Lightroom won't open (won't move beyond serial # input, though # accepted)

[quetzalita]

Hi-

I cannot get Lightroom to open. I have been using the program without a problem for a while, but as of today, I cannot enter the program. I am on Mac OS X 1'.5.8.

Every time I try to open Lightroom, I'm asked for my serial number, I input it correctly (green checkmark and all) and then the program closes. I can't get past this stage.

Normally, I open LR from my catalog on an external hard drive. When that didn't work, I tried just opening the application itself. Still didn't work.

The last time I used lightroom, I allowed it to create a backup as prompted. For the first time. Could the back up be the source of this problem?

I should also note that since I installed the program I have had to input my serial # every single time I've used it. Perhaps that bug is the source of this malaise?

What have I tried? Everything I can think of and read about (here and elsewhere)!

1. deleted the com.adobe.Lightroom2.plist file from [Username]/Library/Preferences folder (as recommended here http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/4'4/kb4'4835.html, but this only led to my being asked to register my license again).

2. rebooted to no avail.

3. deleted a registration file that I was advised might be corrupt here: [Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Lightroom 2 Registration file]. nope.

4. followed uninstall instructions only to be met with the surprise that there was no "Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.pkg" or similar in main library. http://forums.adobe.com/thread/358'35?tstart='

5. deleted any lightroom files I could find on the computer (in the applications folder, in the pictures folder)

6. downloaded latest version from adobe site (2.5), installed.same problem!! including the curiosity that there is no "Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.pkg" or similar in main library.

7. Deleted the Preferences file

8. I tried to open Lightroom by simply clicking on one of the images. Nothing happens. The drive doesn't freeze or crash, but there is not activity.


Any thoughts? I am getting increasingly anxious! I sincerely appreciate your help.

Many thanks.

 

[quetzalita]

Still no answer, but I don't think it's my catalog. I plugged the external drive into a different unit (Mac OS X 1'.4.11) and everything opened as usual. (I will note that, "as usual" means I was asked for the serial # again despite having entered it multiple times on this second computer.) I don't think the issue is related to the operating system, seeing as LR was working just fine on 1'.5.8 last week.

How can I clear out my computer of any trace of LR so that I can download a new version and start over? When I go to remove the .pkg it doesn't seem to exist-- or at least not in the library->receipts. precise instructions on where to sniff it out would be much appreciated. thanks!

 

[Kiwigeoff]

The .pkg files are in Library>Receipts or Library>packages.I presume you have used Spotlight to search for .pkg files???
I think you have something else going on here though, not sure what though!!Welcome, I'm sure we will get you sorted though.

 

[quetzalita]

Thanks Geoff! Yes I looked in Library>Receipts and nothing + used spotlight to try to ferret it out, and still nothing.
I'm pretty sure something else must be going on as well, but I have no idea what.

Latest news. I just reinstalled from the CD and ended up in the same place. As soon as I input my serial #, and it is accepted with the green checkmark, the program shuts down. I am totally stumped.

 

[Kiwigeoff]

I'm stumped on this or as we would say down here "buggered if I know!!"I bet Victoria has an answer though.........

 

[quetzalita]

That makes two of us. Appreciate your help nonetheless.

I find the fact that there is no lightroom.pkg file (or similar) in the library>receipts folder baffling. this persists after my latest reinstallation. how can that be? where else could it be stored? spotlight doesn't find it anywhere. at this point i've tried reinstalling by downloading 2.5 off the adobe site and by using the 2.3 disc and both times I was unable to find the .pkg file in Receipts.

....eagerly waiting for Victoria to pop in with a delicious nugget of insight!

 

[quetzalita]

Problem solved! Apparently I was suffering from a corrupted registration file.

I went to -> Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Lightroom 2 Registration file. I deleted the registration file and got up and running again. Finally without having to input the darn serial number! Thanks for your help regardless Geoff!

 

[Kiwigeoff]

Glad you got it sorted, how did you find the solution?Thanks for reporting your success, it may help someone else.Now enjoy!!