Photoshop Elements 9 has ceased working

Question

When I launch the program, either from the desktop icon or directly from the executable file, the welcome screen launches.  But when I choose either Organize or Edit, the progress bar starts, stops, then nothing at all happens.  No error message, the welcome screen stays there indefinitely.  The program functioned perfectly fine a few days ago.  I am using Windows 8.
By the way, I have had a hellacious time with your "help" website and software that is supposed to launch an app to your support services.  It keeps trying to update, then crashes.

Answer 1

  Try making a direct shortcut for the Organizer and Editor. Make sure you have the correct file path as there is more than one exe file. You can then launch the programs directly from the desktop bypassing the welcome screen. This is generally better as the welcome screen leaves background processes running.
On Windows, Right click anywhere on the desktop and select New >> Shortcut
Then click the browse button and navigate to:
"C:\Program Files\Adobe\Elements 9 Organizer\PhotoshopElementsOrganizer.exe"
Then click Next; then click Finish
    Then make a direct shortcut for the Editor in a similar manner.
On Windows, Right click anywhere on the desktop and select New >> Shortcut
Then click the browse button and navigate to:
"C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 9\PhotoshopElementsEditor.exe"
Then click Next; then click Finish
N.B. on 64 bit systems navigate to Program Files (x86)