OK, so my virus is gone.  Reloaded all of my software and I have a question about DPI.  I open my old files that were on the computer before the whole sick computer thing and in PS, they are reading 300 dpi (2336x3504 pixels).  The new photos I have taken are reading at 96 dpi.  When I switch the dpi to 300, it makes the file size 7300x10950 pixels.  Can someone direct me as to what I need to do?  Thanks in advance!

 Sara

Tom.....thanks so much!  Whew....I have had a week from *ell!  First a broken water pipe, then a computer virus, and today my outside front door decided to give me grief and I had to call a locksmith.  It is one thing after another:(  I appreciate you!!!

Sara

Sara,

Sorry to hear about your tough week!  Did you change your computer monitor resolution when you reinstalled, because 96dpi sounds like a high resolution computer monitor setting.  Maybe 1200x800 or something along those lines?

Generally you don't need to mess with dpi or ppi.  Changing it can cause problems and it doesn't really mean anything in most cases.  It is more or less a tag for the printer.

The main thing you don't want to be doing it accidentally changing your original image size as an unexpected byproduct of messing with resolution.

The thing that really matter is image size in pixels.  Our cameras are producing very solid image sizes and we don't need to mess with resolution.  Mpix determines the resolution when you upload based on the size of the image you are ordering.  Since your images are 2336 x 3504 you can basically print up to about 12 x 18 and be fine.  Maybe even a little beyond that and look alright.

Otherwise, I generally advise not messing with resolution unless you have a specific reason to do so...