Help wanted with using Elements 9

nutmeg · #1 (**permalink**) 21-05-2011, 08:32 PM

I recently had my old laptop fail on me and had to get a new one. I installed Elements 9 and am having problems configuring it how I want.

Previously I've used Elements 6. When using that, I had the options in the photo downloader set so that when I transferred photos from my camera I could see thumbnails of all of them and could selectively upload. I could also add my name to the metadata prior to uploading.

Unfortunately, despite much wasted time, I can't get Elements 9 to allow me to do that - even though the help pages seem to suggest it should.

To quote from the help page:

"The Advanced dialog box of the Adobe Photo Downloader offers all the options in the Standard dialog box plus several additional options. For example, you can view all of the media files stored on a device or preview videos before importing them. You can also add copyright metadata, specify an album for the imported photos, and automatically fix red eye as the images are imported. The settings you specify in this dialog box retain their values until you reset them.

In the Standard Photo Downloader dialog box, click Advanced Dialog.

Thumbnail images of every file on your device appear."

Try as I might, I simply can't find the Advanced Dialog box!

Here's a screen shot of what I have - I'm assuming it's the Standard Dialog box... but where is the advanced option box?

If any one can help I'd be extremely grateful!

Stinky Bob · #2 (**permalink**) 21-05-2011, 10:18 PM

It's still there under preferences>card reader>download options.

Under the Download options, hightlight the device and choose edit and then

in the dialog that appears choose Advanced.

PS From what I have read you may have your screen resolution set to low, what happens if you increase it does the Advanced button appear on the photo downloader form/dialog

nutmeg · #3 (**permalink**) 21-05-2011, 10:30 PM

Thanks Bob.

Screen resolution is at highest resolution.

When I follow what you say and click edit, I get just two options: 'Automatic download' and 'show apd download (standard)'. I've tried selecting automatic download, but still don't get advanced options. The profile name just says 'generic device' - would that make a difference? I use a card reader.

I'm wasting far too much time failing to get anywhere with what should be very straightforward procedure

Lancashire Lad · #4 (**permalink**) 21-05-2011, 11:28 PM

You may get some relevant help by using the elementsvillage.com user forum.

Apparently, there are some known bugs relating to this issue with Elements 9.
From what I understand, problems in viewing the advanced photo download dialogue relate to having a minimum screen resolution of 800pixels, but with a maximum of 96dpi.

Might be worthwhile posting a question on there, but you will need to properly specify your exact screen resolution etc. etc.

The minimum system requirements for Elements 9 are: -
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9: System requirements

So if you are happy that your computer meets these, the elementsvillage.com forum would be your likely best bet for some definitive advice.

Regards,
Mike.

nutmeg · #5 (**permalink**) 21-05-2011, 11:32 PM

Bob, it appears that screen resolution has to be greater than height 768. Unfortunately that's the maximum height of mine... so it appears that advanced won't work for me.

I have to say, I'm not at all happy that this is the case. It means manually adding metadata to uploaded files and also being unable to easily upload only selected images from a card - and having to go into Windows Explorer to do that.

Why on earth has Adobe put such a ridiculous barrier to functionality in?

Edit: Was writing this as you posted Mike. Thanks for your input too. I'm afraid all this just confuses me. I hadn't expected such a problem to crop up on a new pretty high spec laptop!

Geoff F · #6 (**permalink**) 22-05-2011, 10:11 PM

Just an alternative work around suggestion.

Do you have a basic camera download option which came with your camera?

For instance, although I have Adobe CS5 I still prefer to download my photos with the Canon EOS Utility software.

However, recently on a photo forum, somebody was complaining about similar problems as you and I suggested downloading through Bridge, which worked perfectly when they tried that option.

Lancashire Lad · #7 (**permalink**) 22-05-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutmeg

....it appears that screen resolution has to be greater than height 768. Unfortunately that's the maximum height of mine... so it appears that advanced won't work for me.....I hadn't expected such a problem to crop up on a new pretty high spec laptop!

Are you sure that you are reading the specification of your laptop correctly?

I would be very surprised indeed if the screen of a modern laptop was limited by a screen pixel resolution of just 768 - That is an incredibly low resolution for even the most basic of machines.

How are you changing the resolution? - I would have thought that you should easily be able to change the resolution to something like 1400 x 1050 on a standard screen laptop, or 1280 x 800 if it is a widescreen laptop.

What operating system is it? - If it is a windows machine, you will be able to find the microsoft tutorial on adjusting screen resolution by typing in the search phrase "change screen resolution windows vista" or "change screen resolution windows 7" etc. etc.

Regards,
Mike.

nutmeg · #8 (**permalink**) 22-05-2011, 10:31 PM

Thanks Geoff - I haven't installed the Canon software but think I will because your suggestion makes sense.

Lancashire Lad · #9 (**permalink**) 22-05-2011, 11:20 PM

From what you have said, I'm thinking that your laptop probably has a "native resolution" of 1280 (or something near to that) x 768 pixels?

If that is the case, there is nothing to prevent you from changing the resolution to something higher - the limiting factor will be what your graphics card will actually support.

You can try out various higher resolutions by using the slider in the "Change Screen Resolution" part of the Windows Control Panel - If what you set goes beyond what your graphics card will support, the screen will automatically revert back to the original resolution.

Whilst it is usually considered best to leave a computer screen set at its native pixel resolution, (generally for sharpness of image), it certainly doesn't have to be. - You may find that it works perfectly well at a higher resolution, and, you will get the added benefit of seeing more on the screen at any one time. (The lower the resolution, the larger things look on the screen).

Certainly worth a try I would think.

Regards,
Mike.

nutmeg · #10 (**permalink**) 23-05-2011, 03:05 PM

Mike, thanks for your suggestions.

The laptop I have is a Dell running Windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit, with 6GB RAM and a ATI mobility radeon hd 5650 graphics card.

Max screen resolution is 1366 x 768 - and when I go to change screen resolution that is the highest resolution on the slider.

To be honest, I didn't even think of screen resolution when I needed a replacement laptop quickly. I told the people in the shop what I needed it for and was assured this was the best they had in my price range. So I bought it.

I've had a look at loads of help places online as you suggested, but don't seem to find solutions - because all suggest increasing resolution using the slider... and I can't do that if it is already at maximum