Opening old Pagemaker files

[omarvance]

Is there a way to open old Pagemaker files in any other program?  I'm using Windows 10 64 bit.  I cannot get PM6.5 to install even in compatability mode as admin.  Indesgn 2 says all my files are corrupt for some reason.  Is there a way to get Pagemaker to install on a 64bit system or something else that will open it?

[barbara_a]

InDesign CS6 or earlier can open PageMaker files.

There is a software called 'File Magic' that purports to open PageMaker files. I can't vouch for it since I've not used File Magic myself.

[barbara_a]

There is a post that addresses this issue. I hope you find some suggestions helpful.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign/pagemaker-7-0-and-windows-10/m-p/7495018#M24844

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

Can you clarify what version of InDesign are you using? (InDesign 2 is almost 20 years old itself so that seems suspect)

Your options are basically nil if you don't have CS6 or less. None of the CC versions do the conversion anymore.

There are some online services (your best bet is markzware: they have a conversion service and even though they don't mention PM as one of the ones they can convert, chances are they can) and "online freelancer" sites where you can find someone to convert for you for a cost.

There are also a few of us here that can convert. I'm one of them. (Although if you truly have InDesign 2 on your system, you're out of luck there).

-Brad

[Bob Caused This]

i thnk it is pretty bad of adobe to say, "hey we've discontinued PM, so please use ID." and then when you have installed a older version of ID CS2, adobe says 'hey sorry you cannot activate, that version is outdated...please subscribe.' quite frankly, that is bullsh*t. i requested a link to the download of the non activation CS3 version, and was told that even though i have a valid CS2 serial number, and am a licensed (paid) user, i will not be able to use CS2 on my newly updated OS. i don't mind using 'vintage' software. the best part about it? it's paid in full. but of course we all know the business model of software companies, don't we?

[profanity removed by moderator]

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Adobe bought Aldus, the company that created PageMaker, in order to get the "not yet named InDesign" technology. I would not expect them to support a program they had no interest in, although Adobe did release version 7 in 2001. InDesign CS2 (version 4) came out in 2005. Not many companies support software that is 24 and 20 years old, respectively. Not to mention the OS changes that no longer support the software. 

Assuming you are a graphic artist, would you support a client that you did work for 20 years ago without any additional income? Probably not. 

Check out this site: https://www.fiverr.com/graphicsmanhb/convert-your-old-pagemaker-file-to-indesign

I have never used the service and just found it with a google search. (That's the service that replaced your old Yahoo! Search...)

[arpita_7808]

can u do a 100 page hindi magzine conversion to in design

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @arpita_7808,

To convert a 100-page Hindi magazine from PageMaker to InDesign:

1. PageMaker files can only be opened in InDesign CS6 or earlier versions. If you have access to these versions, open the file directly in InDesign.

2. If you don’t have access to older InDesign versions, you can use third-party services like Markzware for file conversion.

3. Another option is setting up a virtual machine with Windows XP/98, installing PageMaker, and then exporting content for use in InDesign.

If you'd like further guidance, feel free to share more details about the source files! 

Thanks, 

Abhishek Rao

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

A further thought... if it's InDesign CS2 you have: I had forgotten there is a known issue with any Windows version newer than XP SP2 which breaks CS2's ability to convert PM files. Since you're Win 10, you're out of luck.

[Schlaefer_]

I might help you, I got Indesign form CS5 on my PC. Just send me the file and I'll have a try on it.

[Geоrge]

Best thing here (if you have licensed PM and old ID version) to do virtual PC with WinXP/98 and install PageMaker and some old InDesign there.  

[Mike Witherell]

Interestingly, I have InDesign CS6 installed on a Windows 10 machine in my office. 

At first, it complains that it needs to be licensed and please provide a serial number. (It had been licensed properly in the distant past). It spends a minute being unhappy about that, but if I cancel out of the dialog box, it ends up opening anyway, and I can then use it to open/convert old PageMaker files. For the rare times I have need of opening an ancient file, this ends up being sufficient.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

My CS6 is licensed through my Creative Cloud account.