CS6 - Keep tools OVER images.

I think @jane-e 's patience has been admirable throughout this thread, and her posts constructive as always. I don't know why the OP consistently refuses to provide information that could clear all this up. In fact, I think there are so many red flags in this thread that we should probably just let it all lie, until that information is forthcoming. As it is, this isn't going anywhere.

In my opinion posting text 9 times without mentioning why one is unable to post the repeatedly requested screenshots does not justify feeling »completely« insulted if someone wonders whether there might be a problem with the task of taking screenshots itself. 

Instead of roaring in with statements that are obviously untrue, demands, and threats…

simply including screenshot(s) of what you are seeing along w/a description of any issues and relevant info (something anyone who has used the software for 23 years would know) in your original post or any of your five replies

would have resulted in answers much sooner.

TOOLS OVER IMAGES
If your toolbar is under your images like this...

and you want it to always be on top like this...

• dock the toolbar or
• use Window > Arrange > Consolidate All to Tabs or
• set up more than one monitor or
• adapt/update/improve workflow to one that doesn't require having 50 images open at once

If you are seeing something else... PROVIDE SCREENSHOTS like everyone else who is serious about resolving their issues would do. If you meant something else, descriptions are more useful than rants.

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
A SMALL number have changed aka not everything. Feel free to provide screenshots showing any of those changes.

"I have to start reoganizing my work space to click the tool" Saying it again for the people in the back... screenshots would clarify things.

BLOW UP MY TASK BAR
"If I have 50 images open I have a task bar item for every single image PLUS all of my browsers, open emails, code editor, etc.... The photoshop images have never created windows out side of photoshop in 5 through CS6."

You've edited your post but if you are seeing something like this (or 50)...

this is a Windows Taskbar setting (and occasionally a Windows version issue) that you can easily change NOT Photoshop. If you are seeing something else... PROVIDE SCREENSHOTS.

"I paid $2000 for CS3 in 2007 and now I can't install....so they gave me cs6 instead. Thanks....BUT."

Spoiler Alert.... Adobe didn't have to give you a free copy of CS6 and could have easily told you to subscribe like everyone else.

Photoshop 5 was released May 1998
Photoshop CS3 - April 2007
Photoshop CS6 - May 2012

APRIL 2023: Expecting CS6 to look or act like 5 or CS3 on an operating system and hardware it may not have been designed for/tested on and/or expecting a specific version of software to work forever is unrealistic and not how this all works. Adobe doesn't owe you anything. Software evolves and the people who use it need to accept the updates, adapt old and often inefficent workflows for new, make hardware adjustments as needed, or find something else.

Does anyone have any practical solutions to the error I've reported rather than assume I have no clue what I'm talking about (like everyone else that has responded)?  Is anyone at Adobe listening?

 I paid $2000 for CS3 in 2007 and now I can't install....so they gave me cs6 instead.

By @imgraftedin

Sounds to me like you've been scammed, but not the way you think. CS6 hasn't been legally available anywhere for at least five years. Any CS6 copy you got now is a pirated version.

How do I keep the tools over the images?  If I have 50 images open and need to switch to a tool, layers, history, (EVERYTHING) that I don't know the shortcut for (BECAUASE YOU'VE CHANGE THEM ALL) I have to start reoganizing my work space to click the tool.  This is pure stupidity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By @imgraftedin

Most of the tool shortcuts have not changed in many years. If there is a problem with tools or workspaces, then it might be something that can be resolved with troubleshooting.

Also, a particular version of the software will work best if you are running it on hardware and an operating system version most similar to what was available when it was released. If you are running CS3 or CS6 on much newer hardware or OS, the more years of difference there is between the software version and the hardware and OS, the more chance there will be incompatibilities.

If I don't have a resolution for this problem by 4/24/23 I will file a BBB report.  You need to either fix my CS3, CS6 or refund my money.

By @imgraftedin

Unfortunately, that is unlikely to happen, due to section 9.1 in the Adobe General Terms of Use which are probably similar to what we would get with any other software company:

9.1 Unless stated in the Additional Terms, the Services and Software are provided “AS-IS.” To the maximum extent permitted by law, Adobe, its affiliates, and third-party providers (“Covered Parties”) disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including the implied warranties of non-infringement, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose. The Covered Parties make no commitments about the content within the Services. The Covered Parties further disclaim any warranty that (A) the Services and Software will meet your requirements or will be constantly available, uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free; (B) the results obtained from the use of the Services and Software will be effective, accurate, or reliable; (C) the quality of the Services and Software will meet your expectations; or (D) any errors or defects in the Services and Software will be corrected.

You can certainly try to get a refund. There have been examples of customer service people at some companies being sympathetic if their managers have given them leeway. But given that CS6 is over 10 years old and CS3 is over 15 years old, once again, you will probably find it difficult to locate any company (making software, appliances, cars, etc.) that would be willing to give you a refund on something they made that long ago.

How do I keep the tools over the images? 

The tools are in the Tools panel with names like Move, Rectangular Marquee, Brush, etc. You can't keep them over your images and never could. If you mean the panels, read how to dock and float them here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/workspace-basics.html

You can also use the Window menu to create a new workspace and to reset a workspace.

(EVERYTHING) that I don't know the shortcut for (BECAUASE YOU'VE CHANGE THEM ALL)

Very few shortcuts have been changed. The shortcuts for Channels were changed in CS4, and you can see the new ones in the Channels panel. It wasn't me who changed any of them though, because I am a volunteer who does not work for Adobe. You don't need to shout at me. Here is a list of shortcuts:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/default-keyboard-shortcuts.html

If there are some you need help with, let us know.

I have to start reoganizing my work space

Organize it once, then Save it. After that, Reset it when needed.

And then how do I keep all of the windows IN THE PHOTOSHOP WINDOW?

We need a screenshot for this one. Have you maximized your application window?

you BLOW UP MY TASK BAR

It explodes? Someone sets dynamite to it? It wasn't me, I promise! I also have absolutely no idea what this means.

You need to either fix my CS3, CS6 or refund my money.

I can't do any of these, sorry. If you want to talk to Adobe, there are three ways to reach them. Be aware, though, that both CS3 and CS6 reached end of support years ago and they no longer support either of those, nor will they be updating them. I can't speak as to whether they will refund 16-year-old software, but to me it seems a stretch.

You can try resetting Preferences to see if that helps to fix issues. 

To reach Adobe, try the link to auto-open the Chat:
https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen  
Type "agent"

If your browser blocks the Chat window, try the troubleshooting tips here:
https://community.adobe.com/t5/creative-cloud-services/how-to-contact-adobe-support/td-p/11875703  

You can send a tweet to @AdobeCare.

Phone numbers for your area are here:
https://helpx.adobe.com/contact/phone.html  

Do not reply to PMs, which are likely to be scammers.

~ Jane

[removed by moderator]