Just to share a solution to a BIG problem today.
FontExplorer by Linotype doesn't get along with either InDesign, or Font Reserve - don't know which. After spending all afternoon on a document, I tried opening it later in the evening, and InDesign crashed - not once, but over & over. Restarts-same thing. Repair permissions-same thing. I noticed that an ornament font I've used regularly couldn't be "found" after I managed to get a file open.

My hunch was that FontExplorer was the problem. Deleted it, and located all the "pieces" I could find on the drive, including the InDesign plugin and Application Support files.

As of now, everything's back to normal. The ornament font works fine, docs open, etc.

Perhaps the 2 font managers created some kind of conflict - don't know.

P.S. - Also ran FontCacheCleaner after deleting FontExplorer. It requires a restart.

The problem is with using two font management apps at the same time. With FontExplorer, you can choose whether or not to use the Adobe plug-ins to activate fonts automatically. I have never had a problem with it. I tried Font Reserve before Linotype released Explorer, and I remember that I found it buggy and intrusive.

Thanks Phyl.
For the time being I'll stick with Font Reserve. It has never blocked any fonts, including a couple of new ones purchased online about a year & half ago. When I downloaded a FontExplorer update not too long ago, the first thing it did was disable one of those new fonts. NOTHING would get it back, even though I verified that it was in the right places on the drive.

For some reason, the "problem" document was created in InDesign without FontExplorer active, but when I tried to reopen the document, that was when Explorer wanted to take over and everything went haywire.

Appreciate your input.

Mary Jo and Phyllis:

If you are available for a few moments before the next meeting, would it be possible to discuss Font management briefly. I have been a PC user all my life, and understood the font management of mac in Classic using ATM. I will be converting all of my design capability to the MACs in the household very soon.

Short of sequestering my PC based clients to the PC's in the network which have all of the PC needed fonts; I'm just a bit challenged on how fonts reside and act in OSX. My intent to transfer all the work to the mac side hinges on my comprehension of this ONE perceptive flaw in cross platforming fonts. I know that suggestions have been made on downloading certain programs, however, I was reluctant to do so until I absolutely had to. I always feel the need to complete projects before changing anything in my setup if it's working - until I understand how the fix relates to the PC end.

I have not upgraded to Leopard and am using 10.4.11 on all the macs at the moment. If I have a shortcoming in approaching everything from the Mac point of view, FONT MANAGEMENT is it. I am enthusiastically attempting to remedy this.

Chris, I'd be happy to spend some time with you. You might also want to take a look at one of Sharon Zardetto Aker's ebooks on font management. She's one of the best in this department. She has 3 Take Control ebooks dealing with Tiger, Leopard and Troubleshooting.
http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/fonts-macosx.html
You can also get a 10% discount with the coupon code MACSANTA07TEN through December 31st. They have sample PDFs of each of the books so you can get an idea of what they cover.

OMG Phyllis. This book is a godsend. After reading the glossary of the chapters, it addresses all of my confusion about font management on mac. This has been the "MISSING LINK" for me. I'm going to order it from amazon pronto.

This is exactly what I've been searching for. Thanks so much. You have NO IDEA how huge a barrier this whole FONT comprehension snafu has been for me coming over to the mac side. Look forward to thanking you in person at the next meeting. I can see this book is fundamental reading for anyone who makes the transition from PC to the Mac and especially vital to me. Thanks again.

____

Just a quick sidebar off the main topic...

The "Take Control" eBooks are published by TidBITS Publishing. TidBITS, a weekly Mac newsletter, is one of the longest-running periodicals (of any kind) on the internet, published by Adam Engst. Adam has been a guest presenter at MacGroup meetings, and TidBITS is one of the better sources of useful, up-to-date information about Apple and the Mac. He started the "Take Control" series just a few years ago to fill a need for portable, concise expert knowledge on individual topics, and it appears to have become a great success for Adam and his crew. Phyllis has pointed out the site, Take Control Books from which titles may be ordered/downloaded. You may find among them others that are useful to both Mac newbies as well as experienced users. I'm sure many in MacGroup will agree that supporting Adam and TidBITS makes for good Mac Karma.

Chris - Since you addressed your request to include me, wanted to respond. Phyl is definitely the expert here on fonts, and her suggestion for a reference is excellent.

Font Reserve (the one I have) is pretty much defunct in terms of support. It was bought out by (????) - the company that now produces "Suitcase," I think.

I am not a pro designer as you are, and sometimes I think a Font Manager for average Mac users (meaning NOT pro designers) is not really necessary, especially with the Mac OS FontBook app now included with newer systems.

Mary Jo, Chuck, Phyllis: Happy New Year.

I received my amazon delivery of Real World Mac OS X Fonts by Sharon Zardetto Aker. I added the book Real World Print Production as well. This is illuminating reading, and will serve my needs well.

I've bookmarked Tidbits, Chuck and thank you for the valuable link. All of the information I've received from Mac Group has aided me, and allowed me to adjust my PC indoctrinated brain (and PC hardware/software) to transition to the Mac side. I will be transitioning ALL my work to MAC very soon, when I get a second INTEL machine.

You are all pro's in my book. MUG-Detroit has become such a wonderful haven for all of us to share and expand what we know. There are many instances (in the real world-business environment) where skillsets and knowledge is NOT freely shared. Some situations have taken the "FUN" out of the creative process in favor of speed and efficiency, not to mention the dwindling bottom line.

As I look back on my pre-MUG-Detroit days, I remember having an uncertainty in my ability to keep up with technology and it's demands to remain in touch with the status quo and state of the art way of doing things.

Since joining in June 2007, I've become an integral member of my team on the job, unafraid to try new things, and will eventually be responsible for assisting others into making transitions that new applications will require.

So if there is ever any endorsement needed for folks unsure about joining this group, I'm living proof of what 7 months can do after joining.

Terry White and all of the members as well as IBBS participants, make it possible to succeed, and making new friends has been an immeasureable bonus.

THANKS. Chris

Quote from Chris:"Some situations have taken the "FUN" out of the creative process"

Why is it that Macs are ALWAYS fun, even when you have some problems to solve? Does anyone know of PC users who are having so much "fun" that they flock to a user group (or even form one, for that matter) to share the experience?

GOOD POINT.

When I finally fire the PC's (except for gaming) things will make more sense. Years of PC use ... have given me bad habits. Macs change your way of thinking .. and perspective.

Took this horse to water ... sipping sipping and tasting the advice.