Hi
I have got PI XL.
It's a great product but crashes far too often. It seems to go through phases. Sometimes, such as now, it will crash repeatedly for several weeks. Then runs fine for 6 months before another bout of crashing.
The problem is, it isn't just a matter of re-starting. The only way to rectify it when in a crashing 'mood' is to uninstall and start again. Which is fine until you have to do this 3 or 4 times a week! During its' crashing cycle, simply opening a jpg will do the job. Absolutely nothing can be done until reinstallation.
What's going on? Is there a patch to prevent this because it is highly frustrating!!!
Crashing too often
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heinz-oz
Only you can tell. Is there anything that happens before any "bout" of crashing? Do you install/remove something?
I know, questions like these are the last thing you want to hear right now, but believe me, your experiences are not "normal" even though others do have 'em too. I have used PI XL and PI 10 without a hitch for quite a while now.
I also know that there are a lot of people on this board who recommend, at the slightest hint of a problem, to reinstall your software. Whilst that does help at times, unless you know what you are doing and actually succeed in removing any trace of the software prior to a reinstall, I don't agree whith that approach. There s usually a simple enough reason for such behaviour. Anything you may remember about what you did prior to the software playing up may help to shed some light on this.
BTW, a bit more detail about you system spec's and software installed would greatly enhance any attempt of assistance.
I know, questions like these are the last thing you want to hear right now, but believe me, your experiences are not "normal" even though others do have 'em too. I have used PI XL and PI 10 without a hitch for quite a while now.
I also know that there are a lot of people on this board who recommend, at the slightest hint of a problem, to reinstall your software. Whilst that does help at times, unless you know what you are doing and actually succeed in removing any trace of the software prior to a reinstall, I don't agree whith that approach. There s usually a simple enough reason for such behaviour. Anything you may remember about what you did prior to the software playing up may help to shed some light on this.
BTW, a bit more detail about you system spec's and software installed would greatly enhance any attempt of assistance.
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domallele
Thanks for your reply heinz.
I have done a cull of unused programs recently but the latest crashing fit preceded this. My system (details below) has been set up for a while now and I very rarely install/uninstall - simply because I have everything I need.
During a crashing phase, the program is almost unusable without reinstalling. In the past, I've had to reinstall twice in a day and then it's fine for months. Or it could go again a few days later. As far as I can tell, crashes are completely random events. Bizarre. I do PI XL for several hours a day, most days, so maybe it just gets tired occasionally!!!
System is as follows;
Dell Inspiron 5100 2.4 GHz P4, 512 DDR, Windows XP home. Only programs are PI XL, Dreamweaver MX, MS Office, Sygate firewall, McAfee Anti-virus, Acrobat reader, Ad-aware, IE6, Firefox & Netscape. 90% of files are kept on a separate PC, so plenty of space (20G +) on hard drive.
Thanks for your advice.
I have done a cull of unused programs recently but the latest crashing fit preceded this. My system (details below) has been set up for a while now and I very rarely install/uninstall - simply because I have everything I need.
During a crashing phase, the program is almost unusable without reinstalling. In the past, I've had to reinstall twice in a day and then it's fine for months. Or it could go again a few days later. As far as I can tell, crashes are completely random events. Bizarre. I do PI XL for several hours a day, most days, so maybe it just gets tired occasionally!!!
System is as follows;
Dell Inspiron 5100 2.4 GHz P4, 512 DDR, Windows XP home. Only programs are PI XL, Dreamweaver MX, MS Office, Sygate firewall, McAfee Anti-virus, Acrobat reader, Ad-aware, IE6, Firefox & Netscape. 90% of files are kept on a separate PC, so plenty of space (20G +) on hard drive.
Thanks for your advice.
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heinz-oz
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domallele
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2log
re: Crashing too often
When you reinstall a software, make sure you clean the Temp files folders first. Temp folders might have old installer files that are corrupted or are duplicates with the same filename but are used for a different software, it could cause a problem for your new installation of the software. Before you reinstall the software, make sure to clean the Temp folders.
C:\Windows\Temp
C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\Local Settings\Temp
The Local Settings folder is a hidden folder so you have to enable Windows Explorer to see hidden files and folders. Open Windows Explorer, go to Tools > Folder Options > View and check show hidden files and folders. You can now open the Temp folder from the Documents and Settings folder and delete the files there before you make a new install.
Also, if you have Windows XP and have "Automatic Updates" turned on, then this could also cause the problem. Microsoft usually releases security patches that mess up a lot of softwares, PhotoImpact being one of them.
Read more about this issue:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodte ... xpprg.mspx
C:\Windows\Temp
C:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\Local Settings\Temp
The Local Settings folder is a hidden folder so you have to enable Windows Explorer to see hidden files and folders. Open Windows Explorer, go to Tools > Folder Options > View and check show hidden files and folders. You can now open the Temp folder from the Documents and Settings folder and delete the files there before you make a new install.
Also, if you have Windows XP and have "Automatic Updates" turned on, then this could also cause the problem. Microsoft usually releases security patches that mess up a lot of softwares, PhotoImpact being one of them.
Read more about this issue:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodte ... xpprg.mspx
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MichaelT
My PhotoImpact XL has recently started crashing too
Hello,
I have been using various versions of PI for several years now without any problems at all.
PI XL has been stable ever since I installed it (2 years ago?) until very recently. About three weeks ago, I saved a file as a UFO, then later re-opened it. PI XL crashed and closed itself immediately after the UFO displayed on-screen.
I made two more attempts starting PI and opening the UFO but crashed each time. My conclusion was that the UFO file was corrupted, so I tried opening an older UFO. Same result - crashed on any attempt to open a UFO.
I still have PI 6 on this system. I started it and opened the "suspect" UFO and all was well! I opened a bunch more older UFO's - - they were fine and did NOT cause a crash.
My new conclusion was that somehow PI XL became corrupt. I then got the original installation CD, and performed a "Repair" install (that's one of the options on the CD).
Didn't work, so I tried installing the update from Ulead for PI XL - -didn't change anything.
So, I cleared all Temp files, removed PI XL via Add/Remove programs and did a completely fresh re-install. (I did NOT install the update this go 'round - besides, everything used to work fine before the update anyway).
Lo, that worked! Thought the problem was solved - -until today. Now, several days after working just fine, when I open any UFO the program crashes again. Also, now PI 6 crashes too when opening a UFO.
I rebooted my computer, then tried starting PI XL again. No dice - PI crashes when opening any UFO (PI 6 crashes too). I can open any other file-type no problem...it's only UFO files that cause the crash.
Tried turning off my ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall and McAfee anti-virus (thinking somehow they may be interfering since those are the only two programs I update frequently - by the way, I do NOT allow Windows updates and I am still on Win XP Pro Service Pack 1 OS).
I have been trying to contact Ulead Tech support, but they don't respond.
Here is the error message details I get after PI XL crashes..
>>This error report includes information regarding the condition of PhotoImpact when the problem occured...
Error signature
AppName: iedit.exe AppVer: 8.5.0.0
ModName: pidm_browse.dll
ModVer: 8.5.0.0
Offset: 00029f04
<<<
It is a mystery why all versions of PI have never given me a lick of trouble, and now is goofy as all get out. Can't determine a consistent pattern as to why the UFO's crash PI.
Prior to PI having the crashing problem, nothing changed on my system except for ZoneAlarm and McAfee updates that I perform regularly. (they aren't particulary suspect anyway, since shutting them down makes no difference as far as PI's behaviour is concerned).
My system info is:
Dell Dimension XPS
Pentium 4, 3 GHz
1 GB RAM
two 200 GB harddrives
Win XP Pro version 2002 SP 1
128 DDR ATI Radeon 9800
Any help/solution/ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
Michael T
I have been using various versions of PI for several years now without any problems at all.
PI XL has been stable ever since I installed it (2 years ago?) until very recently. About three weeks ago, I saved a file as a UFO, then later re-opened it. PI XL crashed and closed itself immediately after the UFO displayed on-screen.
I made two more attempts starting PI and opening the UFO but crashed each time. My conclusion was that the UFO file was corrupted, so I tried opening an older UFO. Same result - crashed on any attempt to open a UFO.
I still have PI 6 on this system. I started it and opened the "suspect" UFO and all was well! I opened a bunch more older UFO's - - they were fine and did NOT cause a crash.
My new conclusion was that somehow PI XL became corrupt. I then got the original installation CD, and performed a "Repair" install (that's one of the options on the CD).
Didn't work, so I tried installing the update from Ulead for PI XL - -didn't change anything.
So, I cleared all Temp files, removed PI XL via Add/Remove programs and did a completely fresh re-install. (I did NOT install the update this go 'round - besides, everything used to work fine before the update anyway).
Lo, that worked! Thought the problem was solved - -until today. Now, several days after working just fine, when I open any UFO the program crashes again. Also, now PI 6 crashes too when opening a UFO.
I rebooted my computer, then tried starting PI XL again. No dice - PI crashes when opening any UFO (PI 6 crashes too). I can open any other file-type no problem...it's only UFO files that cause the crash.
Tried turning off my ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall and McAfee anti-virus (thinking somehow they may be interfering since those are the only two programs I update frequently - by the way, I do NOT allow Windows updates and I am still on Win XP Pro Service Pack 1 OS).
I have been trying to contact Ulead Tech support, but they don't respond.
Here is the error message details I get after PI XL crashes..
>>This error report includes information regarding the condition of PhotoImpact when the problem occured...
Error signature
AppName: iedit.exe AppVer: 8.5.0.0
ModName: pidm_browse.dll
ModVer: 8.5.0.0
Offset: 00029f04
<<<
It is a mystery why all versions of PI have never given me a lick of trouble, and now is goofy as all get out. Can't determine a consistent pattern as to why the UFO's crash PI.
Prior to PI having the crashing problem, nothing changed on my system except for ZoneAlarm and McAfee updates that I perform regularly. (they aren't particulary suspect anyway, since shutting them down makes no difference as far as PI's behaviour is concerned).
My system info is:
Dell Dimension XPS
Pentium 4, 3 GHz
1 GB RAM
two 200 GB harddrives
Win XP Pro version 2002 SP 1
128 DDR ATI Radeon 9800
Any help/solution/ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
Michael T
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domallele
Hi Michael
Since my last post I decided to upgrade to PI 11. Have had no problems with crashing so far and it does have a few nifty little extras that I quite like. Must admit that I'm not all that keen on the icons/general layout etc. I preferred XL. Still worth £25 though.
Admittedly, upgrading shouldn't be the solution. Software should work fullstop. But it's worth it just for the hassle value.
Hope this helps!
Paul
Since my last post I decided to upgrade to PI 11. Have had no problems with crashing so far and it does have a few nifty little extras that I quite like. Must admit that I'm not all that keen on the icons/general layout etc. I preferred XL. Still worth £25 though.
Admittedly, upgrading shouldn't be the solution. Software should work fullstop. But it's worth it just for the hassle value.
Hope this helps!
Paul
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MichaelT
Afraid to Upgrade
Hello domallele,
Thanks for your comment and am happy to hear your upgrade to PI 11 is working alright for you.
Unfortunately, I am absolutely afraid to upgrade myself...too many comments on this forum from folks having a host of problems with that version...some even claiming certain letters won't type when using the Text Tool.
I am noticing a pattern of sorts regarding the crashing problem...not at my end, but I have noticed a number of postings regarding the crashing problem of PI XL posted on this forum at or around the same dates as I started experiencing the problem.
There must be some common denomintor between all of us that we are just not seeing yet. Perhaps we all use McAfee and updated it at around the same time and that's what is causing the "strange behaviour" of PI XL??
Crazy example, I know, but there must be something we all have in common for this to happen to many of us around the same time. Especially interesting are the folks (like me) who have used the program succesfully for months and even years without any problems until recently.
I hope someone can figure this out. Ulead seems to be asleep on this issue.
Sincerely,
MichaelT
Thanks for your comment and am happy to hear your upgrade to PI 11 is working alright for you.
Unfortunately, I am absolutely afraid to upgrade myself...too many comments on this forum from folks having a host of problems with that version...some even claiming certain letters won't type when using the Text Tool.
I am noticing a pattern of sorts regarding the crashing problem...not at my end, but I have noticed a number of postings regarding the crashing problem of PI XL posted on this forum at or around the same dates as I started experiencing the problem.
There must be some common denomintor between all of us that we are just not seeing yet. Perhaps we all use McAfee and updated it at around the same time and that's what is causing the "strange behaviour" of PI XL??
Crazy example, I know, but there must be something we all have in common for this to happen to many of us around the same time. Especially interesting are the folks (like me) who have used the program succesfully for months and even years without any problems until recently.
I hope someone can figure this out. Ulead seems to be asleep on this issue.
Sincerely,
MichaelT
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heinz-oz
Hi MichaelT,
don't be put off too much by reading about all the problems some users are having. Nobody bothers to writ a post about how good the program works for them. If all Ulead programs were as bad as one could assume from reading the posts here, they would be out of business for years already.
If people have problems, more often than not, it's due to something on their machine. If a newly downloaded program doesn't work, well, that could be a corrupted download also or just a buggy software.
Once a program has worked for a while and suddenly stops, something is wrong with your system. Maybe the processor is running hot after a while because the air intakes are clogged, maybe a memory module is on it's way out, maybe the harddisk is too fragmented, maybe there is not enough free space on the harddisk (even though it shows free space but that is too fragmented) maybe the program is limited, by it's preferences, n how much disk space can be allocated, etc. etc.
I know this doesn't help right now but it's no use to say "It must be something else!" without trying this first.
P11 could be working because it uses a different set of sectors on the HDD for its Temp files, who knows?
don't be put off too much by reading about all the problems some users are having. Nobody bothers to writ a post about how good the program works for them. If all Ulead programs were as bad as one could assume from reading the posts here, they would be out of business for years already.
If people have problems, more often than not, it's due to something on their machine. If a newly downloaded program doesn't work, well, that could be a corrupted download also or just a buggy software.
Once a program has worked for a while and suddenly stops, something is wrong with your system. Maybe the processor is running hot after a while because the air intakes are clogged, maybe a memory module is on it's way out, maybe the harddisk is too fragmented, maybe there is not enough free space on the harddisk (even though it shows free space but that is too fragmented) maybe the program is limited, by it's preferences, n how much disk space can be allocated, etc. etc.
I know this doesn't help right now but it's no use to say "It must be something else!" without trying this first.
P11 could be working because it uses a different set of sectors on the HDD for its Temp files, who knows?
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MichaelT
True, but...
>>Once a program has worked for a while and suddenly stops, something is wrong with your system. Maybe the processor is running hot after a while because the air intakes are clogged, maybe a memory module is on it's way out, maybe the harddisk is too fragmented, maybe there is not enough free space on the harddisk (even though it shows free space but that is too fragmented) maybe the program is limited, by it's preferences, n how much disk space can be allocated, etc. etc.
I know this doesn't help right now but it's no use to say "It must be something else!" without trying this first. <<
Hello,
I normally would agree with you. But having tried and considered everything you described thus far, and not having problems with any other programs except for Ulead PI 6 and Ulead PI XL, it's really tough for me to conclude "it's something wrong with my system" per se.
No doubt about one thing -something has definitely changed that has caused the Ulead PI's to suddenly not function normally. Just wish I could figure out what that change was! I still can't think of anything other than the McAfee and ZoneAlrm updates that could have caused any change in my system. (I'm not necessarily blaming them, it's just the only two programs I allowed to update just a day or two before the PI problems occurred.)
My personal experience has always been very, very positive with Ulead products. I love 'em, and they are a terrific value (as long as you can use them without a crash - which I have for many years without even a tiny hitch).
It suprises me that Ulead's Tech Support is virtually non-existent for such popular products. Sure would be nice to have a prompt answer (within 48 hrs at most) to my emails and/or be able to get a Tech on the phone. That's why a forum like this is so invaluable. Eventually someone will likely come up with a solution and post it for the benefit of all - including Ulead themselves.
I appreciate the work you do here. Please let me know if you have any other ideas of what can be done at my end to get my precious PI's working again.
Sincerely,
MichaelT
I know this doesn't help right now but it's no use to say "It must be something else!" without trying this first. <<
Hello,
I normally would agree with you. But having tried and considered everything you described thus far, and not having problems with any other programs except for Ulead PI 6 and Ulead PI XL, it's really tough for me to conclude "it's something wrong with my system" per se.
No doubt about one thing -something has definitely changed that has caused the Ulead PI's to suddenly not function normally. Just wish I could figure out what that change was! I still can't think of anything other than the McAfee and ZoneAlrm updates that could have caused any change in my system. (I'm not necessarily blaming them, it's just the only two programs I allowed to update just a day or two before the PI problems occurred.)
My personal experience has always been very, very positive with Ulead products. I love 'em, and they are a terrific value (as long as you can use them without a crash - which I have for many years without even a tiny hitch).
It suprises me that Ulead's Tech Support is virtually non-existent for such popular products. Sure would be nice to have a prompt answer (within 48 hrs at most) to my emails and/or be able to get a Tech on the phone. That's why a forum like this is so invaluable. Eventually someone will likely come up with a solution and post it for the benefit of all - including Ulead themselves.
I appreciate the work you do here. Please let me know if you have any other ideas of what can be done at my end to get my precious PI's working again.
Sincerely,
MichaelT
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heinz-oz
PI, especially the older versions (not so sure about the newer ones) are very memory hungry and gradually use up all they can get.
Could you possibly, through a friend or so, swap your memory modules for a different set? That would either point to the culprit or clear the memory of all blame. Other programs may never get to the memory locations that may cause this.
Other than that, I'm as clueless as you are.
Could you possibly, through a friend or so, swap your memory modules for a different set? That would either point to the culprit or clear the memory of all blame. Other programs may never get to the memory locations that may cause this.
Other than that, I'm as clueless as you are.
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Ast2001
Ok. It seems that you have some clues.heinz-oz wrote:Hi MichaelT,
don't be put off too much by reading about all the problems some users are having. Nobody bothers to writ a post about how good the program works for them. If all Ulead programs were as bad as one could assume from reading the posts here, they would be out of business for years already.
If people have problems, more often than not, it's due to something on their machine. If a newly downloaded program doesn't work, well, that could be a corrupted download also or just a buggy software.
Please, can you explain why after installing PI11:
. I can't type some letters with the text tool ('e' in my case) - pressing the 'e' key exit from the edit mode
. I can't access to the screenshot capture feature (very important feature for my business - I write software documentations)
. The launch process seems very erratic (sometimes crashing, sometimes freezing and even sometimes working
). I get numerous GPF
For your information, PI XL and 10 were working perfectly on the same hardware. If you want, i can post some screenshots (made with PI 10
)Have you tried the features like text tool or the screen capture tool with PI 11 ?
And if they are working for you, can you tell me what can I do ? Or where am I Wrong ?
Regards
---
Michel Pinquier
Paris, France
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Ast2001
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heinz-oz
Sorry Ast2001,Ast2001 wrote:Ok. It seems that you have some clues.heinz-oz wrote:Hi MichaelT,
don't be put off too much by reading about all the problems some users are having. Nobody bothers to writ a post about how good the program works for them. If all Ulead programs were as bad as one could assume from reading the posts here, they would be out of business for years already.
If people have problems, more often than not, it's due to something on their machine. If a newly downloaded program doesn't work, well, that could be a corrupted download also or just a buggy software.
Please, can you explain why after installing PI11:
. I can't type some letters with the text tool ('e' in my case) - pressing the 'e' key exit from the edit mode
. I can't access to the screenshot capture feature (very important feature for my business - I write software documentations)
. The launch process seems very erratic (sometimes crashing, sometimes freezing and even sometimes working
. I get numerous GPF
For your information, PI XL and 10 were working perfectly on the same hardware. If you want, i can post some screenshots (made with PI 10
Have you tried the features like text tool or the screen capture tool with PI 11 ?
And if they are working for you, can you tell me what can I do ? Or where am I Wrong ?
Regards
---
Michel Pinquier
Paris, France
you got me wrong. I didn't say that PI 11 works for me, I did not yet upgrade. Neither did I recommend to do the upgrade because I do not feel that it would help MichaelT to fix the problem. But I do know that there are people out there who don't have the problems you mention.
On the other hand, in PI10, with some fonts, I have the problem that I type a letter and it doesn't show on the screen, however, it is there and can be seen when viewed at 100% zoom. Funny but true.
I understand that you have aparent problems with PI 11 and your frustration. Because PI 11 is very new, it could be a bug. Would not be the first one with Ulead programs. That's one reason why I usually wait until the first dust settles before I take the plunge to upgrade.