PSE 7 Frames--error message

[RobynR]

In PSE 7 some of the first frames to choose from are all black squares. I have the feeling they are templates with multiple frames but when I try to apply it gives me an error stating "Could not complete your request because the file was not a valid frame file." I have not added any frames, these are part of PSE 7. Does anyone know what these are?
I am actually looking for the templates that have multiple frames (quick pages do not seem to have enough frames for a scrapbook about a toddler!). Does anyone know if PSE 7 has these templates?
Thanks,
Robyn

[mcmama]

I'm fairly new at this but I went into PSE and don't see the black square frames. It sounds like you are looking at a frame template though. It is likely not a true frame file. With the template, you would put your photo on the layer above the black square and then group those two layers together so that your picture is now the same size as the square. To group you can use control G on the keyboard or alt click on the line in between the two layers on the layers palette. Once your picture is grouped you can move it around so that it is centred the way you like.

[troush]

Robyn,

Have you gone to the "Create" tab, and chosen "Photo Collage" There are several options to choose from. Pick one that has the number of pictures you want.

Then, you can rearrange the frames by choosing the move tool, and selecting near the edge of the frame, and move it where you want. You can also resize the frames by grabbing a corner.

However, Frames take up LOTS of memory. You can just drag your pictures to the same background and put shadows on them and strokes and such to get similar effects.

By the way, the first frame showing in my list is a "filmstrip"-look frame. All of the frames are individual.

If you did not disable your anti-virus software during installing of PSE, you can get weird problems like the one you are describing.

-Trish

[RobynR]

Thank you again Trish!!!
I found the collage project! That is really what I was looking for. Do these take up a lot of memory?
I have at least 5 rows of frames that are blank. Big bummer...I did not disable my antivirus software when I installed PSE 7. It did not tell me to do that. Would I then need to reinstall? If so, what would happen to the info I have saved in there now? How would I save it?
I usually don't use the frames. I usually apply a stroke outline instead. That seems to work fine. It is probably not as fancy as frames but I have so many pictures of this little guy that I try to take 1 or 2 of the best of them at the activity (zoo, park, etc) an apply those!
Thanks again!
Robyn

[troush]

Robyn,

You won't loose your catalog or pictures when you uninstall and reinstall.

You will need to be logged in as an administrator:

1. Disable your anti-virus software.
2. Uninstall PSE 7 from the control panel.
3. Reboot your computer.
4. Disable your anti-virus software.
5. Install PSE 7.

-Trish