"There is a problem with Generator.." error when starting Adobe Photoshop CC 2018

[torgeirr66145187]

Hi

I have searched Adobe support sites and tried every solution possible (I think).  Stil got the error message during startup, when I try to export (Both Export As.. and Quick export as PNG/JPG). Uninstalled photoshop, rebooted, reinstalled photoshop, deleted all my plug-ins  (Only from One.com) deleted preferences, resett photoshop  (Ctrl+Alt+Shift during start) and so on.

Now I need som help to get this issue solved.  Can someone please help me?

[OverAirLtd]

Just curious if you found a fix? I can't export anything for a couple months now.

[torgeirr66145187]

Hi, sorry about late answer.  No, the issue is not fixed. 

[shafi_su]

Hi,

                       Me too had the same issue and tried almost everything to get rid of the warning message for which the results were negative after every attempt.But, Finally when I had an accidental glance to my notifications panel, which is at the bottom most right corner of the task bar in Win 10 I got the solution for it.

                      When I clicked the notification which said "Unauthorised changes blocked(Controlled access blocked)"  it lead me to the " Virus & threat Security/Protection History" in Windows Security.From there I "allowed" the "AdobeGCClient" or else you can simply turn of the "controlled folder acess" under Ransome ware protection.

IN SHORT  :

Goto Windows Security ˃ Virus & Threat Protection ˃ Ransomeware Protection (Bottom most) ˃ Manage Ransomeware protetion ˃ Allow an app through controlled folder access ˃ type "YES" for the prompt ˃ Add an allowed app ˃ select recently blocked app (you must have tried to open Adobe PS and try to export a file) ˃ Select "Adobe Photoshope.exe" and the "node.exe" . 

Thats all!!

Done!

Now go back and open Adobe PS..No more erorrs!!!

Note : This worked for me don't know whether it works for you,but please have a try!

[ariek46693463]

Thanks for your answer. For me it was necessary to do a similar procedure for my Malwarebytes app. I made in Malwarebytes an exception for detecting ransomware for the file C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop 2020\node.exe and the problem was solved.

[torgeirr66145187]

The issue is fixed.  I tried so many things, fixes posted here and on other forums. Non of them helped.

My final fix was to totaly reinstall my pc. Had to start all over again. I'm terryfied of losing files so I have good backup rutines. All produced files are stored in external drives AND in the cloud.

[OverAirLtd · Accepted solution]

OMG, I'm sorry I just got this fixed yesterday.

I don't know if you have a PC, but in addition to the instructions below, I used ccleaner and tweaking.com

Tweaking.com actually solved a bunch of other issues (and it's free).

Found buried in a thread (problem with generator : from NoDeadPixels 05-Aug-2017 01:12 (in response to johnm77723406)

I had this issue happen a while back and a temp fix that worked was to create a new local user account on Windows. I eventually wanted to go back to my original account. So, this issue resurfaced and I found a fix - at least for me - I hope helps others. It involves messing with your registry. So, before you do that "export" it to back it up as you can render your computer useless if you mess up your registry. A summary is below and the full link is too - follow what "Sergei" says to do:

1. Exit Photoshop
2. Go to the start menu on Windows and type regedit. Then...
3. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
4. When there, on the right-side Window under "Name" you will see a line for "Personal"
5. On the right of that is "Data" and next to "Personal" mine was pointing to an old drive I had removed.
6. It said something like "P:\Documents"
7. Right-click on "Personal" and select "Modify" and instead, type in "%USERPROFILE%\Documents" (without the quotes)
8. Click OK and exit Regedit. Restart Photoshop.

[takiyam30706627]

Omg this worked!  Thank you so much!!! 

[stlredbird]

I could kiss you OverAir!

[reFX]

Works perfectly now. Thank you so much. Adobe has to fix this. The error-message is cryptic and Photoshop not very robust.

[cata_piciu]

You saved me! Thank you so much

[jaym61311990]

OverAirLtd​ - Can't thank you enough.  I have been searching for a solution to this problem forever.  Your detailed instructions worked like a charm.   I owe you an expensive adult beverage of your choice.  Cheers.

[glenp62627226]

THANKS!!! The regedit fix highlighted a drive change I'd made without realising the impact, working as normal now. Great time saver

[fergusja]

Worked like a charm!!

[Peter_Rabbit]

Dude, you saved my @ss! I would never guess this was the solution. THX!

[71sbeetle]

Mine was already showing "%USERPROFILE%\Documents" so I still have the issue

[cod196]

Mine showed "%USERPROFILE%\Documents" also.  What did correct it for me was to open Malwarebytes and go to the "Allow List" and add the node.exe file which is located in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop 2020\node.exe.  

[mohammed bakirk34226946]

After trying all methods (reinstalling, register, permissions, etc.), it was just a Malwarebytes problem. Once node.exe was included as an exclusion, the problem stopped. AT LONG LAST!

[Def_Con_NSA_Spy]

I can't believe it, that worked.   Thanks for posting this!  I've been struggling to find a solution to this issue for months.

[bobbyatk]

Insertion %USERPROFILE%\Documents via regedit did not fix the problem for me. Based on timing, I suspect my problem was caused by Luminar 4 trial doing a crap job of removing itself, or less likely but possible during installation. It's kind of like they crapped on your rug on the way out the door...  Pressing on still looking for the fix.  Is there supposed to be anything in photoshop's "Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CC 2018\plug-ins\Generator" folder ?

[mrrez]

hmmm. mine already said, "%USERPROFILE%\Documents" so this doesn't resolve for me.  I recently started using Luminar 4... full version. Weird. Not sure how this would be related but odd you mentioned that.

[bobbyatk]

The recent problem with the Generator Error for most people I've seen was traced to malwarebytes (and sometimes reported windows Defender) false positive of Node.exe Googling it paired with generator error should bring up more info but white listing these (or your PS version, 2018 etc) seems to have fixed it for many people. Good luck. 

• Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop 2020\node.exe
• macOS: /Applications/Adobe Photoshop 2020/Adobe Photoshop 2020.app/Contents/MacOS/node

[Greco Vitriol]

Justameente tengo el mismo problema por culpa del mierdero que dejó luminar 4 trás su instalación.

[mrrez]

Thanks! This makes perfect sense now that I see node.exe is involved. Malwarebytes was the problem. I usually think to eliminate that in troubleshooting but with PS mentioning 3rd party plugins and then this thread, I was lost and thought this was going to be major. Thank you so much for taking the time here to help. Lesson learned even though we all know this: always start at the routine basics. - Ahhh. Resolved! 🙂   

[karenk.]

Please, how did you fix the problem? At the same time I received this error, Malwarebytes was acting out of control. Thank you in advance.