PSE 2024 Freezes

[defaultn98xdjfau2bz]

I am running Windows 11 with PSE 2024.  Elements freezes for extened periods and may or may not recover.  Looking at the "System Information" with in Elements 2024, it indicates that the machine has Windows 10 on it.  

Any ideas?

[Peru Bob]

Try this:

Restore default preferences
Preference settings control how Photoshop Elements Editor displays images, cursors, and transparencies, saves files, uses plug‑ins and scratch disks, and so on. If the application exhibits unexpected behavior, the preferences file could be damaged. You can restore all preferences to their defaults.

Note: Deleting the preferences file is an action that cannot be undone.

Do one of the following:

Press and hold Alt+Control+Shift (Mac: Option+Command+Shift) immediately after Photoshop Elements begins launching. Click Yes to delete the Adobe Photoshop Elements settings file.
Go to Edit > Preferences (Mac: Photoshop Elements > Preferences > General), click the Reset Preferences on next launch button, and then click OK. When you restart Adobe Photoshop Elements, all preferences are reset to default settings.
A new preferences file is created the next time you start Photoshop Elements Editor. For information on a specific preference option, search for the preference name in Help.

from here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/kb/preference-file-locations-photoshop-elements.html

[Greg_S.]

Please let us know if resetting the preferences has any effect.

I think you are third person in the last few days who has put the catalog folder under the Pictures folder and has problems.  (Adobe has not changed the system info dialog to display Windows 11.  So don't be concerned about that.  AFAIK, it's the same for everyone.) 

The name of your catalog suggests that you have upgraded to Elements 2024 from an earlier version.  What is the version history of this catalog?  Please show us a screenshot of the contents of the folder:  . . . Pictures\My Catalog 1.

If you are able to open the Organizer, the problem may be that Media Analysis is taking place in the background.  This can cause freezes for long periods and may even affect the Editor.  To determine if this is the problem, go to Edit>Preferences>Media Analysis and uncheck all of the boxes.  If this fixes the freezes, I suggest that you recheck the boxes and leave the computer running overnight or when you are not using it.  Depending on the size of your catalog, this may take several days of  running 24/7.

[Glenn 8675309]

I try not to overthink things.   For example:  Have you tried the "coffee method"?

Turn your computer all the way off, not a simple reboot, but turn it all the way off, not put it in sleep mode, but turn it all the way off.  Go get a cup of coffee, return and turn the computer back on.

It's amazing how oftten that works.

[kathys7572]

For me Elements Organizer worked just fine for about a week. It is a fresh download on a new PC. I didn't change any defaults. This afternoon, when I open Organizer, the program opens but it won't allow me to do anything. I can't even close it without useing the task manager. Any time I click a menu option I get a bell tone. Task manager says nothing is going on. The answer below says to restyore dafaults but I can't see the point since I didn't change any.

[Greg_S.]

@kathys7572, have you recently added photos or videos to the Organizer catalog, or converted an older catalog to Elements 2024.  If so, media analysis may be taking place in the background.  To see whether this is the cause, go to Edit>Preferences>Media Analysis and uncheck all the boxes.

If you can't get into the Preferences dialog, relaunch the Organizer while pressing the Shift key.  This should open the catalog manager.  Create and open a new catalog.  You should now be able to get into the Preferences dialog.   Once you have unchecked all the Media Analysis boxes, you can go back to File>Manage Catalogs and open your original catalog.

[kathys7572]

Thank you. I ended up on chat with Adobe and they said to do that as well. I have and Organizer is working well, however, now Photsho Elements Live is running all the time, even when the program is closed. Another thread says to do this same thing, uncheck media analysis, but I just did this. The program didn't seem to be doing this before that change but is now. I can't even find any explanation of what this piece of software is supposed to be doing. I'm bamboozled.

[kathys7572]

Found I had left one box checked. I unchecked it and all media analysis off, the Live portion of Photoshop stopped running all the time. Sorry. 

[Amber B1982]

This is really frustrating. The program was running fine prior to the last update. It then stopped loading completely and I had to uninstall it and reinstall a previous update and turn the automatic updates off. Now it keeps freezing up when I'm working. Sometimes it seems to get itself together and other times I have to task manager end session. I lost something I was really struggling to get right today because it froze again and just wouldn't come back. Does anyone know if Adobe is even addressing these issues? I have serious buyers remorse. 🤦🏻‍:female_sign:

[Greg_S.]

@Amber B1982 Adobe is definitely working on a fix for the last update, but you have not given us enough information to see whether you are having the same problems experienced by others.

First, have you unchecked all media analysis?

What are the specs of your computer?

Are you using the Organizer and, if so, how many media files do you have in your catalog?

Can you be more specific about what tasks you are performing when the program freezes.  Are you talking about the Editor or the Organizer?  What kind of files are you working with in the Editor?  How large are the files?  How many layers?  How many pixels?

[Amber B1982]

I'm brand new to the newer versions of photoshop so please forgive me. I am not tech savvy.  I used the old CS2 for years lol

I did go into the organizer and unchecked all the media analysis. This helps tremendously but for some reason, during the same session (I haven't relaunched either editor or organizer) the boxes become checked again like it is automatically resetting my preferences. When editor starts to lag I jump back over to Organizer and sure enough, those boxes are rechecked. Sometimes editor will just freeze without warning though and I have to use task manager to end it. Then I lose everything and have to start all over. Is there a way to completely disable the organizer? It has 420 items in it but I don't actually use it, most of those I uploaded when I first purchased the program.

I chatted with support and they remotely took over my computer. He updated my C+++ files and said my problem would be fixed but it isn't. 

I am not very techy so I hope these are the specs you were asking for. If not just let me know what you need (and where to find them please)

I'm running windows 11 home

Version 10.0.22631 Build 22631

Processor Intel(R) Celeron(R) N4100 CPU @ 1.10GHz, 1101 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date LENOVO 7XCN41WW, 6/17/2021

Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 8.00 GB
Total Physical Memory 7.83 GB
Available Physical Memory 3.24 GB
Total Virtual Memory 11.8 GB
Available Virtual Memory 7.34 GB
Page File Space 4.00 GB

It ran without issue until the most recent update. It didn't freeze up on me or anything. After the update I got an ipp error and followed someone's suggestion in the community to uninstall it and reinstall a previous version they provided the link for. I turned off the automatic updates so it doesn't reinstall the new update.

Since then, the program freezes or crashes. Sometimes it runs fine for a couple of hours and sometimes it freezes every 10--15 minutes. Every time it starts to lag, those boxes are rechecked in the organizer! I have now been leaving the organizer open and every so often popping back over there to uncheck the boxes again (they are always rechecked when the editor begins to lag) I edit the preferences and I choose ok. Is there a step I am missing to make those changes permanent? They remain unchecked for a bit but they sure do reselect on their own. 

Thank you very much for your help. I have received more help in the community forum then I have received from support. You guys are terrific!!

[Amber B1982]

I forgot to add, this is my graphics card

intel uhd graphics 600

[Amber B1982]

I know my laptop is old and I have been considering an upgrade but I just don't understand them well eough to know what I am looking for in a new one. I don't have the funds for anything really expensive but I am open to upgrading to something better than what I have. I don't fully understand the listed system requirements for photoshop elements 2024

I have this laptop saved as a possible replacement but I don't want to spend the money if PSE isn't going to run any better on it than it does on my current. Right now I use an external harddrive to save my projects.

Do you think it would run better on this? It's also a Lenovo

15.59

‎1920 x 1080 pixels

‎1920 x 1080 Pixels

‎1.08 celeron

‎16 GB DDR4

‎1 TB SSD

‎Intel UHD Graphics

‎Intel

‎Integrated

‎Bluetooth

[Greg_S.]

@Amber B1982, I don't think you will see much improvement between your current computer and the proposed new one.  Both have Celeron processors which are really the low end of computer processing.  They have slower speeds and less cores to perform the computing that photo editing sometimes requires.  The only advantage in the new computer is that it has 16 GB of RAM instead of your current 8GB.  I don't know if you currently have an SSD drive.  The new one does.  So, you will see a general pickup in performance from that.

I would think that any new computer will meet the minimum requirements for Elements.  If you give us some idea of your budget, we can make some suggestions.

Added:  And perhaps more importantly, tell us what kind of things you do with Elements.

[Amber B1982]

I don't do anything very advanced, mainly resizing and simple graphic edits like changing color, adding style layers or building compositions. I occasionally do some photo touch ups to clean up old photographs. I could have probably used a free editing app but I would like to expand my knowledge and capabilities. Since I had used CS2 for years, the basic PSE seemed like a good choice. I did the free trial prior to purchase just to make sure it would run on my system. It did fine until the latest update but now it's nearly unusable some days. My current laptop has a SSD but lacks hard drive space capacity so I use an external hard drive. I have been planning to update to something newer but I just feel lost when it comes to choosing a "good" one. 

I appreciate your help very much!

Preferably I would like to remain in the $500-$700 USD range. I'm just not knowledgeable and have no idea what a good processor is. I am somewhat familiar with RAM and know that I would like to have at least 16GB in a new one and I would have to get something with Windows OS. Embarrassingly, that's about all I know. 

[Amber B1982]

So I don't want a celeron. Got it. What about the intel core ones? I see there are a bunch of them like Corei3, 4, etc... I just don't know what the difference is. I also see some called AMD but I'm not familiar with those either and I wouldn't have a clue about the SSE4.1 support requirement. I'm trying to do some google research but my lack of understanding the nomenclature of computer tech makes it difficult to sort out. I don't expect to get a decent laptop on the cheap but I can't invest over a grand right now to play with my pixels, as fun as it may be. 

[Greg_S.]

@Amber B1982 you should be able to get a better-performing computer within your budget.  If you are a member of Costco, I would recommend purchasing there because of the 90 day return policy (in the US).  You could then try out Elements on your new purchase to see whether it meets your expectations compared with your current machine.  I just did a brief comparision of some current laptops offered by Costco.  I don't know whether this link will work, but if it does, you will get an idea of what is available in your budget.  Any of these linked computers will meet the Elements required specifications.  Other major retailers such as BestBuy or Amazon should also have better computers within your budget.

AMD and Intel are the two main manufacturers of CPUs for computers.  Without getting into the fine points, either one is suitable for your needs.  The names of the different versions is confusing for anyone who does not keep up with the latest trends.  They confuse me, and I've been building my own computers for probably more than 20 years.

Intel names their CPUs with an i-3, i-5, i-7 etc. prefix.  Generally, an i-5 or above should be OK. 

AMD names their processors slightly differently.  You may see a Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 computer, each followed with a different 4 digit number such as Ryzen 5 7530.  The higher the number is generally the more powerful processor.

But, I believe more important is how many Cores or Threads the CPU has.  The more Cores or Threads the better.   The Clock speed is also somewhat important.  These are identified as a number of Ghz.  Again, without getting into too much detail, anything over 3.5 Ghz should serve your needs, but a higher number is better.

Hope this helps.

[Amber B1982]

Thank you! Unfortunately the closest Costco is over an hour away so I don't have a membership but I was able to view the links. 

I think I found a laptop that would work, would you mind taking a look at these specs and giving me your opinion?  It looks like it has a lot more RAM than my current laptop and it has 2 more cores than my current one as well. If my googling hasn't failed me this CPU also supports the SSE4.1 the system requirements list says I would need if I have something with an AMD. I found a second option that is also the Ryzen 5 with a higher number behind the 5 but it has less RAM and hard drive space and costs a bit more.

The one listed is about $600 after taxes so it's in line with my budget. In your opinion, is it worth the $600?

HP Essential 255 G8 Laptop

15.6" FHD Display,

AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor (6 Cores, 12 Threads, Base Frequency at 2.1GHz, Up to 4.0GHz at Max Turbo Frequency), with AMD Radeon Graphics

4 GHz ryzen_5
RAM ‎32 GB DDR4
Memory Speed ‎3200 MHz

Hard Drive ‎2 TB SSD
‎AMD
Number of Processors ‎6
Computer Memory Type ‎DDR4 SDRAM
Hard Drive Interface ‎PCIE x 4
Power Source ‎AC & Battery

I'm sorry to keep pestering you, I am truly lost in the woods here.

[tena37913204izbq]

Elements Organizer functioned flawlessly for me for around a week. On a brand-new PC, it is a fresh download. I didn't alter any default settings. When I launch Organizer this afternoon, it launches but does not provide me the ability to do anything. I have to utilize the task manager to even close it. I hear a bell tone each time I select one of the menu options. Task Manager reports that nothing is happening. The solution below advises restyloring faults, but since I didn't make any changes, I fail to understand the relevance.

[Greg_S.]

@tena37913204izbq, the symptom you are describing is generally associated with media analysis taking place in the background.  If you are using the Organizer and have imported a number of files into your catalog, the background media analysis can be a serious drag on performance for both the Organizer and the Editor.  To determine whether this is the case for you, go to Edit>Preferences>Media Analysis and uncheck all of the boxes.  If this solves the problem for you, then you should check the boxes again and leave your computer on overnight so that the analysis is completed while you are not using the computer.  Depending on the power of your computer, the size of your catalog and the resolution of your photos and videos, the analysis can take several days.

As for the advice to reset preferences, settings can sometimes change or get stuck without you intentionally doing anything.  So there is no harm in resetting them, other than having to change the items you want to change again.  All this does is put the program in its out-of-the-box condition.

If neither of these solutions works for you, please show us a screenshot of your Task Manager confirming that nothing is happening when the problem arises.

[Greg_S.]

Hi Amber.  I'm always willing to spend OPM (other people's money ) on computers.  😁

I think you have found a really good option for your budget.  With a 2TB SSD hard drive and 32GB of RAM, that is actually an amazing price.  More RAM is probably better than any differences in CPU speed.  The CPU is about 3 years old, so I'm guessing that is the reason for the price.  But it meets the requirements for Elements 2024 and should serve you well.  You may find that the fan speeds up with some heavy computing use, but that shouldn't be a problem.

[Amber B1982]

Thank you so much! I just went and ordered it! I really appreciate your input, I was too afraid to checkout without asking a computer guru if I was making a mistake 😂 You're the best!