phil, 

this problem stems for the pissing match between adobe and microsoft that has been going on for a couple of years. in previous versions when you viewed your files in windows explorer (in "by thumbnail" view), the OS would some times not release the control of the file, even after it was opened in PS. (if you ever had an error that stated "Unable to save file, file is open or in use..."  you'll know what i mean)

because microsoft said it wasn't "their" problem and adobe should fix it (and adobe said it was an OS issue), adobe decided NOT to include the .dll 

their take is *"if you want to add the .DLL on your own, feel free, but don't complain if you get that error!"
*so if you do install the DLL and the error crops up you'll know why.

it comes down to a trade off of sorts.

Have you guys noticed this flavour of CS now has an "photoshop extended" version??

they're starting to do what they did with Acrobat - making a "acrobat standard" and a "acrobat professional" versions

oh well, bigger price for the upgrade!!

Hey Jack, 
that happens to me in bridge alot too. haven't figured what keystroke triggers the layout change, but i always reset to default  (which pretty much does the same as your method) ... just one of those things!

:)
scott

PS elements was developed mainly to address the average "photo" crowd, you know, red-eye removal, adjust contrast, get rid of colour cast...

it might possibly do what you want, i've seen some pretty cool stuff done with it.
you can download a trail version from Adobe and give it a test-drive before plucking down any hard-earned cash.

be careful if you do find an eariler version of PS (ver6-7) off the net (ebay and such...), make sure the seller is willing to TRANSFER the license or you'll be screwed. you'll need the license ALONG WITH the serial number! 

The serial number without the license equates to warez (even if you have the physical CD)! 
i know some low-lifes try to sell off older versions of apps after they  upgrade to make a quick buck but there is only one LICENSE regardless of the number of upgrades. if they hold on to it, you've wasted your money.

:)
retrocity

you really see the power of it when using a draw tablet like WACOM over using a mouse...

:)
retrocity

1. put all your "files" in a directory/folder and 
2. launch a "DOS prompt" (RUN-->CMD) 
3. change directories (CD) to the folder containing the files
4. type the command *rename .     .psd (this will add Photoshops native file extension to the existing file name)
5. you should see the extension displayed in the DOS prompt
6. you should now be able to launch Photoshop by double-clicking on the files. 

hope this helps!
:)
retrocity

and remember "Friends Don't Let Friends Do DOS!! "

sure is. it requires you to make an "action" (record the steps resizing one of the images) and then use the "batch" function to run the action on a folder worth of images.  a more detail explanation can be provided. (part of it depends on if the group of photos are all the same size or same ratio. if not, you need it to make sure you constrain the resize to height OR width. otherwise you may have some photos distorted)

true. based on how intricate the object is (just try getting all the stray hairs knocked-out and you'll know what i mean!!) there are a number of different methods. the most common one is to make sure the object is on it's own layer (not the background or all you'll do is make the background white) and use the  polygon lasso tool to click around the shape and delete the background. (if you completely click around from beginning point to end point closing in the object you'll need to invert your selection or you'll be cutting the actual object and not the background).

another method is to use the "extract" tool drawing around the outer edge of the object, filling the outlines shape and hitting the extract button. i don't often use it myself but it's a quick trick.

if you can do as shane suggests, and post the pic i'm sure everybody will give some good suggestions.

no prob,  

sometime a screen cap with a "what the heck is this!" is easier than trying to discribe the trouble.  

retrocity

can you post a screen capture?? not sure i've seen this before...

no prob,   

that's why we're here :)

yeah, thanks bobby!!

i use ver 1 on my sys. 

i'm as much a brush-a-holic as i am with fonts.

here's to hoping Adobe adds a feature like this to the LOAD BRUSH dialog ...

*i was happy they finally added the FONT display!!

*:)
retrocity

no, it's the "windows" explorer. 

if you open any folder or directory on your computer you should see the Folder Option in the Tools menu, then just follow what Victoria said

yeah,  a lot of times by default the OS is set to hide "known" extensions.  

un-check the box like Victora says and you'll be all set.