Allowing new masking tools to work on much older previously masked files, a solution.

I found a solution to the following, and thought I'd share (not sure what "conversation type"): 

Maybe a no-brainer to anyone else, but I was trying to re-work a DNG file in Camera Raw 2024 that was previously masked in Camera Raw in 2014. The only masking options available were the old ones (brush, linear & radial gradient). None of the newer options, like selecting people, objects, etc. 

However, if I selected a DNG file from outtakes of the same photo session that was never masked or otherwise adjusted, the new options WERE available. I've tried deleting the older masks from Camera Raw; that didn't make a difference.

A much too long chat with Adobe support suggested trying older versions of Bridge - no change.  Finally, suggested resetting preferences in Camera Raw, but I ran out of time, and wasn't able to continue the chat, (but asked to email the proceedure - have yet to get an email). That said, resetting preferences in Camera Raw for the file in question removed all previous settings, including masking, taking the file back to its original state (open file in CR, click on the three dots on the left,  then right near the top of the list "reset to default"). 

Now the new masking tools are working just fine. 

Windows 11,  Bridge 2025, Photoshop Beta

Hope this helps.