Expert: Amy - 7/20/2006

Question
Hi Amy,

I'm using Adobe Illustrator CS for PC which has been running great up to recently... I've suddenly discovered that my Gaussain Blur effect is no longer in the filters tab. Even when I apply a drop shadow, it doesn't blur.

Since then, when I open an existing project that had a gaussian blur, the blur is gone.

Hope you can help!

Much thanks,
Karen

Answer
Hi Karen,

That's strange.

First, I'd try deleting your preferences file. I believe this will work for you.
1 - quit Illustrator
2 - locate the AIprefs file on your machine and delete it
3 - restart Illustrator

If that doesn't work, look to see if the file is present on your machine.
1 - Search for a file named Gaussian Blur.8bf. It should be in the C:/Program Files/Adobe/Illustrator x.x/Plug-ins/PhotoShop filters folder, I believe. I use version 9 and this is where it resides.
2 - If it is elsewhere on your machine, get it back in to that folder. If it's missing, time to reinstall your plug-ins from the CD.

If it's in the right place, try re-targeting the plug-ins folder.
1 - Launch AI
2 - Choose Edit > Preferences > Plug-ins & Scratch Disks
3 - Click the CHOOSE button and browse to where the plug-ins folder is (C:/Program Files/Adobe/Illustrator x.x/Plug-ins)
4 - Click on it and choose OK and choose OK once more
5 - restart Illustrator

If it's in the right place and re-targeting doesn't work, it could be corrupt. You will need to reinstall it from your CD.

Here's hoping the first answer (the easiest one) is also the right one!

Amy Pace