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I am curious if I will lose all my old software with this update.
Not only will CS4 not run on a modern Mac, you can't even install on an old operating system
The CS2-CS3-CS4 activation servers have been removed from service
-https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html?promoid=19SCDRQK
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Also, will I lose my files?
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No CS4 is long dead and won't run on Big Sur. From Catalina onwards, 32-bit applications were discarded by MAC and CS4 falls in this category of application besides being not supported by Adobe any longer. With regards to files, if you are upgrading in place then you won't lose them, to be safe do make a copy of the files on an external drive.
-Manan
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I’m in a similar position whereby my 2013 MacBook Pro was stolen and now need to buy a new machine. Sounds like the latest and greatest won’t work, so you think if I go for a MacBook that runs Mojave or older, I might have a shot at installing my old CS4 discs?
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You may be able to install, but you will not be able to activate CS4 and use the software! "long dead"
As stated by @John T Smith "The CS2-CS3-CS4 activation servers have been removed from service"
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Ok thanks.
So if were able to purchase CS 5/6 I might be able to install and activate on MacOS Mojave or older?
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Creative Suite is no longer legally sold by any vendor, retailer or country. Beware of pirates selling fake copies online. Non-genuine software can put and your new computer at great risk from malware & ransomware. Way too much risk with no reward.
Even if you had previously purchased legitimate CS6 software when it was still available, the legacy installers are not compatible with Sierra, High Sierra or Mojave without terminal workarounds. And they absolutely won't work on Catalina, Big Sur or beyond.
Face it, you need modern software that's compatible with new equipment and operating systems.
MODERN OPTIONS:
Photoshop Elements or Premier Elements (approx $100, no subscription needed).
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html
Creative Cloud Photography Plan (approx $10/month for 12 months). Includes the folowing:
- Photoshop CC and Photoshop on iPad
- Lightroom on desktop, mobile and the web
- Lightroom Classic
- Portfolio website + hosting
- Spark with premium features
- Bridge
- 20 GB cloud storage (upgradable to 1 TB).
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html
Creative Cloud All Apps (51 + apps & services) and Single Apps Plans
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html
=============
Beware of fake Adobe reps who may contact you privately offering to sell you software or take control of your computer. It's a scam, run away!
=============
3 Easy Ways to Identify Genuine Adobe Staff
https://tinyurl.com/10791730
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Thanks Nancy
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If you can't afford Creative Cloud, use FREE or low cost alternatives
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Or a CC subscription might become more viable if I bought an older machine. Would there potentially be any constraints in accessing my CS 4 generated files using CC apps?
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Hi @jamiep67598753,
Documents created using a previous version are compatible with the later versions of InDesign. So your CS4 documents should open fine in CC versions.
-Manan
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Thanks Manan
Sounds promising...
And this would be irrespective of how new the hardware/MacOS is?
I understand there are minimum system requirements the other way.
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Creative Cloud constantly updates the system requirements. It won't run on old Mac systems.
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Whatever version of CC application your MAC will able to support, contingent on the minimum system requirements it will be able to open the CS4 document. The key is if you are able to install/launch a later version of InDesign on your MAC you will be able to open and edit documents that were created using an earlier version of InDesign.
One point here to note is that Adobe officially supports just the last two major versions of the app. So for InDesign, it would be CC2021 and CC2020, make your MAC purchase decisions keeping in mind this information.
-Manan
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You’re correct, I can’t really afford it right now, and making a 12 month commitment doesn’t seem like a viable option when I might not able to generate enough to cover the subscription...
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Then why are you obsessed with buying an Apple machine? You get a lot more bang for your buck with a good Windows PC for a lot less money. Windows can run old & new apps, no problem. Apple can't. With Apple, you're forever chasing that illusive carrot on a stick. With Win, not so much.
The M1 chip is expensive Apple hype aimed at a luxury class of consumers with disposable income. You do NOT NEED THIS to run Creative Cloud software. Moreover, you'll have far less aggravation without it. Let common sense guide you. Focus on what's essential and affordable right now. 6-12 months from now, you can re-assess your situation, hopefully with more money in the bank. 🙂
Whatever you decide, I wish you success & best of luck.
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Thanks Nancy
Youre possibly right, however about 12 years ago I started down the Apple path and now I’m in deep into their ecosystem, obviously no Mac, but there’s the iPhone, the iPad, iCloud, plus all my design and music files on hard drive which is Mac formatted...
BTW I did used to have CS 5.5 on my new work PC, just found it much easier, more intuitive and reliable to use CS 4 on my own iMac that was a few years older. Probably just the old dog in me!
Thank you for your help.
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I also have iPhone, iPad, etc... but I don't need to support Apple's fancy schmancy M1 when we can get a state of the art workstation optimized for Photoshop that does more for less money. Apple iTunes music easily converts to MP3, so that's a non-issue.
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Not only will CS4 not run on a modern Mac, you can't even install on an old operating system
The CS2-CS3-CS4 activation servers have been removed from service
-https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html?promoid=19SCDRQK