Please help CR2 conversion- going slightly crazy

Hi guys,
Please don't flame me. I'm sure this is answered somewhere in here. I've been through the FAQ's and nothing seems to answer my question simply and/or it misses one step in the process of what I'm trying to do. I feel like I'm going around in circles.

I have the Rebel XT (350D) and I simply want to get the *%#$ CR2 files that I've downloaded onto my HD and do whatever I need to do with them, so that I can start using them as RAW in PSCS2. These are the things I know so far and the things I'm getting REALLY confused with.

1. I've followed some threads where they intimate that you can do everything in CS2 from word go. Adobe says it supports CR2 and the Rebel. I've tried opening my files in CS2- no luck. I've heard people talking about CS2 RAW Converter and can't find anything that resembles it or anything in the help menu about it.

2. I've seen reference to the need to convert the file to RAW. I've downloaded all of the sofware that came with my camera and have FINALLY been able to see SOMETHING of my image in "Digital Photo Professional". The only options it gives me to save though, is jpegs and tiffs.

3. I've downloaded IrfanView and that apparently doesn't do the conversion either.

Please confirm for me the "process" I'm supposed to go through:
1. Take a fantastic, award-winning photo (ha ha)
2. Upload my photos onto HD (OK, all straightforward so far)
3. Convert CR2 file to RAW (this is where I'm not clear- what program do I use?)
4. Open RAW file in CS2 or other program
5. Utilise incredible tools to make image even better
6. Save as.... save as what?

If there is already something in the forum that explains this, I apologise. I'm sure it's the fact that I being blinded by my frustration!
Please just forward me the link if it already exists.
Thanks in advance.

I'm a little confused here as you say you have CR2 files and want to convert them. I have both a Rebel and a 20d, the Rebel takes CRW while the 20d takes CR2. They are both RAW file formats and if you have CS2 it is capable of working with either one just fine without conversions.

I have a mixture of all CR2 and CRW and treat them all for what they are, RAW format from Canon. I even deal with Panasonic RAW formats with no problems.

Perhaps I am misunderstanding what the real problem is.

CR2 files are RAW. So: File... Open... choose Files Of Type: Camera RAW (from the drop-down) and click on one of the CR2 files. That will start up the ACR (Adobe Camera RAW) converter - give it a few seconds.

If that gives you errors or something perhaps you need to update Photoshop? That is, perhaps it doesn't support the Rebel XT version of CR2 files? Check here: http://www.adobe.com …oduct=39&platfo​rm=Windows

When you open a .CR2 file in PSCS2 or Bridge, it should bring up the Adobe Camera Raw window. This lets you make preliminary adjustments and then save as a .psd or .tiff file for work in PSCS2.

I use Bridge to get the .CR2 files onto my HD. Then I open the files from within Bridge into Camera Raw. I adjust the exposure and save as a .psd file. Then I open the .psd file in PSCS2 and do my post-processing.

When I try and open it in CS2, it says "Could not complete your request because it is not the right type of document".

This problem has occurred with others and they upgraded to fix the problem. Follow Scottes link above and it should fix it.

Okedoke. Thanks, I'll give that a try. Just out of curiosity, what do people use if they don't have PS?

Many use Raw Shooter Premium 2006 and try to do most of their post-processing in RAW format. Others use PS Elements, ACDSee, etc. There are a ton of programs that will do image processing.

Thanks for your help. I went to your link Scottes and used the download "Camera Raw 3.3 Beta update"
Followed the instructions and everything is much cheerier in my house now.