How to aopen/acess older .prproj files?

[CrownClownCharlie]

I just started a free trial of Premiere Pro 2025 to try and open my old, unfinished projects. But if I try to open them, the app says to convert the files form the old version to the new. Problem is, when I do this the audio is muted/doesn't work, even when I relocate the file (on some of the files).
I also can't access anything on my desktop which is incredibly frustrating!

And I can't download the 2019 verion of PP, to work with or look at my old projects without the serialnumber, which I apperntly ALSO can't access on my profile, because it's more than 3 years ago. So far, I'm not really being convinced to actually start a subscription again..

[Ann Bens · Accepted solution]

You will have to convert in order to use an older project in a newer version.

There are several reasons for the audio being off.

FAQ: What do I do when I see diagonal lines on clips

2019 does not have a serial number (and is no longer available).

[CrownClownCharlie]

Thank you for answering so fast!
I have looked at the FAQ, but none of the advice on how to fix the diagnoal lines has worked for me, unfortunately. Which is why I made my post. It's odd, but on some files it is fixed by just relocating the file, but on others it does not work.
I'm not sure what you mean by "converting them in order".

[Ann Bens]

I meant converting the project not the assets.

[CrownClownCharlie]

I thought that was what it did when you opened an old project, and it asks to convert the project? (see attached picture in the OG post).

[CrownClownCharlie]

The problem is, when I convert the project, sometimes the audio doesn't work, even if the audio file located. But on some projects it works just fine after being converted and the files are located. (See attached photos for examples).

[CrownClownCharlie]

Hello? Did you (anyone) see my replies? And the added pictures?

[Ann Bens · Accepted solution]

If it works on one project and it does not work a another.

either the project is corrupt or the file.

Just import the file as usual.