I've had the same problem since I got ImageStudio 2008, when I click File->Open the program closes. I've searched and tried everything I saw in trying to solve this problem but to no avail. Finally I tried a fresh install of Windows XP then installed ImageStudio 2008 and guest what, It worked for me.
The next thing I did was install the other software application I have, and try running ImageStudio 2008 after each installation. I found the application that's causing problem, It's the Microsoft Office 2007, when I uninstalled it and tried the ImageStudio 2008, I was able to Open files again, so I guess this one is causing problem on my end.
I'm going to try and install the Office 2007 one application at a time (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc...) to see which program causes the problem to arise. I'll let you know what I find.
I hope this helps...