Could really use computer advice

[brannend]

My tower recently decided to crash on me. It's nearly 10 years old and I am thinking about replacing as opposed to repairing. My issue is this; I purchased CS6 and Lightroom as downloads and I need to know how difficult it will be to transfer these programs to a new system. Is it as easy as copying the programs to an external drive and then moving them to the new tower from there? Any idea if I will have difficulties doing this? This will be the first time I have not had the discs available to re-load onto a new computer.

Thank you in advance for your help!

David

[Dave Humphries]

Hi David,

A quick Google found this;

http://prodesigntools.com/move-adobe...ws-to-mac.html

... which looks helpful.

That said; you need to read it fully and carefully to understand the nuances - and I haven't, so take the rest of this as an overview only!

The gist seems to be (on new computer) go to Adobe web site and log in (as you did when buying CS6) and download and install it on new machine, you should be able to activate it on a second computer before deactivating on the old one, but you will also need the software's serial number.

Once all working on new computer, you will need to contact Adobe and explain the situation in order to remove the activation for the old machine, as you can't because it is broken.

Also found this; http://forums.adobe.com/thread/1066534

Please, anyone - correct me if I am wrong

Cheers,

[xpatUSA]

If you download an application it usually comes in one file oft called a "setup" file. If CS6 or LR came thus AND you did not trash them AND you still have access to them, then these would be the files you move to a new computer. A double-click sets them to whirring away for what seem like hours as they re-download stuff from the vendor or maybe unzip themselves and get to work from there, all the time asking you unintelligible questions and post an error message if it's not going well.

If that doesn't work then you'll be needing re-download from Adobe armed with your hopefully updated password and ID.

Works for me, I'm still on XP Pro which I will always load onto a replacement computer after exorcizing Vista, 7, 8 or any other insane Windows infestation!

[brannend]

Thank you Gentlemen, I'm trying to get all of my ducks in a row to make the switch. At least I took the time long ago to set up a back up system for all of my images so there is no situation to deal with there.

I really appreciate the help!

Dave

[John 2]

Recently did this. Transferred CS6 from one machine to a new build. When I phoned Adobe UK, they said no problem provided you are using a retail version i.e. not the OEM version. I merely had to load the software on the new machine and re-register it using the original serial no. Doing that must automatically cancel the original registration so that you can't use it on both machines or at least update the old installation. That's easy to do if you kept a copy of the downloaded file (if not why not). If you haven't, follow Dave's direction above. It shouldn't be too difficult.

[davidedric]

Yes. Did it a few months ago with Light room. No problem at all.

[Colin Southern]

Usual procedure is to simply deactivate the existing install - install on new PC - then re-activate.

[davidedric]

May be a bit late now, but I came across this blog from Victoria Bampton giving step by step instructions how to migrate Lightroom to a new computer.

http://www.lightroomqueen.com/how-mo...-new-computer/

Dave