An invisible virus

[mehndeke]

upon closing photoshop elements, elements pops up an error saying:
"Could not save preferences because the file is locked. Use the 'properties' command in the windows explorer to unlock the file."

[jholland1964]

upon closing photoshop elements, elements pops up an error saying:
"Could not save preferences because the file is locked. Use the 'properties' command in the windows explorer to unlock the file."

And, did you try this?

[mehndeke]

If I could find the file anywhere in any of the folders, I would. But it definitely isn't named as preferences and I'm not finding it yet.
I have selected the photoshop folder and clicked off the read-only, setting it to apply the change to all sub-folders and documents, but that didn't do it either.

New update, found the file under documents and settings/Application data/adobe...etc. un-locked it and now it's fine.
Guess the question is now, what locked it in the first place, and are any other programs, other than vent and photoshop, affected in the same way?

[PhilliePhan]

Guess the question is now, what locked it in the first place, and are any other programs, other than vent and photoshop, affected in the same way?

That's a hard one to pin down! Could be any number of things. I have even seen cases where Anti-spy tools will make similar changes (though I can't imagine why in this case).
And, while I won't completely rule out malware as a cause, I would hve to question why? Today's malware infections are less interested in borking computer programs for the fun of it than they are in trying to make/extort money, steal data or clone zombie spammers, etc.....

I have left a message for TL to have a look - perhaps he can shed some light on it.

PP

[jholland1964]

upon closing photoshop elements, elements pops up an error saying:
"Could not save preferences because the file is locked. Use the 'properties' command in the windows explorer to unlock the file."

Does this happen when just closing the actual program or closing a photo you have been working with?

[mehndeke]

It was occurring when closing the actual program. But I found the pref file (finally, in a hidden folder) and now PSE isn't doing it anymore.

[TurcoLoco]

It seems like you guys got this all sorted out so not much for me to say other than: during certain malware infections I found out that some if not all folders (and their contents) can become 'read-only' but more so commonly done by certain scanners than the infectors. As PP pointed out, certain scanners do that to nullify the potential threat from spreading or morphing, etc.
If for any reason the program doesn't or can't revert back the changes (possibly due to failed disinfection) the folders/files in question will remain 'Read only'.

[mehndeke]

So, basically, this whole thing started when my scanner (probably Bit Defender) had an issue and decided not to un write protect everything that it scanned. At this point now, I have to eventually find all the programs that need to be unprotected and manually change their settings. hmmmmmm......I don't think I'll use bit defender for a while.

[jholland1964]

So, basically, this whole thing started when my scanner (probably Bit Defender) had an issue and decided not to un write protect everything that it scanned. At this point now, I have to eventually find all the programs that need to be unprotected and manually change their settings. hmmmmmm......I don't think I'll use bit defender for a while.

I think, in all likelyhood, this is correct. If you want to clean up the machine and keep it clean then follow the steps in PP's
READ ME Before Posting A Request For Assistance!
and then to keep it clean follow the steps in his
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MALWARE: Tools & Tips
I especially recommend that you download and use SpywareBlaster.


If the Photoshop Elements is the only one, from what I have been able to find tonight is that this is very common with tthat specific program...to suddenly begin acting "wierd" AND if you contact Adobe the very first thing they tell you to do is exactly what you did AND it is normal for the prefs file to be hidden exactly where you found it.
Frankly, if it were me, I would just go about my business and fix a program as it shows it has been disabled like this. Trying to search out every single program on the computer will take days and days, because, as you found out, where you THINK something will be located, well it is not.
Oh yes, and another item I found is that occasionally with Elements if you happen to have your Caps Lock key ON then this can actually lock up various elements of the program. Love the program, but didn't realize it was so "touchy".

[mehndeke]

well, Muchas merci to everyone. Glad I got rid of the cookies at least =) And now that I've got an inkling as to what went wrong I can go away and let you deal with fewer than 18 pages of cookies (I swear, they will be emptied out at least once a month, I promise).