Systematic and Never Ending Problems With Elements 7

Question

Alright I'll start from the top:
I bought this software via the website a year ago.  Since the very beginning I've had issues that have NEVER been resolved despite numerous sessions with the support personnel.
I download the software (after paying the over $100 for it) and discovered that I was given an incomplete version.  Naturally I was heated.  I've tried on at least 3 different occasions to have this rectified by the Adobe personnel who have tried, but always failed to solve the issue.  That's the biggest problem.  On to the others.
Now, when I go to make a movie, the sound i've recorded from the clip (i use Fraps version 3.2.2, yes the PAID for version) never is allowed to transition over.  The clip is without audio when I add it into the software.  The only work around I have for this, is that I export the clip via Windows Movie Maker and then add it into Adobe Premeire.  Naturally this DESTROYS the video quality.
Third problem, the final quality of the videos I create is very poor. We're talking just NASTY.  I can view the clips just fine and their quality is top notch before I export them out of the program.  The moment they hit my desktop, well, they look like shark chum bait fed through a paper shredder.
Here's an excellent example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHJsf1ucajQ
Now, I know the quality on that video is trash because I had to export it through Windows Movie Maker to keep the game sound effects on the clip and then export it via Adobe.  But, even on clips that purely adobe, that i've sacrificed the sound for, they look like trash.
Honestly, if i'm going to spend money on software I want my moneys worth.
I've been asked by scores of people (everyone knows I make and edit movies as a hobby) if I would recommend software for them to use; I've stopped recommending adobe.  My entire experience with this software and company has been decidedly lackluster.  I'm posting now after a year because I'm simply fed up.
I wanted to check and make sure it's not something I'm doing wrong.  Considering that I paid for a complete version that Adobe miraculously never provided to me despite numeroues attempts, I thought that might have something to do with it.
So, online community, if you have words of wisdom, please share them.  If not, I'd recommend moving to different software.
v/r
Fed Up Customer

Answer 1

Welcome to the forum.
Unfortunately, you found it rather late in the game. Let's look at a few points:
I download the software (after paying the over $100 for it) and discovered that I was given an incomplete version.
Because of the size of the program, and also the Functional Content (the extra Menus, Themes, etc.), the download is a two file process. The names of these files are similar, and many get confused, and think they are the same, only downloading and installing one, but not the other. This ARTICLE will give you the location and name of the two files. It was originally done done for PrE 7, but PrE 8 is tabbed on that page. First, the program needs to be installed, and then the Functional Content. Personally, I think that Adobe could make it more obvious, that one needs two files, and also rename the second archived file, so that it stands out as the one containing that Functional Content.
Now, when I go to make a movie, the sound i've recorded from the clip (i use Fraps version 3.2.2, yes the PAID for version) never is allowed to transition over.
FRAPS, and several other video-capture programs present problems, due to the specs. of the files that they create, especially the FPS and the CODEC used. To get some background on CODEC's, this ARTICLE will be helpful. PrE, just like its big-brother, PrPro, is designed around a miniDV tape workflow. There are other base workflows, like HDV and AVCHD, plus 100% DVD-compliant VOB, and a few others. However, when working with non-standard workflows, conversion outside of PrE is usually the best course of action.
For FRAPS, see this THREAD, this THREAD, this THREAD, this THREAD, this THREAD, this THREAD, and this THREAD. Note: that is but a start. Also, many of the replies in those have links to other threads. Plenty of reading.
Third problem, the final quality of the videos I create is very poor. We're talking just NASTY.  I can view the clips just fine and their quality is top notch before I export them out of the program.  The moment they hit my desktop, well, they look like shark chum bait fed through a paper shredder.
Without having the exact workflow, step-by-step, and then the Export/Share settings used, it is impossible to determine where the quality hit has come in, and how to address it.
Good luck, and sorry for your dissatisfaction,
Hunt