Trouble opening PS Elements 8 after software update

[Stuckinthemud]

Hello Community,

I recently updated my iMac's software from Snow Leopard to Maverick.  The folks at Apple assured me the update would still be compatible with my existing versions of Photoshop and Dreamwaver.  (I have PS Elements 8.)

Post-update, Dreamweaver seems to be working fine, but I get this error message when I try to open Photoshop...

I've tried to restart my computer and nothing changes.  I also tried to insert my PS disc to reinstall the program, but the disc drive on my computer is no longer working.  (It just spits the disc back out - happens to any disc I try to insert.)

Please, does anyone know what I can do?  I am the rightful owner of the product and I have the serial number from my original purchase.  I would like for this version to work and not have to buy another one at this time.

I appreciate any insight you might have.  Thank you for your time!

Warmly,

Shari

[99jon]

See if any of these solutions work:

Error: "Licensing has stopped working" | Mac OS

[Stuckinthemud]

The fixes listed under that link are for Mac OSX 10.7 and below.  I am running Mac OSX 10.9.5.

Also, the troubleshooting is beyond my technical capability.  I downloaded the Adobe License Repair Tool, but there are approx. 6 or 7 things in there to click on and I have no idea what to do after that.  I don't feel comfortable going into hidden folders to start deleting things.

Isn't there a way for me to just re-enter my licensing serial number anywhere?

Thank you,

Shari

[99jon]

Try launching the Editor whilst simultaneously holding down the three keys (Cmd+Optn+Shift)

After two or three seconds release the keys and you should see a pop-up dialog to delete the prefs. Click “Yes” to delete the settings.

Trashing the pref settings often fixes things but not necessarily licensing but there is nothing to be lost in trying. Let us know if it makes a difference.

[Stuckinthemud]

Okay... I'm willing to give that a try.  When you say launch "the Editor", do you mean open Photoshop?

Thanks,

Shari

[99jon]

Yes double-click on the Editor app or control-click and choose open while pressing the three keys.

The app is usually found inside Support Files folder:

Applications\Adobe Photoshop Elements 8\Support Files

[Stuckinthemud]

Here's what's in the support files.  Which thing would you like me to click on while I press the 3 keys?

Thank you for your patience with me.

[99jon]

The installation may be incomplete. Try deleting the following files & folders if available.

Launch Finder and go to your Username >>Library >> Preferences

Send the following files/folders to the trash:

com.adobe.PhotoshopElements.plist

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 Paths

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 Settings.

The library is hidden in recent versions of OSX. To get to your user library quickly, from the top menu in Finder, click “Go” whilst holding down the Option (Alt) key and your user Library will appear for you to choose.

[Stuckinthemud]

Okay, but if I delete those things, I have no way to reinstall them because my computer won't read the disc.  Will Photoshop still with those things deleted?

[Stuckinthemud]

I meant to type:  Will Photoshop still work with those things deleted?

[99jon]

Yes, trashing the prefs won't stop PSE8 from working.

[Stuckinthemud]

Okay, I deleted those things and tried to open Photoshop.  I'm still getting the same error message:  "Licensing has stopped working".

[99jon]

Sorry that made no change. You probably need to re-install from the original media. Using Migration Assistant can cause problems for third party apps like Adobe. Do you have a CD-ROM or copy of original download?

[Stuckinthemud]

I have the original disc but my computer will not play it.  It just spits it back out.

[Stuckinthemud]

How do I get back these files you had me delete?

[99jon]

You can restore from the trash can but PSE will automatically re-create them anyway.