CS3 Will not open...

[Chris...@adobeforums.com]

So my computer crashed and I had to install windows all over again. (Note: It was working fine before the crash) When I got to my CS3 disc it installed fine but when I try to open the program it freezes and stops responding.

Description:
A problem caused this program to stop interacting with Windows. (error code is at bottom)

So I tried reinstalling several times. Tried shutting off antivirus and firewalls. I also tried CS3's patch. Still same problem. It does however sometimes get to the screen where it wants it's serial code or do the trial version. Clicking on either one and then clicking next freezes the program and you get the same error.

I tried calling tech support but apparently you have to pay for customer support. As I am a poor college student who already payed quite a bit of money on the program itself I can not afford to pay for the tech support.

Computer Info:
Running Vista64 Business
I have Norton Internet Security 2008
Using a Nvidia Geforce 9500GT with latest drivers...

Here is windows error code.

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: AppHangB1
Application Name: Photoshop.exe
Application Version: 10.0.1.0
Application Timestamp: 470fd6cb
Hang Signature: 7cf0
Hang Type: 2
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.256.6
Locale ID: 1033
Additional Hang Signature 1: b180187b80e2c367ddef983c1ef4cda9
Additional Hang Signature 2: cf2c
Additional Hang Signature 3: fc9a73248664f80a0f394885f95e801e
Additional Hang Signature 4: 7c87
Additional Hang Signature 5: 763c677eae22b8cf26ff471c72e36828
Additional Hang Signature 6: 6ff1
Additional Hang Signature 7: df486e68ae1f301f53d1fce31d18f2fb

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[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

reset the preferences per the faq section...

[Chris...@adobeforums.com]

Just tried that. Holding down shift, alt , and ctrl didnt do anything when I loaded the program, it still froze upon opening. I tried finding that preference file with no luck, I tried looking through directory and I couldnt find the one listed (doesnt vista store it elsewhere?) I also did a search of the whole hardrive looking for *.psp files and I included hidden files in the search and still didnt find that file.

Thanks for the quick response though.

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

doesnt vista store it elsewhere?

that's probable... can a vista user pop in with the location of the preferences file?

meanwhile, what's the last thing you see on the splash screen before it crashes? watch closely as they can zip by pretty quick in tiny text.

[Chris...@adobeforums.com]

Here is the only screen I usually get to

<http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=capturecr6.jpg>

It does occasionally load to this screen

<http://img118.imageshack.us/my.php?image=capture2tl3.jpg>

but if I click next for either with my code or do the trial it freezes to that blank screen I showed before...

On a side note I almost posted my serial number... that would have been bad lol.

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

try turning off norton? does vista have a safe mode where you can try to load without all the background services and apps loading?

[Lito_M...@adobeforums.com]

I also have problems installing CS3. A demo version.

[John Joslin]

The path depends on the version of Vista.

On 64-bit it is:

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS3\Adobe Photoshop CS3 Settings

And the files are *.psp as always. You have to un-hide hidden files.

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

I also have problems installing CS3. A demo version.

suggest try cs4 as cs3 is unavailable anyway.

[Chris...@adobeforums.com]

I will try safe mode it a few days. As for the .psp file there is none in that folder (or any files for the matter) and I do have view hidden files enabled

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

you wouldn't see it if the app has never successfully run. it's created on 1st use. not installed from the disc.

[Phyllis_S...@adobeforums.com]

I'm also having the same problem. CS3 ran fine on VISTA 32, but I've tried installing on Vista 64. It installs okay, but hangs up when loading. Did anyone ever come up with a solution?

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

permissions of the app data folder for adobe/photoshop/cs3?

[David_E_...@adobeforums.com]

Try:
turn off windows defender protection

go into system configuration and turn off startup items.

go in services and change windows installer to Auto

Might want to defrag before and after install as you downloaded a lot of megs and it is all over the place.

[Chris...@adobeforums.com]

Tried safe mode, no luck...

Tried the CS3 clean install program at level 4 several times to remove all programs. Then went in and manually deleted anything it forgot... Still didnt work.

I am currently just going to leave the window open and see if it ever starts to respond again. I am running out of hope and starting to think I will have to do another clean install of windows... and install photoshop first...

I dont think I am ever going to buy another adobe product again!

[Chris...@adobeforums.com]

Didnt respond.

I reinstalled windows and the first thing I did was installed photoshop. It still doesnt work.

Is there anything left to try?

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

<http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb401528>

[Chris...@adobeforums.com]

Thank you so much, that worked, I am currently reactivating my software now.

I only wish I knew that link before I reinstalled the computer...

Dave if you are ever in Colorado Springs I will buy you a beer!

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

nice! :)