Here's how a user that is running off of a networked home directory can fix the Adobe Photoshop 7 startup freeze/hang when it tries to autoupdate with the following window:
"Updating Adobe Online Componenets from Adobe.com.
Downloading: File 2 of 2...
No personal informaiton is being transmited.
File: AWEDBFiles4.awe
To MacintoshHD:Library:App...ion Support:Adobe:Web:"
Other sources say that it is a sporatic problem with Adobe's autoupdate server. Unfortunately this problem keeps the program from launching, and the odds of Adobe updating version 7 to 7.0.2 is nill, so why check?
My fix will also work for users of non-networked Home directories as well, but they can work around it by disconecting from the network and launching Photoshop then reconnecting. Not a choice for those whose prefrences reside on the network, as this will also cause a hang on launch. As a note for those with local home directories that might stumble accross this, to easily turn this off after you have launched off the network, read this thread on Adobe's forums (Adobe login required).
Actual Instructions:
1 0 1 2 10 1152111283 "Path:to:Homedir:Desktop" ... 1 0 1 2 10 1152111283 "Path:to:Homedir:Desktop" ...Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20060705140203252