<div>
Hi<br />
This .CR2 file &nbsp;is a raw image<br />
Right click the file and use the &quot;open with&quot; whatever program came &quot;native&quot; with whatever version of windows you're using should be listed in the types of programs suitable<br />
There is a plugin availabe<br />
Canon RAW Codec is a plug-in software that enables the import and display of Canon RAW image files when installed in Windows 7 (including SP1) 32-bit version/Windows Vista (including SP1/SP2) 32-bit version/Windows XP (including SP3) 32-bit version(*). <br />
<a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/professional/professional_cameras/softwareapp/canon_raw_codec_software" rel="ugc">http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/professional/professional_cameras/softwareapp/canon_raw_codec_software</a>
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<div>
A CR2 is a raw image file format that can be produced by the Canon EOS Rebel T3i. Many software packages can open it. An excellent (free!) one is IrfanView, imaging software that I've been using for many years:<br />
<a href="http://www.irfanview.com/" rel="ugc">http://www.irfanview.com/</a><br />
<br />
I recommend the Brothersoft link to download IrfanView:<br />
<a href="http://www.brothersoft.com/download-irfanview-6224.html" rel="ugc">http://www.brothersoft.com/download-irfanview-6224.html</a><br />
<br />
This will download a single install file called &lt;iview437_setup.exe&gt; with no adware and no junk!<br />
<br />
When you run IrfanView, you may either do a File&gt;Open of the CR2 file (but make sure &quot;All files&quot; is in the file type drop-down) or simply drag-and-drop the CR2 file into the IrfanView window. Here's a screen shot of a Canon EOS Rebel T3i CR2 file in IrfanView:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837546/CR2-opened-in-IrfanView.jpg" target="_blank" title="CR2 opened in IrfanView (454 KB)"><img alt="CR2 opened in IrfanView" class="file-block lazyload" style="max-width: 800px;" data-src="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/800_837546/CR2-opened-in-IrfanView.jpg" /></a>Regards, Joe
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CR2-opened-in-IrfanView.jpg

<div>
Thank you Joe, I will try your Infranview. This question though is for Merete, I clicked on the link and I am not sure what I needed to do there. Am I suppose to download something? If so what is needed. I clicked on the open with the only thing that showed up was Picasa photo viewer, there was no other choices for me to select from. Please clarify to me .
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<div>
Joe I downloaded the Infranview, though the pictures did not open instead I am attaching an error message , please look at it and tell me what to do<br />
<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837550/infranview.JPG" target="_blank" class="file-inline" title="infran view (115 KB)"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512"><path d="M67.508 468.467c-58.005-58.013-58.016-151.92 0-209.943l225.011-225.04c44.643-44.645 117.279-44.645 161.92 0 44.743 44.749 44.753 117.186 0 161.944l-189.465 189.49c-31.41 31.413-82.518 31.412-113.926.001-31.479-31.482-31.49-82.453 0-113.944L311.51 110.491c4.687-4.687 12.286-4.687 16.972 0l16.967 16.971c4.685 4.686 4.685 12.283 0 16.969L184.983 304.917c-12.724 12.724-12.73 33.328 0 46.058 12.696 12.697 33.356 12.699 46.054-.001l189.465-189.489c25.987-25.989 25.994-68.06.001-94.056-25.931-25.934-68.119-25.932-94.049 0l-225.01 225.039c-39.249 39.252-39.258 102.795-.001 142.057 39.285 39.29 102.885 39.287 142.162-.028A739446.174 739446.174 0 0 1 439.497 238.49c4.686-4.687 12.282-4.684 16.969.004l16.967 16.971c4.685 4.686 4.689 12.279.004 16.965a755654.128 755654.128 0 0 0-195.881 195.996c-58.034 58.092-152.004 58.093-210.048.041z"/></svg>infranview.JPG</a>
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infranview.JPG

<div>
You're welcome. IrfanView is a superb piece of software...I think you'll like it. When I first had to open a CR2 file, a friend recommended Photoshop, which is very expensive. I was happy to discover that the free IrfanView opened it fine...and it even let me convert the CR2 to JPG with varying degrees of quality, so I was able to reduce the size of the file. Of course, there's a balance between size and quality, so I played with the JPG quality slider until I was happy with the result. Here's a screenshot of the slider (done in IrfanView, btw), that shows it set at quality 80:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837551/JPEG-quality-in-IrfanView.jpg" target="_blank" title="JPEG quality in IrfanView (86 KB)"><img alt="JPEG quality in IrfanView" class="file-block lazyload" style="max-width: 301px;" data-src="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837551/JPEG-quality-in-IrfanView.jpg" /></a>The slider goes from 1 to 100. Regards, Joe
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JPEG-quality-in-IrfanView.jpg

<div>
Our messages just crossed. Sorry about that...my fault. To open some files, such as CR2 and PDF, IrfanView needs PlugIns, which you may download here:<br />
<a href="http://www.brothersoft.com/download-irfanview-all-plugins-164981.html" rel="ugc">http://www.brothersoft.com/download-irfanview-all-plugins-164981.html</a><br />
<br />
This will download a single install file called &lt;irfanview_plugins_437_set<wbr />up.exe&gt; with no adware and no junk! Since you already installed IrfanView, just install the PlugIns. Then you'll be able to open CR2 files (and PDF, too). Regards, Joe
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<div>
Hi basemkhawaja64 sorry didnt check if the link was on that page dont know what happened there, I'm in Australia so our time zones may differ and Joe will be posting at the same time as myself so they may overlap.<br />
You may need this codec to use it with 3rd party programs<br />
But here it is<br />
Canon RAW Codec look to the bottom and click on the Zip<br />
Software File size <br />
&nbsp;crc_1_8_0_68.zip &nbsp;28586.66 Kb. <br />
<a href="http://software.canon-europe.com/software/0039964.asp" rel="ugc">http://software.canon-europe.com/software/0039964.asp</a><br />
<br />
And this will help you and is probably the best and includes the guide how to install it<br />
no need to install 3rd part image editors.<br />
quote&quot;<br />
&quot;In our experience, the FastPictureViewer Codec Pack is much faster at decoding CR2 raw images [...and] comes with a 64-bit version that will work with the 64-bit version of ICE&quot; -- Microsoft Research (Image Composite Editor Team)<br />
<br />
64-bit and-32 bit Canon CR2 raw codec for Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP SP3.<br />
Enables support for Canon CR2 and CRW raw formats in Windows Explorer, Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Photo Viewer, Windows Live™ Photo Gallery and, on Windows 7, also within Windows Media Center and Media Player 12, with full 64-bit support.<br />
Genuine codecs go beyond simple &quot;thumbnail providers&quot; and enable the full end-user experience, with full-size viewing in built-in image viewers, Windows Photo Viewer slideshows, Explorer metadata display and Windows Search integration.<br />
<a href="http://www.fastpictureviewer.com/codecs/canon-cr2-codec/" rel="ugc">http://www.fastpictureviewer.com/codecs/canon-cr2-codec/</a><br />
<br />
from Microsoft<br />
<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-au/download/details.aspx?id=26829" rel="ugc">http://www.microsoft.com/en-au/download/details.aspx?id=26829</a><br />
<br />
At least you are getting help from all over the world ;)<br />
All the best
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<div>
Joe<br />
I am sorry but I downloaded the plug in and I still do not see the picture show up, what am I doing wrong
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<div>
Joe look at this<br />
<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837552/Infranview-2.JPG" target="_blank" class="file-inline" title="infranview 2 (60 KB)"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512"><path d="M67.508 468.467c-58.005-58.013-58.016-151.92 0-209.943l225.011-225.04c44.643-44.645 117.279-44.645 161.92 0 44.743 44.749 44.753 117.186 0 161.944l-189.465 189.49c-31.41 31.413-82.518 31.412-113.926.001-31.479-31.482-31.49-82.453 0-113.944L311.51 110.491c4.687-4.687 12.286-4.687 16.972 0l16.967 16.971c4.685 4.686 4.685 12.283 0 16.969L184.983 304.917c-12.724 12.724-12.73 33.328 0 46.058 12.696 12.697 33.356 12.699 46.054-.001l189.465-189.489c25.987-25.989 25.994-68.06.001-94.056-25.931-25.934-68.119-25.932-94.049 0l-225.01 225.039c-39.249 39.252-39.258 102.795-.001 142.057 39.285 39.29 102.885 39.287 142.162-.028A739446.174 739446.174 0 0 1 439.497 238.49c4.686-4.687 12.282-4.684 16.969.004l16.967 16.971c4.685 4.686 4.689 12.279.004 16.965a755654.128 755654.128 0 0 0-195.881 195.996c-58.034 58.092-152.004 58.093-210.048.041z"/></svg>Infranview-2.JPG</a>
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Infranview-2.JPG

<div>
Merete<br />
I am sorry but I do not see canon Rebel T3i listed in that link that you sent me, and what do I do with the second link am I suppose to download something from there I am sorry I am confused
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<div>
Run IrfanView and you'll see a black, empty window that looks like this:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837553/IrfanView.jpg" target="_blank" title="IrfanView (54 KB)"><img alt="IrfanView" class="file-block lazyload" style="max-width: 707px;" data-src="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837553/IrfanView.jpg" /></a>Simply drag-and-drop a CR2 file into the window.
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IrfanView.jpg

<div>
I'm heading to the store right now. Will check back into the thread when I return, probably in an hour or so. Regards, Joe
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<div>
Joe<br />
But this the hard way of doing this bc I can just simply click on the thumb nail and I am able to see the picture with out the dragging.I do not have this problem with .JPG I can see the image right away
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MS-Picture-manager.JPG

<div>
The displaying of thumbnails is a completely different issue. If you want to open a CR2 file in IrfanView, there are five methods:<br />
<b>(1)</b> File&gt;Open in IrfanView.<br />
<b>(2)</b> Drag-and-drop into IrfanView.<br />
<b>(3)</b> Right-click on the file in Windows Explorer (or whatever file manager you use), select Open With, and pick IrfanView.<br />
<b>(4)</b> Right-click on the file in Windows Explorer (or whatever file manager you use), select Choose Default Program, and pick IrfanView (if IrfanView is not one of the choices, click the Browse button and navigate to c:\Program Files\IrfanView\i_view32.e<wbr />xe or c:\Program Files (x86)\IrfanView\i_view32.e<wbr />xe, depending on whether you're on 32-bit or 64-bit W7).<br />
<b>(5)</b> After doing (4) and making IrfanView the default program for CR2 files, you may now <b>simply double-click on a CR2 file in Windows Explorer</b> (or whatever file manager you use).<br />
Regards, Joe
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<div>
Ok I will try this thanks Joe
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<div>
If you want to use IrfanView, <i><u>make sure the CRW.DLL is installed</u></i>. To verify, select <b>Help</b> - &gt;&nbsp;<b>Installed plugins</b>, then verify the list...<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837561/CRW-DLL.png" target="_blank" title="CRW.DLL (264 KB)"><img alt="CRW.DLL" class="file-block lazyload" style="max-width: 800px;" data-src="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837561/CRW-DLL.png" /></a>Once you have the plugin installed, restart IrfanView and away you go.
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CRW-DLL.png

<div>
Hi Joe. Where do you reside which country?<br />
<br />
With the codec installed basemkhawaja64 can also view these from explorer <br />
when the image is on the left by enabling the Preview pane as he holds his mouse over the image it is displayed in the side panel.<br />
Pulling the separator line in a bit more will increase the size<br />
With a folder full this is kind of handy <br />
at the top of explorer&gt; organise then layout<br />
<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/837562/explorer-preview-pane.JPG" target="_blank" title="explorer preview pane (116 KB)"><img alt="explorer preview pane" class="file-block lazyload" style="max-width: 800px;" data-src="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/02_w09/800_837562/explorer-preview-pane.JPG" /></a>Just for more ideas
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explorer-preview-pane.JPG

<div>
Paul,<br />
I had him install <b>all</b> of the PlugIns. And if I'm reading the situation right, he <b>can</b> open a CR2 in IrfanView now, but doesn't like the drag-and-drop method. There's also the issue of CR2 thumbnails not being rendered in Windows Explorer, but that's a completely different beast. Regards, Joe
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<div>
Hi Merete,<br />
USA. Usually in the Central time zone (Chicago area), sometimes Eastern. I know from your profile that you're in Australia...could certainly use some of your summer weather here. :) &nbsp;Regards, Joe
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<div>
Ha!! I wish Joe<br />
it's raining here in far north Queensland Joe and is quite cold. Dont believe what you see in the news..we have a huge country with vastly different weather patterns just like in US ;)<br />
thanks for sharing always nice to meet folks around the world<br />
Regards Merete
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<div>
Ah, guess I'm still thinking of the Australian Open in Melbourne last month.
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<div>
@Joe: reading the question, it seems he can open the files just fine in Picasa, but wanted to be able to preview the images in image explorer.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
I know you use only &quot;Detail view&quot;, but as I was saying in another thread, most people actually use icon view (S/L/XL).<br />
<br />
So in this case, you recommending IrfanView (which is great) will not help the OP reach his goal: to fast preview the images within windows explorer.<br />
Merete's suggestions (especially the FastPictureViewer Codec) will get him where he wants.<br />
<br />
Dan
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<div>
is setting your camera for jpg pictures an option? That would solve all your problems<br />
<a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/choosing-the-jpeg-image-format-for-a-canon-rebel-t.navId-810612.html" rel="ugc">http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/choosing-the-jpeg-image-format-for-a-canon-rebel-t.navId-810612.html</a><br />
<br />
for normal use, no raw format is needed
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<div>
Hi Dan,<br />
You may be right — I'm not sure. I don't use Picasa, so it's not clear to me what he means by &quot;view them as extra large icons&quot;. I assume he's talking about viewing them in Picasa, <b>not</b> the &quot;Extra Large Icons&quot; view of Windows Explorer. I think it's likely that he really means &quot;thumbnails&quot; when he uses the term &quot;extra large icons&quot;. That said, his comment, &quot;I would have to click on it to see what the picture is&quot;, would lead me to believe that you are right, i.e., he <b>can</b> view them in Picasa.<br />
<br />
Hi nobus,<br />
Yes, JPG is an option on the T3i. Here are the possible JPG resolution settings on the T3i:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/03_w09/837608/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T3i-JPG-resoluti.jpg" target="_blank" title="Canon EOS Rebel T3i JPG resolutions (20 KB)"><img alt="Canon EOS Rebel T3i JPG resolutions" class="file-block lazyload" style="max-width: 275px;" data-src="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/03_w09/837608/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T3i-JPG-resoluti.jpg" /></a>Btw, RAW images are always captured at the Large setting (the full/maximum 18MP of the camera). I agree with you that for most &quot;normal&quot; purposes, RAW is not needed — JPG is fine.<br />
<br />
Regards, Joe
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Canon-EOS-Rebel-T3i-JPG-resoluti.jpg

<div>
I managed to fix the problem of viewing thumbnails by opening the CR2 image with Windows Photo Gallery and downloading the correct codec. Once it is installed, the thumbnail images will show up in Windows Explorer.<br />
<br />
Just a thought on .jpg vs. RAW formats: as most of us know, if you modify a .jpg image, always save the original and modify a copy, since every subsequent modification will lead to some deterioration of the image. The advantage of RAW is, although it takes up much more space, it is like a 'negative' of the original image.
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<div>
I tried to use Picasa instead of Infranview and windows photo viewer and the thumbnail extra large still not show up till I click on it. then I am able to see that picture what it is.for now I only see Picasa logo on thumbnail<br />
<br />
thanks everyone
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<div>
Furthermore I will look into these setting on my camera to change to .JPG but for the pictures that I already had taken as raw what can I do to convert them JPG. Will I loose &nbsp;quality in the mages that I will take with JPEG &nbsp;next time I take pictures.
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<div>
&gt; for the pictures that I already had taken as raw what can I do to convert them JPG<br />
<br />
As I mentioned in this previous post (<a href="http:#a39896579" rel="ugc">http:#a39896579</a>), IrfanView can convert to JPG. Just open the CR2 file in IrfanView and then do a File&gt;Save As to JPG. As I showed earlier, the quality slider goes from 1 to 100. At a quality of 100, the JPG file will be large, but will be close in quality to the CR2.<br />
<br />
&gt;&nbsp;Will I lose quality in the images that I will take with JPEG next time I take pictures.<br />
<br />
If you set the JPG quality on the camera to Large, as I showed in this previous post (<a href="http:#a39897387" rel="ugc">http:#a39897387</a>), the pixel count will be 5184x3456, which is the maximum of the camera (18 megapixels) and the same as RAW. The JPG quality at that setting will be comparable to the RAW quality.<br />
<br />
Regards, Joe
</div>


<div>
&gt; I tried to use Picasa instead of IrfanView and windows photo viewer and the thumbnail extra large still not show up till I click on it. then I am able to see that picture what it is.for now I only see Picasa logo on thumbnail<br />
<br />
The confusion is whether you were talking about being able to view thumbnails of the CR2 images (presumably in a gallery or strip of thumbnails) or view the actual CR2 images. Regards, Joe
</div>


<div>
@joe <i>&gt;The JPG quality at that setting will be comparable to the RAW quality.</i><br />
<br />
I didn't know that, thanks!
</div>


<div>
basemkhawaja64 if you like to try it I provided 2 links to fastone <a href="http:#a39896627" rel="ugc">http:#a39896627</a><br />
which can also convert your raw CR2<br />
<a href="http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm" rel="ugc">http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm</a><br />
<br />
With regards to loss of quality not really if you keep the aspect ratio.<br />
The reason the raw is so big is because of the data it contains <br />
If you don't want to do any post processing, then you simply shoot in JPEG.<br />
Raw cannot be edited <br />
Taking a picture in Raw is only the first step in producing a quality image ready for printing, I simply use my other tools to enhance the photos.<br />
Paint dot net with it's huge array of plugins is priceless<br />
An example here on EE recently we were playing around with enhancing a photo to an oil painting. We illistrated Paint dot net and I posted the links.<br />
<a href="https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28371643/Where-can-I-source-software-for-converting-a-photo-into-an-oil-painting.html" rel="ugc">https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28371643/Where-can-I-source-software-for-converting-a-photo-into-an-oil-painting.html</a><br />
Raw vs JPEG For Photo Editing . You see the difference here<br />
<a href="http://www.photoshopessentials.com/photo-editing/raw-vs-jpeg-for-photo-editing/" rel="ugc">http://www.photoshopessentials.com/photo-editing/raw-vs-jpeg-for-photo-editing/</a><br />
You might find this infromative as it explains what the raw means<br />
The advantages and disadvantages of RAW as an image file and an output format from the camera<br />
<a href="http://www.photokonnexion.com/?page_id=6629" rel="ugc">http://www.photokonnexion.com/?page_id=6629</a>
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<div>
As long as we're providing links with information worth studying, one of my favorites is Wayne Fulton's excellent site, &quot;A few scanning tips&quot;:<br />
<a href="http://www.scantips.com/" rel="ugc">http://www.scantips.com/</a><br />
<br />
In particular, here are some must-read sections:<br />
<br />
Photographic Resolution - How much can we scan?<br />
<a href="http://www.scantips.com/basics08.html" rel="ugc">http://www.scantips.com/basics08.html</a><br />
<br />
Pixels, Printers, Video - What's With That?<br />
<a href="http://www.scantips.com/lights/pixels.html" rel="ugc">http://www.scantips.com/lights/pixels.html</a><br />
<br />
What is a digital image anyway?<br />
<a href="http://www.scantips.com/basics1b.html" rel="ugc">http://www.scantips.com/basics1b.html</a><br />
<br />
Regards, Joe
</div>


<div>
<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/03_w09/837683/Tips-Why-use-RAW.jpg" target="_blank" title="RAW vs. jpg vs. tif (76 KB)"><img alt="RAW vs. jpg vs. tif" class="file-block lazyload" style="max-width: 385px;" data-src="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/03_w09/837683/Tips-Why-use-RAW.jpg" /></a><a href="http://photo.net/learn/raw/" rel="ugc">http://photo.net/learn/raw/</a>
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Tips-Why-use-RAW.jpg

<div>
Ah, the Internet is a wonderful place:<br />
<a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/raw-vs-jpeg" rel="ugc">http://digital-photography-school.com/raw-vs-jpeg</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/raw.htm" rel="ugc">http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/raw.htm</a><br />
<br />
Regards, Joe
</div>


<div>
Another quick tip<br />
everyone here should learn about the edit comment, you know when you post your comment and think ah I forgot to mention then add another comment in a new box, that's two emails lol<br />
Every comment sends an email.<br />
do you know you can edit your last comment if no one has responded that edit is available.<br />
It opens your previous comment and you can add to it then post it with new addition<br />
I just opened my emails and there is 35 comments make this 36.<br />
I feel for basemkhawaja64.<br />
<br />
See I edited this comment &nbsp;and added a screenshot after I had posted my comment<br />
&nbsp;<a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/03_w09/837699/edit-comment.JPG" target="_blank" title="edit comment (68 KB)"><img alt="edit comment" class="file-block lazyload" style="max-width: 764px;" data-src="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2014/03_w09/837699/edit-comment.JPG" /></a>
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edit-comment.JPG

<div>
<div class="content wysiwyg-content">
I have pictures that I had taken with my Canon T3i Rebel, they have a .CR2 file extension. I am using Picasa as a photo viewer. When I choose to view them as extra large icons the pictures do not show up rather an icon with 2 green trees and a dessert background and blue show on the icon and I would have to click on it to see what the picture is. It does not do that with JPG file extensions . any solution to show the pictures .
</div>
</div>


I have pictures that I had taken with my Canon T3i Rebel, they have a .CR2 file extension. I am using Picasa as a photo viewer. When I choose to view them as extra large icons the pictures do not show up rather an icon with 2 green trees and a dessert background and blue show on the icon and I would have to click on it to see what the picture is. It does not do that with JPG file extensions . any solution to show the pictures .

.cr2,canon

Windows 7 is an operating system from Microsoft. Features include multi-touch support, a redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar, referred to as the Superbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup, and performance improvements.

Windows 7

Photo and imaging software is used to edit and compose raster images; Adobe Photoshop dominates the market. Common actions include cropping, slicing, retouching, color replacement, masking and erasing. Other programs include GIMP, Serif PhotoPlus, Pixlr, PhotoScape, Picasa and IrfanView.

Photos / Graphics Software

Photo and imaging software is used to edit and compose raster images; Adobe Photoshop, which dominates the market, has its own topic. Common actions include cropping, slicing, retouching, color replacement, masking and erasing. Other programs include Apple Photo, Corel PaintShop Pro, GIMP, Serif PhotoPlus, Pixlr, PhotoScape, Picasa and IrfanView.