Can't update Photoshop Elements 12

[bw23198]

I reformatted my computer on 01-01-18.  I installed the latest build of Windows 10 Pro 64-bit.  Afterwards I installed Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 from a downloaded installer that I have used in the past.  Photoshop Elements installed just fine.  However, Photoshop Elements thinks there are no updates for it whenever I try to update it through the help menu.  I know I'm not running the latest updates for 12 since my camera raw files are not supported.  Previous to the computer being reformatted I had no issue with the camera raw files. 

According to help | about I am running Photoshop Elements/Organizer 12 (20130925.r.43436).  How can I update this to the latest version of 12 if the product does not see any updates through the automatic update in the help menu?

-Brian

[kglad]

update by downloading the files directly and then applying them:  http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/

[bw23198]

I tried that option but that link only shows updates through version 10.  I have Photoshop Elements 12 which is not listed on that page.

[John T Smith]

Did you check for RAW updates, not PSE updates?

[bw23198]

The latest camera raw update on that link appears to be camera raw 7.1 update.  I have camera raw v8.0 (which was included with Photoshop Elements 12).  I need camera raw 8.3.  I can't seem to find a standalone file to update either Photoshop Elements 12 or camera raw to version 8.3.

I should be able to update to camera raw 8.5 by using the Help | updates... option within Photoshop Elements 12.  This is the only option I have seen for obtaining the update.  I just don't understand why this option thinks there are no updates.  This option has worked fine for me in the past whenever I've had to reformat my hard drive.

[kglad · Accepted solution]

adobe apparently changes and/or retires update servers so it's common for updates to fail when using help>update with older programs.  also system and router settings may play a factor.

you can try posting on the pse forum and see any of the experts there have a suggestion for you.

and in any case, you can use the dng converters:

Win
Mac

[Superlevure]

I'm in the same situation as the OP.

I've just bought a new camera (the latest Fuji) and RAW files are not compatible with Photoshop 15.

Using the DNG converter is hardly a vix. I feel like I'm compelled to buy the latest version of the program.

Not cool.

[John Waller]

Using the DNG converter is hardly a vix.

Some history puts some context around this.

Adobe predicted this exact scenario that you're rightly complaining about in the early 2000s.

Around 2003, Adobe created the open DNG format and offered it to the photographic community for free. All camera manufacturers had to do was include it in the camera settings (Save to DNG). Then all software would be able to read all DNG files going forward - new cameras included. No-one would be forced to update or upgrade their software. Good idea?

But...

The camera manufacturers have mostly ignored the DNG format preferring to offer cameras with proprietary file formats - every model from every camera maker has a different Raw file format (same file extension, different format).

Adobe has to decode every single new camera file format and update Camera Raw for every single new camera model. Adobe does not have unlimited resources to do this forever but they dutifully keep releasing Camera Raw updates for free. No charge. Sounds cool.

The trade off is that Adobe does not offer Camera Raw updates for new cameras for older versions of their software. Seem fair? (unless you've got old software and a brand new camera of course). This of course inconveniences Adobe customers and makes Adobe look like the bad guy.

So, where does the blame lie for inconvenience to customers due to new Raw file formats: with Adobe or the camera makers?

[Test Screen Name]

So, yes, you need to buy it. Or should Adobe work for free? That would amount to Adobe subsidizing all the unhelpful camera makers.