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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: jinky on November 01, 2013, 11:09:51 AM

Title: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 01, 2013, 11:09:51 AM
So Google take over an excellent bit of software and then butcher it and your other software to boot!!
Had trouble last night and this morning with Photoshop CS6. Failing to open due to a missing file. Useless at PC issues so try a few things without any effect. I now find Google have done an update - no checking with users whether they wanted it, just updated last night. This is what is causing the problem for its many users. The guide to download the free trial they gave at least restores Nik effects to the filter list from where it had gone missing. Only trouble is when you open them and try to apply / click OK CS6 crashes!!! Logged a complaint and request to sort it urgently and they say it will take 2 days to reply as they are busy with new software. I am guessing they are fixing this update. How can they update without reference to me - everyone is going mad. Funnily though some say the free trial download fixes it - unless they have settled for seeing them in the list and not used them yet. Just this second got an email from Google explaining the problem and supposed solution - anyone else affected?
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Hinfrance on November 01, 2013, 12:14:04 PM
I got that error this morning too (with Elements, obviously, CS6 is like first class air travel to me, I know it exists, but I have no reasonable expectation of ever experiencing it ;) ), but as I am busy with music stuff I didn't bother to try to find out where the problem originated.

Any chance of sharing the solution?
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 01, 2013, 12:21:03 PM
I will do when I get one. Basically they say visit here: http://www.google.com/nikcollection/

and hit the free trial download - I discovered that is the try now button at the top cos when you follow the free trial button elsewhere you go in circles. Make sure elements etc is closed, download and run and they say ( and some seem to agree) that it works. I certainly am able to open CS 6 now and can actually see Nik effects filters in the list and click on them. Only trouble is when I use one and click OK to apply it CS crashes and has to close. I`ve emailed them and they say they will get back in 2 days. Thank god I`d finished my wedding editing from last weekend just before they did the update or I`d be wanting blood - still am really Google  :uglystupid2:

Be interested to know if yours works fully when you do it.

Only got CS6 cos my wife was good enough to buy the Education version as she needed it all the time at work ;)
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Hinfrance on November 01, 2013, 12:47:27 PM
Just downloading it now - I'll let you know what happens.
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Hinfrance on November 01, 2013, 01:07:54 PM
OK, that works, in Elements anyway. They've added another module - Analog(ue) Effex Pro.

Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: hssutton on November 01, 2013, 04:13:26 PM
Quote from: jinky on November 01, 2013, 11:09:51 AM
So Google take over an excellent bit of software and then butcher it and your other software to boot!!
Had trouble last night and this morning with Photoshop CS6. Failing to open due to a missing file. Useless at PC issues so try a few things without any effect. I now find Google have done an update - no checking with users whether they wanted it, just updated last night. This is what is causing the problem for its many users. The guide to download the free trial they gave at least restores Nik effects to the filter list from where it had gone missing. Only trouble is when you open them and try to apply / click OK CS6 crashes!!! Logged a complaint and request to sort it urgently and they say it will take 2 days to reply as they are busy with new software. I am guessing they are fixing this update. How can they update without reference to me - everyone is going mad. Funnily though some say the free trial download fixes it - unless they have settled for seeing them in the list and not used them yet. Just this second got an email from Google explaining the problem and supposed solution - anyone else affected?

Have just switched on my PC and opened CS6 and yes the update is there, in my case all is working perfectly. After a quick play with Analogue Effex Pro I doubt I'll find a use for it. Was using Photoshop and Effex Pro last evening, so the update must have taken place this morning when I switched on.

Harry
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 01, 2013, 04:28:57 PM
I`ve just downloaded and installed for 3rd time and only pro sharpener works - all the rest crash the system. A few guys having the same issue. I`m windows 7 CS6. Guess I`ll have to wait 2 days for them to get back to me!
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Hinfrance on November 01, 2013, 04:35:17 PM
I'm using W7 64bit, if that's any help. Don't suppose it is.  :-\
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: donoreo on November 01, 2013, 05:24:00 PM
Any Mac problems reported?
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Beryl on November 01, 2013, 05:27:50 PM
If you are having trouble with PS ets Nikon NX capture 2 is very good and can do quite a lot like PS can

I wonder if the problem is because of the hack?

It's exspencive
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Nikon+NX+Capture+2&newwindow=1&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=2-VzUqyCBuPS0QW4zIGACw&ved=0CEkQsxg&biw=1131&bih=782
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: hssutton on November 01, 2013, 06:22:28 PM
Quote from: Hinfrance on November 01, 2013, 04:35:17 PM
I'm using W7 64bit, if that's any help. Don't suppose it is.  :-\

I'm also using W7 64 bit, as mentioned earlier no problems.

Harry
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 01, 2013, 06:52:20 PM
I`ve already got NX2 and use it for some work but prefer lightroom and CS6. CS6 is worki ng fine - it`s just the damn plug ins from Nik. I`m windows 6 64  too.A few guys on the Nik response  board are having the same issue - only Pro Sharpener is working.
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 02, 2013, 10:00:23 AM
Finally got a personalised response from Google after bombing their board with indignation / requests for urgent response. They gave me 3 options

1. Updating my video card through makers. Told me there was a better driver which I tried to download but got this message in the image
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10154/normal_capture-20131102-090321.png) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=14706&fullsize=1)

Is it wise to update my card if I could or will it mess other stuff up? How can I get past this message? Bought the PC from Dell - out of support time but do you think they would help?

2. Get into settings of Nik software and disable partial gpu processing ?????. Tried it - didn`t work


3. Running the non-working Nik Software elements in safe mode. They supplied me with code I went into local folders and cfg files  and inserted the safe mode code.

All work now except the HDR one which just freezes when I hit OK to convert the image with the filter. Is the HDR filter any good - to be honest I do so few and use Photomatix when I do anyway. I am just hoping that adding the safe mode to the non-working filters will affect anything else on my pc.

Any thoughts - advice on above?
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Oldboy on November 02, 2013, 10:35:48 AM
Parse error - syntax error - an error of language resulting from code that does not conform to the syntax of the programming language; "syntax errors can be recognized at compilation time"; "a common syntax error is to omit a parenthesis"

This can be caused by a corrupt file that may be truncated. To confirm you need to go into the Event Viewer and check out the error message. When you find the name of the file copy the name into an on-line search which, will give you information on dealing with the file. Some can be updated/replaced, whilst others, may need deleting first before installing a fresh copy of the file.  :o
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 02, 2013, 10:39:07 AM
Ah OK he says not understanding a word) I`ll leave that then. I live my the motto if it isn`t broken don`t fix it and am managing just now so will leave it alone. I am assuming the changes I have made are within the Nik software elements only and will not affect anything else so that`ll be an end to it.


Been wondering what google have been up to this week. My IE 9 has been failing the last few days. I usually open it straight onto my googlemail page. Last 5 days or so it has been hanging and eventually opening at an MSN general page. Thought it was an IE issue and been changing over to firefox. Suddenly today IE 9 is working normally and opening at gmail fully. :uglystupid2:
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: donoreo on November 02, 2013, 05:15:37 PM
Mine were automagically updated on my Mac and nothing I tried would work.  They crash on start.  Downloaded and installed over top, the same.  I have uninstalled and I am trying a fresh install now. 
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 02, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Quote from: donoreo on November 02, 2013, 05:15:37 PM
Mine were automagically updated on my Mac and nothing I tried would work.  They crash on start.  Downloaded and installed over top, the same.  I have uninstalled and I am trying a fresh install now.

Contact nik support as they say on the link. A guy called Navah has been really good for me. He has just sent me another fix for the HDR element to try even though I told him I was happy with having the others back. I had to install a piuece of code he gave me with instructions to put non working elements into a safe mode. Easy even for me. I could share what he told me if you like but not sure  if it same fr macs and whether better to get from them. They do take at least 2 days to come back and some on the thread are saying they have not   had a reply yet
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Beaux Reflets on November 02, 2013, 05:27:36 PM
The nightmare of cloud computing ?
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 02, 2013, 05:35:04 PM
Nothing to do with cloud per se Andy - more to do with Google doing automatic updates without seeking permission and ruining the reputation of software that was seen as excellent before they took it over. Having said that I could not afford it before they took it over  ???
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: ABERS on November 03, 2013, 09:22:12 AM
As somebody that has been following this and not really understanding any of it I've however learned a couple of things. 1. I had no idea that Google and Nik software were connected and 2. That Amazon has the following message when you look to see how much Silver FX Pro 2 is Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.

Connecting the two do I take it Google are the sole sellers of it or that perhaps they've withdrawn it from the market pending an overhaul? Perhaps I've added 1 to 2 and got 4, not unknown .  :uglystupid2:

I notice from your screen grab Jinky that you have an AMD processor. Another tenuous connection perhaps but a friend of mine who has CS6 and recently bought a new PC with an AMD processor and when he loaded CS6 it had a screen flicker problem. He eventually sorted it out by ticking some box or other but was told the AMD sometimes couldn't handle CS6.

Just a thought.

Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 03, 2013, 09:54:45 AM
You`re right Alan. Google took over the Nik Collection and you can only buy it through Google and their links now - here for anyone interested:
http://www.google.com/nikcollection/

Me and others got it with a code at a much lower price - cannot remember if it was $49 or £49 now but so much cheaper than it used to be. Only problem is Google did automatic updates without telling anyone, added a new filter of questionable value and sent users mad. Some have had a lucky quick fix, others like me have had to do a few more things and many are still unresolved. I`m happy I have everything back now except the hdr module which I never use having photomatix so happy to stop there. Now I have had to argue and play with it I must use it more as I have mainly used silver efex ad colour efex pro.

Anyone that gets a kick out of seeing others squirm can visit https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NikPhotography/posts/4KBGNEJTsWP?cfem=1  which gives a taste of the frustration and annoyance. You`ll see several of my posts there that at least resulted in an earlier contact from Google than most got / are getting and a 90% solution that does me.

Re: CS6 - never had such problems and it works flawlessly - thank goodness.
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Hinfrance on November 03, 2013, 10:24:46 AM
It's still a bargain compared to how much it used to be. I use Viveza mostly, for mono I mostly use Topaz Black and White.

As an aside Paul, have you tried running HDR Effex from Lightroom? Not having any version of CS I launch it from there, and it works just fine. I too have an AMD processor, an 8 core beasty which is super quick and seems to be perfectly OK with everything it's asked to do.
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 03, 2013, 12:52:02 PM
No not tried it in Lightroom. I have 3.4 version but tbh I don`t fancy trying it and messing up Lightroom next time they do an unrequested update. I`m happy with photomatix for the odd hdr I do now. My problem is I have too may software options and I am guilty of over- tinkering. I`ve hat to really discipline myself to keep it simpler recently.
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Hinfrance on November 03, 2013, 01:03:46 PM
It should have installed automatically into Lightroom, in the export menu. Can't see what harm it can do since all that LR does is execute a call function.

I just had a Nik Effex crash from Elements. I ran Glary and the problem went away, as do most minor irritations after a quick one click run of Glary.

I know what you mean about too much choice - I bought OnOne's suite when it was on offer too, and I already had most of the Topaz suite.

And then here I am learning Cubase when I get distracted by a Flickr contact who is a professional music producer who says 'try Reaper': so now I am trying to use two bl**dy complicated DAWs at once. Luckily some progress is being made there . .
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: donoreo on November 03, 2013, 01:15:25 PM
As an update, mine on a Mac will still not run.  Nik support had me do a couple of things but nothing has worked.  One was repair permissions (Mac catch all) and to create a new user and try it as that user.  Same results, crash on start for all parts of Nik.  I have not had a reply from them since I replied last night. 
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Hinfrance on November 03, 2013, 01:32:38 PM
It must be quite a trick, mucking up the application on both OSs at the same time. :)
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Oldboy on November 03, 2013, 05:30:29 PM
Quote from: Hinfrance on November 03, 2013, 01:32:38 PM
It must be quite a trick, mucking up the application on both OSs at the same time. :)

It's quite easy really. Just get a plonker to write the code without checking the result then port to the various operation systems!  :uglystupid2:
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: jinky on November 04, 2013, 07:47:20 PM
Quote from: Hinfrance on November 03, 2013, 01:03:46 PM
It should have installed automatically into Lightroom, in the export menu. Can't see what harm it can do since all that LR does is execute a call function.

I just had a Nik Effex crash from Elements. I ran Glary and the problem went away, as do most minor irritations after a quick one click run of Glary.

I know what you mean about too much choice - I bought OnOne's suite when it was on offer too, and I already had most of the Topaz suite.

And then here I am learning Cubase when I get distracted by a Flickr contact who is a professional music producer who says 'try Reaper': so now I am trying to use two bl**dy complicated DAWs at once. Luckily some progress is being made there . .

Don`t know Glary - do you recommend it H? I`ve seen the free one - is that what you use or did you buy the higher spec one?

Having said I have too many software options I bought a copy of Digital Photographer today as it has a free DxO film pack. Emulates all sorts of colour / B& w and couple of  old cross processed type films. First glance it seems quite good. More play!

Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Hinfrance on November 05, 2013, 06:44:49 AM
The free version of Glary is much the same as the paid version, the latter having more tools and automatic scheduling, stuff you can live without. I do have the Pro version, I got it when it was on special (is there any other way to buy software?)

I have used it since Vista days, and it has always served me well. With Glary installed and run periodically I never had a single issue with Vista.

And you have reminded me, I've got a DxO licence somewhere about the place (older version, 6, I think, but no film pack).
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: WillyP on November 05, 2013, 02:55:53 PM
Switched to the GIMP years ago and never looked back... just sayin'  :legit:
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: Oldboy on November 05, 2013, 07:38:48 PM
Quote from: WillyP on November 05, 2013, 02:55:53 PM
Switched to the GIMP years ago and never looked back... just sayin'  :legit:

You're not Bolton Dave in disguise, are you?  :P
Title: Re: Nik effects software and Google !!!!!
Post by: spinner on November 06, 2013, 09:32:20 AM
I won't touch anything Google. The last update (for me) of Chrome was so buggered I went back to Firefox. I had a Google email account a few years back when I started my since failed business and they locked me out for a reason I can't remember and demanded a valid Credit Card account number to get back in. Allegedly for 'security'. Started another Google account and they kept asking for my Mobile number, for 'security'. Nope. Wont touch anything Google, free or not, except their search engine.