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Bradley22564628e0v0
Participant
January 8, 2022
Question

Use old Photoshop on New [Windows] Computer

  • January 8, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 3992 views

I recently got a new computer and was adding things to it that I have on my old one (12 years old). 

I was able to install my old Illustrator 10 from the disk, but not my old Photoshop disk I have (no code/serial # for it).

Is there a way to use my old Photoshop (6.0)? Can I download/copy it somehow from my old computer? I don't seem to have a code for it (like Illustrator) and have not registered it.

 

I'd be willing to get a somewhat never version, but do not want to pay a stupid subscription. I only use these programs a few times a year, so not worth buying and then having to keep paying for something I own. Can I buy a CS2/3, and use those without a subscription?

 

Thanks for any help!

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2 replies

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 8, 2022

>>I recently got a new computer and was adding things to it that I have on my old one (12 years old). 

You neglected to even say what type of computer it was.

 

>>Is there a way to use my old Photoshop (6.0)? Can I download/copy it somehow from my old computer? 

No. (Even with the install disk, it would probably not install correctly.)

 

>>...but do not want to pay a stupid subscription. 

Either get Photoshop Elements as Jane-e mentioned.

If it's more of a money issue, take a look at open-source software such as GIMP and InkScape. 

 

>>Can I buy a CS2/3, and use those without a subscription?

It would be difficult to find a legal copy. There is a 99.9% chance that anything you will find will be bootleg or malware laden. 

If your new computer is a Mac, forget it--it won't run. It it's Windows, it will be a major problem to run with major glitches and crash constantly. You would not be able to ask Adobe for support and most likely, the forums wouldn't be able to help you once they hear your software version and ask your OS version. 

 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
B
Bradley22564628e0v0Author
Participant
January 9, 2022

It's a CyberPower one. Not a Mac.

 

I don't know anything about Photoshop Elements (or that open source software), but might have to check them out.

 

I'd don't need support. Just to be able to adjust/edit pictures/photos once in a while and have always used photoshop for that. My 20 year old version did that on my old coputer for 12 years just fine. Feel that it should be able to on my new computer or a newer version should, but sounds like that's not possible.

 

Thanks for the reply.

jane-e
Community Expert
jane-eCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 9, 2022
@Bradley22564628e0v0 wrote:

Feel that it should be able to on my new computer or a newer version should, but sounds like that's not possible.

 

I don't use Windows, but I have heard that some folks have gotten older versions of PS installed on Windows. I'm not sure about PS6. The OS  and hardware is what can stop the installation. In your case, however, you did not register the software and you don't have the serial number, so it won't be possible to try.

 

Jane

jane-e
Community Expert
jane-eCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 8, 2022

@Bradley22564628e0v0 

 

Photoshop is subscription only, and Adobe offers the current version and the one previous. The activation servers for CS2 and CS3 were shut down a long time ago. Your choices are:

You can get a free trial for each. Be sure to cancel if it doesn't work out.

  • You can look outside of Adobe. Do a Google search for alternatives.

 

"then having to keep paying for something I own."

To clarify, what you own is a license to use the software. You never own the software itself.

 

Jane

    B
    Bradley22564628e0v0Author
    Participant
    January 9, 2022

    Thanks for replying.

     

    But buing something, and having to keep paying is stupid.
    I buy Computer games, Video games, Movies, and Everything else ONCE (unless I want a newer version). Why should I buy a program for my computer and have to pay multiple times (even when I don't use it)? That doesn't make sense.

    Since I only occasionally use it (sometimes not for several months), I'm not wanting to waste money being charged all the time.

    I've used Photoshop for 20 years, but if there's no way to get a version of it to just use what I buy, I guess I will have to look at other similar options. That's too bad.

      jane-e
      Community Expert
      jane-eCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 9, 2022

      You're welcome, @Bradley22564628e0v0 . 

       

      Adobe isn't the only company with subscriptions. Microsoft Office, Quicken, and Parallels have all moved to subscription. You might start with the trial for Microsoft Photoshop Elements 2022 and buy a license to use that if you decide you like it. I don't use it personally, but I've read about some folks who only upgrade when they buy a new computer that doesn't support their 10- or 12-year-old software.

       

      Another option is that you can continue using what you have as long as you keep the same hardware and OS and as long as nothing fails.

       

      And just in case you ever need it in the future: know that there is one Photoshop subscription that is not annual. It's monthly at a higher rate (31.49 per month), but the advantage is that it is not an annual contract so it can be cancelled at any time. You could use it for one month, for example.

       

      Jane

       

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