Small Photoshop problem (polygonal lasso tool)

[herowithoutacape]

I want to preface this by saying yes, I know i should be using the pen tool more, but I'm still not quite comfortable enough with it yet, even though I'm learning it in my Illustrator class.

The problem I'm having is the polygonal lasso tool is ending the path before I'm actually done "drawing" it out. The screen flashes for a second just before it does it, and I've recently noticed an icon pops up for a split second on my task bar. I'm using CS3 on Win 7. Is it maybe a screen refresh rate issue? It's getting extremely frustrating 

[AfghanAnt]

I'm using CS3 on Win 7 and I have never heard of or see this flashing screen problem.

I would really advise the pen tool. It gives you so much more control. Plus it would be practice for class.

[murs47]

I would really advise the pen tool. It gives you so much more control. Plus it would be practice for class.

Agreed.

As for your lasso problem, it may be a memory issue. I had this same problem on my previous rig. Same problem can also happen with an unlicensed version of Photoshop.

[daglob]

Are you using a mouse or a tablet? Either one could be wearing out or have a loose connection (basically, it loses contact and the computer reads that as the end of the line). I just junked a mouse because it kept losing the connection and giving the computer the wrong commands.

I wouldn't imagine that you aren't old enough to have your finger "stutter".

And while I learned the "selection to path" technique first (and use it most often), Murs and AA are right-pen tool gives you more control and is probably the better technique.

Yeah, yeah, I know, "What do you mean 'probably'".

[herowithoutacape]

A memory issue would kind of make sense, though I don't know where to start looking into that. I've got 4 gigs, and nothing else is giving me problems. Also, for what it's worth, it seems like it only happens when I'm zoomed in at 300% or higher for finer detail. As for the version, I bought both the Design and Web Standard suites (student version) through school.

The mouse is new (wired optical), and I've already checked all the settings on it. I'm hoping the wife takes the hint I've been dropping the last couple months for a tablet  

All that aside, yeah, I think I'll just bite the bullet and go with the pen tool.

Edit: One thing I forgot to mention is that it seems to do it the most if i take "too long" (meaning a few seconds) to put down the next anchor point.