- Check that your machine meets the minimum system requirements for Photoshop 7 if you've only just installed it. You'll need to be running Windows 2000 or later with a minimum 192MB of RAM. Unless you're using a very old machine, there's unlikely to be a problem here, but it's wise to cover all bases.
- Restart your computer and disable any anti-virus software and firewalls. These can sometimes be set to block Photoshop from opening. If Photoshop opens after you've done so, consult your anti-virus and firewall help sections for advice on how to add Photoshop 7 to safe lists. If Photoshop still won't open, run a full anti-virus scan to check for malware that might be causing a problem. Re-enable all security software before connecting to the Internet.
- Check that your operating system and all drivers are up-to-date. Visit Windows Update (see Resources), scan your system and download any recommended updates. Also visit Adobe's Photoshop update page and download any update's to Photoshop 7.
- If the problem has occurred recently and your copy of Photoshop 7 had been working correctly, type "system restore" in the search box on the Windows "Start" menu. Click on "Next" and select a restore point to return your computer's operating system to a time when Photoshop was working. Once you've chosen a restore point, click on "Next" and follow the instructions. Any programs that you've installed after your chosen restore point will be removed, but all personal data and files will remain intact.
- If Photoshop still won't open, go to "Control panel" from the "Start" menu and click on "Unistall a program." Select Photoshop 7 from the list of programs installed on your machine and click on "Uninstall." Insert the original Photoshop 7 disc and follow the instructions to reinstall the software. Once the installation has completed, visit Adobe's update page again to install any updates released after you bought your version of the software.
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