tool not working

[thisisirrational]

using Photoshop Elements 2024 on Windows 10.  Clone tool is not working, started yesterday. I get a message that says the opperation could not be compleated because no pixels were selected. tells me to alt click on source. I HAVE been doing that! repeatly. also, in addition to the message box coming up, I get my computers , I don't know what it's called - the area that tells a person what is on thier computer so something could be selected.  It comes up too at the same time. I am wondering if Adobe is doing this delibertly to get me to purchase the 2025 version of Elements?  ( I have gone to Preferences and clicked on reset at next launch. ) problem continues. 

[Glenn 8675309]

What tools?  Are you talking about wrenchs and hammers,  or are you talking about dodge and burn tools found in Photoshop Elements?

[AWAIS288663960ehc]

Ah, the clone tool’s gone rogue, maybe it’s protesting for better working conditions? Jokes aside, this sounds like a glitch, not an Adobe conspiracy (though their timing is suspicious). Try resetting preferences and checking for Windows updates; sometimes they bicker like siblings. If that doesn’t work, a reinstall might be the pixel-perfect fix.

And hey, if troubleshooting software were a college course, you’d need a CGPA calculator to salvage your sanity. Hang in there!

[AWAIS288663960ehc]

It sounds like a frustrating issue, especially since you’ve already tried resetting preferences and using the clone tool correctly. This likely isn’t a forced upgrade tactic (Adobe has subtler ways to nudge us). A few steps to try:
Check for Updates – Ensure both Photoshop Elements and Windows 10 are fully updated.
Repair Installation – Use Adobe’s Creative Cloud app to repair the installation.
Disable Conflicting Processes – Temporarily close background apps that might interfere.

If all else fails, a clean reinstall often works wonders. And remember, if troubleshooting software were a class, a CGPA calculator would be essential for grading your patience! Let us know how it goes.

[billmccauley]

I have used PS Elements for more than ten years and always found it stable. Until I installed 2024. So far, this is the only intractable problem I've had with it. But it isn't a minor bug than one can just work around. The clone tool is at the center of photo editing. I stumbled across a solution that worked until I closed the ap and opened it again. I downloaded GIMP and used it to make the clone fixes. However, working back and forth in two aps while photo editing is a pain in the neck. If I can't make PS Elements behave I'll probably spend more time using GIMP. Might be worth making a permanent workflow change.