Using shapes directly on 3d model (ps cs4)

I have been expermimenting a bit with the 3d thing, and also thanks to the great explanations of Robin Sojourner I came pretty far, and made already some nice skins with it.
Now... I readed somethig about the use of shapes, and since there are great shapes (and brushes) to get, I worked with that also. IN the beginning, I was able to "drop"a shape directly on the model, and then it sort of sticked to it. I have no idea what happened meanwhole, my 3d model was one day all weird, only some strokes at the screen,and since then I never managed to repeat what I did. Now, it only is a layer that doesnt really "paint"on the model, like I did before.
I hope somebody has an idea what I did wrong? Some settings?

nobody??

I'm not quite sure what you're asking. Can you describe the problem a different way?

Sylvana I think you need to ensure that you saved the file with the textures all together...the mesh and the applied textures, such as the files that Robin made available. Create an addtiional layer in those head, torso, and leg textures in that file, and then resave. So this if you have the model open but do not seem to be able to paint directly on it. It has lost it's links to the associated textures.

Beyond this, I have noticed that photoshop gets confused now and then, and does not render the model correctly or show what is painted on it correctly. I'm not sure if this is a file corruption issue or not, but it has prompted me to save backups more frequently than I usually do as I occasionally cannot get the file to render correctly no matter what I do, and have to abandon it for a previously saved version.

From what I've observed, it's a memory issue. If you've got less than 4GB of RAM, PS will sometimes disassociate the 2D texture from the 3D model. Once that happens, changes on one will no longer update on the other. The only recourse at that point, as you said, is to close the file, and open an earlier version.

On machines with 4GB of RAM or more, I've never seen that happen, not even once. 8GB really is ideal, from what I've experienced. With 4GB, it doesn't malfunction, but it can still be a little sluggish at times. With 8GB, it flies, no problems at all.

Obviously, this means people with 32-bit operating systems need to be very careful to remember to save very, very often. If you're on 32-bit, hit ctrl-S at least once every couple of minutes as you work.

If you're on 64-bit, invest in as much RAM as your motherboard can take. RAM is so cheap, there's no reason not to.

ok, thanks. I do have all saved as one file, used Robin's for that. And yes, have new blank layers, on which I "paint" But will restart again, and see..

The memory; I have 4 GB memory, but I can remember it did gave me a warning on some graphical settings? Not sure...will see if I can find a log or something, that gives the warning/error. Thanks so far!

Is all 4GB usable? Just so you know, it's a common sales gimmick these days to include 4GB of RAM physically in computers that are sold with 32-bit operating systems, even though the OS won't be capable of using all of it. To use all 4, you need a 64-bit OS. What OS are you using?

Hi, I dont know..I do think its 32? where can I see? Its a laptop, and it works ok, when using e.g. SL, PS and Firefox all together..

I made a new 3d file, used robins model, "assigned"the correct layers to the head, upper and lower... but still cant paint on the 3d model..

That dovetails with my experience. I recently installed XP64 and added two more gigs of memory and have not had the problem I mentioned since that upgrade.