InDesign CS3 (XP SP2) crashes when placing files

Question

Hi,
every time I try to place an image file etc. into InDesign CS3 (Windows XP, service pack 2) the "place" dialogue pops up for a split second. Then, InDesign freezes. Version Cue is not activated (when I was activated Photoshop CS3 would do the same).
I'd be more than happy if someone has a hint since naturally InDesign is pretty useless when you cannot place anything. On a sidenote though you can drag files from the explorer into CS3 without it crashing.
Any help's greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Sorry to hear the trick didn't work. Another oft mentioned idea is to open a dialog in Photoshop and resize it. A third is to hit Alt + Spacebar, then M, and then an arrow key, and finally to move the mouse around and see if the dialog appears at the edge of the screen.
The 3-key keyboard shortcut only works when you are opening InDesign from the start menu or a desktop shortcut, and you have to be REALLY fast. Renaming the prefs files (while ID is closed) is more reliable, but won't give you any indication that the files are being replaced, other than you'll see the welcome screen and everything will be reset to defaults.