Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 1/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: Kevin,
I saw your response about the memory issues with CS3 and viewing the document as 72 dpi instead of 300. This has already helped me with the document I am working on, so thank you. Do you know if there are any patches out for this error? CS2 seems to have no problems opening and working with the files that CS3 has problems with.

Thanks,
Mandy

ANSWER: Hi Mandy,

First, its nice to see that someone actually read responses before asking the same question. Thank you.

Onto your answer... there is no patch for this, as it is not really an error. The only "patch" (ha ha) is to buy more RAM.

This error is normally due to large files without enough active memory in the computer. Adobe CS3 products use a lot more memory than CS2 so right off the bat, you are in the hole in regards to  memory.

Another thing to keep in mind is every time you run an effect or filter, or embed raster graphics, you are increasing the file size and memory needed by Illustrator to keep the preview active. That's why turning them down to 72 temporarily helps. Be sure to change it back to 300 before exporting!


Kevin



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Kevin,
Just out of curiosity... I have a completely new computer with 3GB of RAM. Is this still not enough? How much do you think it would take to run CS3 sufficiently?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Mandy


Adobe recommends 1GB of "dedicated" RAM.

In reality, you'd be surprised at how much RAM other things take up. You can see this using an Activity Monitor how much free RAM you really have. My system alone uses 1.15 GB and my Illustrator on a good day is using 1.5 GB minimum active. It could be that with other items loaded on your CPU and running behind the scenes may be hogging up precious memory.

Kevin