Hi Folks,
(I'm posting this here as I need system help not application software help)
I've been using Photoshop 7 and Photoshop Elements 5 for some time now with no problems.
I've recently got a full version (tryout) of CS2.
It installed without a hitch but when I launch it, everything appears to be OK (I get the message saying you have 28 days left etc) but it then freezes.
I can't access any of the menus or even click the toolbars.
The only way to get out is via Task Mgr.
I know the program is OK as it works ok on two other computers.
I therefore need to track down the problem on mine.
Here are some details:
I have a DELL 9200 with a Duo Processor 2.4GHz, 4MB of RAM, 500GB system disc (RAID 0 stripe) so I don't think it's a performance problem!
I'm running XP Pro SP2 plus all current updates.
When I launch CS2 I can see from Task Manager that the Photoshop.exe process appears and uses about 2-8% of cpu during loading.
However, as soon as it is loaded, when I would expect the cpu usage to reduce to zero again, it rises to 50% and stays there and the application immediately says "not responding".
I need to find out what is causing this so any help will be much appreciated.
I also have Photoshop 7.0 and it works perfectly.
I have compared all settings and set my PC for "Performance" (programs) and increased the paging file to 3x RAM size but still the same.
Thanks in advance.
Regards.

This could be a RAM issue. To test your RAM, I recommend MemTest86+. Select Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win). Unzip the file to a convenient location, insert a formatted floppy disk in the floppy drive, double-click on install.bat to install. Then, with the floppy in the drive, reboot the computer. The computer should boot to the floppy and start testing your RAM. Let it run for several passes or even overnight. You should have no reported errors. Instructions to create a bootable CD version is available too but I note this is yet another reason why the floppy is not dead - yet! An excellent how-to guide is available here.

Alternatively, you could pull a pair of RAM modules and try running with that - then swap in the other pair and see if you can eliminate one stick through a process of elimination.

Are you video drivers current?

A couple observations. A 12Gb Page File is ridiculously big. The general rule is the more RAM you have, the LESS virtual memory you need. And with 4Gb (or 3.something effective with a 32-Bit OS) you have lots of RAM. Remember, if XP sees memory, it will use it - even if it is slow memory such as that found on hard disks. Look in Task Manager at your PF Usage and History and see what you have used. Look at your Commit Charge (K) - note Total = current memory use, Limit = RAM + PF, and Peak = the max memory since last boot. If your Peak has not exceeded your RAM installed, you technically do not even need a PF (except that XP expects one to be there so you cannot eliminate it). I suspect you can change yours to 1024 Initial and 1024 Maximum and do fine.

Also, note that RAID 0 is not generally considered an acceptable configuration for "production" machines. Yes, you can get a little performance boost with striping, but not a significant boost, especially with an adequate amount of RAM, the HD's own buffer, and a properly sized PF. The risk, of course, is if just one of your drives fails, you lose everything! I sincerely hope you have a good backup policy in place.

Hi Dig,
Thanks for your quick response.
I've downloaded and run MemTest for two complete cycles with no problems (took about 40mins each). I'll put it on again later and perhaps run it overnight.
I've put the paging file back to 1024 as suggested.
I got the RAID for performance but I have a complete copy on a standard 500GB HDD using Norton Ghost.
I've checked the Video Card and it has the latest drivers.
Still does the same thing, and it all works ok on other computers with much less resources than mine.
Also Photoshop 7.0 is all ok, that's the puzzling thing.
Regards.

and it all works ok on other computers with much less resources than mine.

The amount of resources, beyond a certain minimal point, have nothing to do with it not working at all. And unless those computers have the exact same motherboard, video card, and RAM - that is, exact same make, model, revision numbers, and drivers; and the exact same hard drive setup; security settings, and security applications and configurations, then the fact those machines work and this machine doesn't has little bearing either.

I think I would disconnect all unneeded hardware - in particular, any USB or firewire devices, then completely uninstall the program then make sure the system is free of malware - see Cleaning Out Malware. Once clean, reinstall and try again. If still no luck, unless someone else comes in with a solution, Google CS2 forum and post your question there - posting on a specialized forum may expose you to more folks that are familiar with this problem - but keep us posted too!