Desperate Question - .PNG files corrupted? - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

That70sHeidi · #1 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005

I'm bummed my first post here is a HELP topic, but what can ya do? I asked in another community (non scrapping) and they were no help, so....

I've got PSP6, which I know is so very very old, but it was a gift and the upgrade crashed constantly and was a RAM hog and too hard to manage, so I ditched it. I'm also running Windows XP with about 50GB out of 80GB free, not sure on RAM (haven't figure out how to check in in XP vs. 2000), and WinZip.

Anyway. My problem is this. Lately I've been downloading some free scrap things here and there to get started with before I begin over-buying. Most of the problems come from zip files full of big .png files. I download fine, unzip fine, but when I do a Windows Preview view the images are distorted and when I open them in PSP the images are completely useless.

Here's an example:

The preview in thumbnail view looks fine. Gorgeous even.

But when I double click to really see if I want to open the file, I get:

Yuck, right?

So then I open the file, and I've opened the files MANY ways - drag from folder into PSP desktop, drag from PSP Open File list to desktop, PSP Open file listing, folder "Open With" option via right click.

Here's a close up of what happens. The more complicated the .png file, the worse it is. I was able to salvage a "shoelace" file by erasing the black/brown parts that showed up instead of white, but things like this are useless:

Now, this has happened with a film strip brush by Hardie, so I sent it to a friend of mine to open and see what happens. She said her thumbnail was fine and her preview was fine looking, but opening it got her the same result as me - brown blobs.

Unfortunately, I had sent her my copy of PSP to install, since she had kindly paid for something for me. So it COULD be a PSP error. I had the same file downloadable for someone else and they said they opened it fine in things like PSP7, PS7, Irfanview (which by the way, I tried to rename the .png files to be .jpg files with no luck, using many methods), ImageViewer, and several other programs and it worked fine for her.

I'm at the end of my rope. I don't want to start buying things that I can't bloody well use. We've established that it's not in the unzipping process and it's not the artist's fault. It's got to be something HERE at my end, in software maybe? I thought it was RAM but I've done a complete reboot in safe mode and still get the problem. I've moved countless items off my computer to free up room, I've reduced the programs that load on boot, etc.

ANYONE have ANY advice and I will love you forever. This is seriously holding me back. I have alphabets to buy, dammit!

danib · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005

I could be wrong but I think there was an update to psp6 that fixed this problem, will see if I can find article or link

franham · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

I downloaded the same overlays and they open great for me. I'm using PSCS1. I did some searching on the internet and apparently PSP6 has some problems supporting png files but couldn't find a lot of information on it. Sorry couldn't be more helpful

That70sHeidi · #4 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

Awww, responses! Thank you both so much!

I've never had a problem with .png before - I've started saving my large files, wallpapers and other projects in .png format and they open just fine.

and SMALL sized files in .png open fine too. Which was why I wasn't sure if the zipping was causing problems or not.

I think I'm going to reinstall PSP and a friend is sending on PSP Studio as a backup. Perhaps I can open the .png files in that, save them as .jpgs, and be saved!

I would love any info you can find on PSP6... I can't afford to upgrade at this point and I kinda love my lil old skool baby *pets software*

danib · #5 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

I would try re-installing then let us know!

ksbalint · #6 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

When I used PSP 7, I had to open the .png file then go to Masks>Load Mask from Alpha Channel. Go to Masks>Delete Mask. And click OK. Maybe that will work in PSP 6, as well. It doesn't hurt to try.

Kathryn

Tracey R (Haley64) · #7 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

Well I should know this one since I used PSP6 for years and years!! I don't remember however having a problem with transparents files, but I can't tell you if they were .png's or .psp files now!
I still have psp6 on my old computer but I have dumped all image files from that machine, I will check it out as soon as I have time and let you know what I find out with it!!
I just hate touching that computer after having my new one, the old one is so darn slow!!

Just remembered..I did open and use a word overlay that was summer time sweetness by anna aspnes (I believe) and it worked just fine as a .png file with the transparent background in PSP6.
It is odd my previews look like your opened image with the blocks on the page, but when I open them in PSP9 they are fine...odd

That70sHeidi · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

You guys are so friendly! I've been hanging out at the wrong places, I think.

OK, so far today I've downloaded the lastest WinZip, found a PSP6 patch through sheer will, moved all the files off my desktop folders and deeper in C:, and upgraded my video card driver to the latest version.

Nothing.

It may very well just be PSP6 has given up the ghost.

HOWEVER, I'm amazed to say that ksbalint's suggestion of the masks worked perfectly. I don't understand it. Frankly, I've only started using masking to blend images, I've never understood alpha layers! The only thing was instead of hitting delete, I need to hit OK. The extra jaggies, black blobs and brown bars are gone. I tested it on several items, from laces to transparencies to charms and it restores the transparentness (is that even a word?) every time.

I worship at your feet.

You wouldn't happen to be able to work any miracles with servers or Coppermine galleries, wouldja?

Thank you to EVERYONE for replying, and I'm so pleased to announce that while the issue isn't FIXED, it's definitely WORKABLE now! Let the scrapping begin!