Photoshop stops running during HDR merge

Question

Hello Photoshoppers
Hope some one has an answer..During the HDR merge I get a window that tells me that PS has stopped running..Click OK then PS shuts down . This is what I have on the issue so far ..Adobe chat help had me do all kinds of crazy stuff along with updates..The last session they had me download and open their sample pictures and try to merge them. I was infact able to merge them just fine.  Hence since I was able to merge their sample pictures..there is no program issue as they see it... I can merge 2 of my pictures but no more than 2.. My pictures were taken with a Canon T2i ,  a tripod and remote shutter device was used.. The pictures all appear exactly the sam except for exposures..  (manual but not RAW) and were downloaded as JPEGS with the sd card).. All my pictures have a file size less than 6.mb. Adobe's sample pictures were all less than 1.mb (700 kb or so )  My computer is right out of the box Windows 7 ..64 bit..4gb Ram... PS preferances, Ram was increased to allow 96% for PS usage but did not resolve the issue..
Is there a file size limit that I havent read any where? Any one else experience, or know about this issue or have any ideas ?   And yes I am new to this so don't beat me up too hard..Not to mention trying to navigate Windows 7 ..instead of XP
Thanks
Message title was corrected by: PECourtejoie

Answer 1

Are you running Merge to HDR from Bridge or Photoshop?  If Bridge, then either make sure Photoshop is closed before starting, or open the 64bit Photoshop and then run Merge to HDR from Bridge.   I am assuming that you are running from Bridge because it is so much easier recognising the bracketed set in Bridge.    I would increase the memory setting in 64bit Photoshop to something like 80% if only to prove a point - you'll know you have plenty of resources available to work the HDR that way.
To change the settings go Edit > Preferences > Performance.
What camera are you using, and how many images in the bracketed set?  I use a 1DsMK3, and 1DMK4 both usually with five frames, and my old Q9550 system with 8Gb easily coped with five x 21Mb files.
All cameras that have a AEB (Auto exposure Bracketing) feature change the shutter speed, and never the aperture.  A note here:  I am able to change the AEB order to run from darkest through to lightest exposure, instead of the default zero offset followed by minus offset, and finally plus offset.  Having the shots in exposure order makes them much easier to find in Bridge.
Incidentally, much as I love Photoshop. it comes a poor second to HDR Soft's Photomatix with HDR processing.  ACR does a better job of processing the RAW files, and Photoshop is probably better at aligning the images, but Photomatix is better at the Tone mapping side of things, and keeps getting better.  I am not sure if I am aloud to post this here, but 4.2 beta2 was released yesterday, and you can use it for free, but it places watermarks on the processed image
http://www.hdrsoft.com/download/privatebeta2/win42.html  (Windows)
http://www.hdrsoft.com/download/privatebeta2/mac42.html  (Mac)
Mods, just delete the links if you think them inapropriate.