Brush Tool problem

[KonradA]

I have Photoshop CS5 and use the Brush Tool a lot when I edit photos. I use especially the function where I press ALT + right mouse button so that I can adjust the size of the brush and the hardness/thickness or what ever it is called. When I do that I get a red indicator showing me how hard the brush is, but now for some reason I don't get the red indicator anymore. I just see a transparent circle. Does anyone know what could be the cause of the problem and how to fix it?

[hawkeye]

Deleting the PS preferences has been known to cure odd behavior.

[KonradA]

Deleting the PS preferences has been known to cure odd behavior.

Thanks for the tip, but how do I do that? And is there a way to make a backup in case this method wouldn't work?

[hawkeye]

Hold down ctrl+alt+shift while starting PS, click yes when it asks.

[KonradA]

Is there any way to make a backup?

[Steve]

You can locate and rename it.
Unfortunately different versions as well as different OS's put the file in different places.
The name isn't always the same either.

Photoshop CS2
Functions, names, and locations of preferences files (Photoshop CS2, ImageReady CS2)
Photoshop CS3
Functions, names, and locations of preference files in Photoshop CS3
Photoshop CS4
Functions, names, and locations of preferences files in Photoshop CS4
Photoshop CS5
Preference file functions, names, locations | Photoshop CS5

[KonradA]

Thank you so much for your help so far but unfortunately the reset of PS preferences did not work as anticipated. Reminding myself I want to believe that this problem occured when I installed new graphics drivers. Could this be a clue? I noticed that I no longer can press the "R" key to rotate the picture. The message I receive is: "Could not complete your request because it only works with OpenGL enabled document windows.".

[Steve]

If OpenGL is grayed out but it worked with the old driver that means your card supports it.
If this problem started when you updated your video driver then roll back the driver and see what happens.