purchased CS4 isn't recognised in adobe creative cloud

[spiritlevel]

Hi, I purchased CS4 way back in 2008.  I have been using it on my old Mac which has just died.  I have now upgraded to a new mac and went to install the software but when I sign in to Adobe Creative cloud I am told I can only access free software.  I was expecting to have to pay something to upgrade but I can't even get to that point where the previous license I purchased is recognised?  Not sure where I am meant to be looking?

[John T Smith]

For CS6 back to CS4 you may download ONLY if you bought direct from Adobe via download
-Log-in to your account and click this link https://account.adobe.com/products
--click Order history on the left and then the link to your order that will show on the right
--and finally click the link "Downloads and serial numbers" that will appear
---as always, write the serial number in a text file AND copy that text file and the
---download file(s) to an external drive (or two) to be sure you have what you need
-if you did not buy direct from Adobe via download you must find your original install
-if you have an Education or volume license you MUST use your original media
--the link for an Education or volume license download is not available at all
-if you bought a disc and don't have a drive you will need to buy an external USB drive
-if you bought and lost a disc Adobe does not provide a replacement via download
-if you bought a download from a 3rd party vendor you will need to contact that vendor

HOWEVER... CS4 will not install or run on a Mac with Catalina

[spiritlevel]

Thank you John, I will try this.

I have the discs in the original box and I also have a disc reader so I will see how I go.

[Peru Bob · Accepted solution]

There is no upgrade pricing for Creative Cloud.

CS4 won't run on Catalina.

[Nancy OShea]

There is no upgrade path because Creative Suite is End of Life.  No longer supported or sold legally by any vendor, retailer or country. 

NOTE 1: Creative Suite installers won't work on macOS Sierra, High Sierra or Mojave without terminal workarounds.
https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/install-creative-suite-mac-os-sierra.html

NOTE 2:  CS4 is not compatible with Catalina.  Apple ended support for 32-bit apps.

MODERN OPTIONS:
Photoshop or Premier Elements 2020 (approx $100, no subscription needed)
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

Creative Cloud Photography Plan (approx $10/month for 1 year subscription)
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

Creative Cloud All Apps Plan (31 + apps & services)
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!
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3 Easy Ways to Identify Genuine Adobe Staff
https://tinyurl.com/10791730

[spiritlevel]

Thanks so much Nancy, all clear now.  When you haven't had to think about purchasing it for 10 plus years, you kind of miss all the other things that happen during that time!!

[Nancy OShea · Accepted solution]

Creative Cloud is a separate service.  It has nothing to do with legacy Creative Suite products.