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maryn14887655
Participating Frequently
November 22, 2016
Question

Photoshop Elements won't open, computer says not enough RAM; why?

  • November 22, 2016
  • 2 replies
  • 928 views

A few days ago I was working in PS Elements 2.0 as usual.  I know the software is ancient but it does the things I need it to do.  I use it to create backgrounds and banner graphics for my personal fanfic website.  I finished working on a file and closed it.  Then I tried to reopen PSE 2.0 and it wouldn't open.

Screen message said "couldn't initialize Photoshop Elements 2.0 due to insufficient RAM" or similar wording.  I checked my computer settings and C drive has 60.9 GB in use out of 441 GB total. 

I did a defrag and disk cleanup, ran CCleaner, uninstalled and reinstalled PSE Elements 2.0, and uninstalled an app I had accidentally downloaded that is for gaming and I don't need.  I turned the computer off and turned it back on again.  I also deleted quite a few graphics files I no longer needed.

All of these steps were repeated several times.  Still getting the same error message and can't open the program.  Can anyone help? 

I would almost break down and buy a newer version of PSE but if my computer's RAM is actually insufficient for PSE 2.0, surely that wouldn't help! 

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    John Waller
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    November 22, 2016

    I would almost break down and buy a newer version of PSE

    You're trying to run 14 year old software on a current spec computer and up-to-date operating system. Issues like this are almost inevitable.

    You can get Photoshop Elements 15 from Adobe for US$60 as a Black Friday special.

    Official Adobe coupons, promos, special offers and discounts

    Amazon is offering it for $40

    https://www.amazon.com/Adobe-65273274-Photoshop-Elements-15/dp/B01LRR2TSA?th=1

    Why not try out the trial version of Elements 15 for free and see if you like it before the Black Friday special offer expires?

    Download Photoshop Elements free trial | Adobe Photoshop Elements

    maryn14887655
    Participating Frequently
    November 22, 2016

    You don't think the RAM issue would cause a problem?  That's my main concern with updating--I could pay for a new version of PSE and what if it still didn't work?

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    November 22, 2016

    Install the trial version as suggested and you will know if it solves the problem:

    Download Photoshop Elements | 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    November 22, 2016

    RAM = Random Access Memory, which has NOTHING to do with hard drive space

    What is your operating system, and how much RAM (not hard drive space) do you have?

    maryn14887655
    Participating Frequently
    November 22, 2016

    I have Windows 10.  4.0 GB, with 3.48 GB usable.