Drop down Menus are compromised

[WalterSeaton]

I have been using Photoshop Elements 12 since I downloaded it in July 2014 (I downloaded the paid upgrade package of Photoshop Elements 12, Premiere Elements 12 and Organizer Elements 12) and it has always worked very well. Quite suddenly when I try to open a Photoshop drop menu (for example File or Edit) all I get is a narrow vertical field which is either blank or in some cases is blank but contains a number of icons. At the same time, the drop menus in Organizer have been "squashed vertically" (the headings are visible but not readable because they are distorted and on top of each other). Premiere is not affected and still works well.

Any suggestions for a quick fix? I still have the original downloads saved on my PC - should I reinstall Photoshop and, if so, should I first uninstall my present Photoshop or can I reinstall over the app now loaded on my PC?

Very many Thanks.

[99jon · Accepted solution]

I would suggest as follows:

-Uninstall

-Reboot (re-start your computer)

-Use the latest download from link below for PSE12

-Validate with your serial number

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

[WalterSeaton]

Thank you very much - it worked!

Walter

[WalterSeaton]

For many reasons I regret having to come back to you. Its happened again! I have inserted below some screen shots which illustrate the compromised menus. I have also added my relevant Windows 10 Update schedule because it occurred to me that this may be the cause. You will note that my problems occurred both times after there was a major (automatic) update of my Windows 10; this can of course be a coincidence. Please advise what you recommend now. I have not yet tried to reinstall PSE12 as you recommended last time (which worked).

[99jon]

I'm not sure what to advise. Obviously you can't keep re-installing. Sometimes older software simply becomes incompatible with the latest operratig systems. You could try running in compatibility mode.

The problems arising from the Windows Creators update have been discussed extensively at:

Microsoft Answers

[WalterSeaton]

Hi 99jon,

Again, thank you – after reading your link, I am convinced that I must invest in PSE/PRE 15, but which raises just one more question. Both the “15” programs under “System Requirements” call for a RAM of 4Gb; despite my having a total of 9Tb of storage plus a Ready Boost of 15Gb, the maximum RAM which I am able to install in my PC – and what have – is 3Gb. Does this imply that I will not be able to use “15”?

Best Regards,

Walter

[99jon]

Hi Walter, 4gb of RAM is the limitation for 32 bit systems. If you have a Windows 64 bit system you will have least 4gb of memory (RAM) and possibly more. Adobe normally issues a new version of PSE in September/October; so you could wait before upgrading. In the meantime why not install the trial version of PSE15. You can use it free (currently for 30 days) to see how you get on.

https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements/download-trial/try.html

[WalterSeaton]

As before - very many thanks. I will download the trial version and wait for the newer version to be announced.