COMPUTER NERDS NEEDED.

Mornin' people.
I'm in the process of wanting a new computer. (old one over 10 yrs. old). Problem. How to put my Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom onto a new computer? I don't have the discs or the codes. Or any of my other progs.
I've seen PS CS6 for sale on ebay both as a disc and download (Lightroom likewise) for very little money. Has anyone tried or bought any of these cheap progs?. Are they knock off copies? a scam? or do they work?
I know you can clone files but not Progs.
I've heard that it can be done but by who and how?
I don't want to pay for PS CC or Lightroom monthly as I don't use it like a pro.
Come on all you computer nerds out there and help an old silver surfer out of a jam.
CHEERS Vic.

The ps6 ones that are low cost are very likely to be illegal copies (or trial discs). Have you thought of using ps elements I use this and it is fine for what I need. you can get legit copies for £60 ish (or less).
LR I think you can get on disc as a legit copy.

It's possible to clone a whole drive, and move the contents to a new physical disk. There is a multitude of software it can be done with, free (with some restrictions) or paid - anywhere from 30-100 USD. Depending on where you are getting the new PC from, a shop may have a service to go with it but you're looking at extra cost obviously.

Lastly, as you saw yourself, Ebay is full of CS5 or 6 editions. Generally, if the seller has been around for more then a couple of years and has a multitude of positive feedback it's highly unlikely it's a scam. Further, Ebay has a fantastic buyer protection in place, I have experienced it first hand twice so to be fair, you are risking nothing. In worse case scenario, a bit of time before you can get your money back in case you are not happy. For double protection, use Paypal or a credit card - both have added shopper security.

If you haven't cloned a disk before and aren't happy to try, I'd give one of those cheap old version a shot. Seems like the most straight forward option.

Just my two cents.

The Free version of MiniTool Partition Wizard will clone/copy the hard disk easily.
Excellent piece of software.

https://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html

Your old disk is probably IDE so you need to copy it from your old computer to a new SATA drive. Not straightforward because of the different drive types You might need to use a USB caddy to make it work.

EDIT: On 2nd thoughts forget it. A 10 year old install of Windows isn't going to be easy to set up on a new PC. Start with a FRESH install on the new PC and either use Freeware or buy LR.




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Hi Algi. I won't need to copy windows 7. I'm interested in my other progs. P.S. & lightroom. etc.
I know I can transfer files but it is the various progs. that will be the problem. All my files are backed up on external hdd's but a new computer will have W10 installed and be 64bit. I can put my old HDD (32 bit) from my computer in a case and run the files from there. That much I have been told by a pro. I repeat it is the progs. I want to keep and I don't have discs for them. I have 99% of my music CD's on one external HDD and approx 50% of my photos on another. (I haven't got round to scanning and copying my slides, negs, & prints yet) These I know will be OK.
CHEERS Vic.

There are programs that can extract serial numbers from software already installed, I'm not sure of any off hand these days but I'm sure google will yield some ideas. I know adobe uses a 'product key' along with a serial so its worth finding out how that works with a key extractor.

Then you'll just need to find a copy of the CS5 installation files.

Vic, try having a word with Adobe. They will let you de-activate their programs and then move or even sell them to someone else. The only problem might be if you've lost the S.No although you might be able to recover that using some serial reader sw.

Have you tried searching for a solution online?

A powerful editor called Picture Window Pro 7.0 is now available for free! Serial number not needed, but it's a bit difficult to use. Worth grabbing anyway. Works on just about all versions of Windows...

Picture Window Pro 7.0

The announcement about PWP development ceasing.

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Algi. I don't have any discs or S.Nos. I need to know what to do before I commit to a new computer. If all else fails I suppose I could use GIMP as that is supposed to be almost as good as PS. Just now I'm in the middle of setting up my new Epson XP Photo 960 A3 printer.
CHEERS Vic.

The software should still be available from Adobe. They made a big mistake a few years ago stopping downloads of versions prior to v2 and telling everyone to get a FREE copy of v2 instead.

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Algi. I've got the old free version of CS2 as well but obviously CS5/6 is much better. I didn't know you can still download CS2 for free??.
I'm signing off now for tonight. I've got my new Photo 960 up and running and my wife needs her dinner. Just another one of my chores.
CHEERS Vic.