If you find [1] Photoshop CS, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5 (Extended) or [2] Photoshop Elements Editor is misbehaving to the extent that it won’t open, or is behaving in such a manner that you are considering reinstalling it, try deleting the Preference first.  Deleting Photoshop’s Preferences has saved me from reinstalling Photoshop and Photoshop Elements on more than one occasion.  This is how to safely delete Photoshop’s Preferences.

Preferences Note
Photoshop remembers environmental preferences for example, Tool settings and the last File Format utilised by storing the information in a file every time you close Photoshop.  When Photoshop behaves erratically, deleting the Preferences  can get Photoshop to work properly again.  Because of the number of times the Preferences File is altered and updated, it’s always in danger of becoming corrupt: - as long as you back up any new files, for example, Brushes or Actions; deleting the Preferences File won’t delete your newly created (or downloaded) files.

Tip
Prior to deleting Photoshop’s Preferences, back up to an external drive your newly created Brushes and Custom Shapes, etc.

Now, to delete Photoshop’s Preferences, first power up Photoshop as usual: then (before Photoshop has time to load its settings), immediately press the Ctrl+Shift+Alt Keys all at the same time.

Note
You will find this easier if you hover your fingers over the three keys, just before powering up Photoshop.

If you have followed my previous steps correctly, (pressing Ctrl, Alt and Shift before Photoshop opens), you will see the following “Delete Preferences” dialogue box.

Now, (to delete Photoshop’s Preferences), click Yes.

Photoshop will then delete its Preferences File and it, Photoshop, will open.  You will then have to reset your Preferences.

To access Photoshop’s Preferences dialogue box, from the top menu, choose Edit then choose Preferences: (Ctrl then K).

Now, make your choice from the subsequent Preferences dialogue box, and then click OK.

Best Wishes.

[3] Wendi E M Scarth. (1st June 2010)  - [4] Free Photoshop Elements Tutorials.

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