Indesign cs5 freezes when an effect (e.g. gradient, drop shadow etc.) is applied

[elle_apopei]

Hi there.

I am running InDesign cs5 on a Mac OS X, version 10.6.8.

I'm having a continuing problem where my program freezes solid when I apply an effect (eg. putting a gradient on an object, applying a drop shadow etc.). Nothing moves and I have to force quit the program. When i reopen, it recovers the file to pre-effect state. I re-apply the effect. Boom - it freezes again. Force quit. Repeat. Forever.

Any suggestions/thoughts on what I can do to fix this problem? Cheers!

[Derek Cross]

Try resetting your InDesign preferences:

Close and relaunch​ InDesign, and IMMEDIATELY hold down Ctrl + Alt + Shift (Windows) or Cmd + Ctrl + Opt + Shift (Mac), and respond in the affirmative to the dialog asking if you really want to replace the preferences. You must be extremely fast on the keyboard (if you don’t see the confirmation prompt, you were too slow).

You may need to do this a couple of times before getting the hang of it! 

[elle_apopei]

Derek, you are a legend!!!

That did fix the problem, thank you so much!

I would only make one amendment to your instructions: (Mac OS) 'While pressing Shift+Option+Command+Control, start InDesign. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.'

I spent ages trying to do it 'IMMEDIATELY' as the program launched, but it just didn't work. However, if I hold down the keys and THEN start the program, it worked.

Thank you so so much!

[CHCY Marketing]

So thankful this worked on windows with directions listed! just hit the Ctr+Alt+Shift as soon as you click the file to open, not before or wait until you see the box of the program.