

at least according to what we've seen here. we've also seen several people solve their issues by reformatting, which leads us to think there may be something on the system causing a conflict.

[Ri...@adobeforums.com]

Your both right. Reformatting solves most issues :p . I just try to use it as an extreme last resort.

-Rilla

[Free...@adobeforums.com]

extreme last resort

So it is. But sometimes, a man has to do what a man has to do.

[John Joslin]

Everyone resists reformatting but in a way it's like having a hot shower, towelling down vigorously and putting on a fresh, clean set of clothes.

You feel much better for it.

[Ri...@adobeforums.com]

I absolutely agree. I have a server in my home and backup all my pcs to it once a month so. I also have all my installed programs stored on my server. To people like you and I formatting isn’t detrimental, Just a mere half a day inconvenience. Through my years of support I have learned that people like you and I are not as common as we sometimes think. If a basic user had to format, it may take days or weeks for them to get everything back. I only recommend formatting as a last resort.

[David_E_...@adobeforums.com]

When you read the release notes the 8.11 release mentions nothing about adobe opengl fixes.

<https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/674/9206/0/www2.ati.com/gamesite/Catalyst_811_release_notes.pdf>

But there are other interesting items to read about if you wish to do so. :)