unable to get some tools to work in layers

[molly]

I am working in layers and I can't get the eraser, paint brush, burn tool, smudge tool and a few more. I think it has something to do with the presets but I do not have a clue how to fix it so they all work.
Can someone please help me with this?

[iDad]

what kind of image are you working with?

[molly]

Just a regular image and then I want to add some images to it so when I get to the layers, I can't get the tools to work, for example if I want to clean up around an edge or something with the eraser, it doesn't work, nor does the burn tool or smudge, none in that section of the tools will work.

I know it has to be to do with the presets but I don't know what you are supposed to do with them. I am a complete noob so far.....

[iDad]

Just a regular image and then I want to add some images to it so when I get to the layers, I can't get the tools to work, for example if I want to clean up around an edge or something with the eraser, it doesn't work, nor does the burn tool or smudge, none in that section of the tools will work.

I know it has to be to do with the presets but I don't know what you are supposed to do with them. I am a complete noob so far.....

click on the tool then click on the brush (not the brush, the size of brush) then the little sideways triangle the drop down will give you a reset brush option, it will work the same with each tool. see attach.

[molly]

Okay, I had that drop down menu but with all the options on there I don't know what I am supposed to click to make the tool work.

- reset tool
- Reset all tools
- Preset Manager
- Reset Tool Presets
- Save Tool presets.....

I don't know what anyone of these mean... I tried the reset tool thingy but that didn't do anything.

I might have to go back to watercolors.......That I have no problem. lol

[iDad]

just resety all, it will just go to the default settings, you will not lose anything and it is a bunch of tools not working, reset all easier

[molly]

okay thanx, I will let you know if it works. keep your fingers crossed....

EDIT: Hey it worked, I am so excited. I want to thank you very much for you help. Now is it possible for me to ask you when I am stuck again which I am sure I will be (duh)??

[iDad]

Your very welcome, Good luck.

[molly]

I spoke too soon. The problem started up again. I would click reset all tools then I would get one stroke of paint on then it would quit again. The same goes with the rest of tools of that kind. eraser, etc...
I took photoshop cs4 out completely cleaned everything right out and re-installed it and still have the same problem....

getting awfully depressed about this prob.....

[iDad]

I spoke too soon. The problem started up again. I would click reset all tools then I would get one stroke of paint on then it would quit again. The same goes with the rest of tools of that kind. eraser, etc...
I took photoshop cs4 out completely cleaned everything right out and re-installed it and still have the same problem....

getting awfully depressed about this prob.....

When you say "cleaned everything right out" Did you use the uninstall that comes with CS4? If your tools are at default settings, you should not have that problem
Only thing I can think of as far as a possible problem, is memory,how much ram do you have?