Rloren

I bought Lightroom outright in 2017. Went to download it in my new computer from my Amazon library and it wouldn't load. Adobe Support told me that version has been decommissioned. Now I have to pay monthly if I want it. I'm no lawyer, but isn't that called " theft."?

I bought Microsoft Office 2013. Contacted Microsoft, " You bought it son, it's yours, here is the download for the new computer."
No problem, but Adobe?

bobbydvideo

Start reading all of the fine print that you agree to without reading!

Rloren

Terms and Conditions:
You're not really buying it, just borrowing it for a while. Accept?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Crap...
That's nasty.
Hope I don't have the problem with Elements when I have to get a new computer.
(That's why I like getting CDs...)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

What version did you purchase? Where is your CD and / or download file(s) for the day when you needed to change computers and re-install? There are probably some files available to help or still ways to get the purchased software from Adobe again, but you need to provide more details beyond your complaint post.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Actually, I got the same “decommissioned” response from Microsoft Office when I recently tried to install it on a new system. “Out of date, to use it you must buy a subscription”. They did provide a workaround to open my old files but I can’t edit them. I don’t want a Microsoft subscription so I switched to Libre Office which is free, and can open/export to Word.

Now, for the Adobe problem. Try this link. https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/download-non-subscription-adobe-software/td-p/11919842/redirect_from_archived_page/true. I did try it out of curiosity and was able to access the download link for my purchased version of Lightroom 5, the last version I bought before I subscribed. Personally, I have no problem paying that $10 a month for Lightroom, Photoshop and a trove of other goodies because I have way more than $10 worth of fun with it and I love getting all the new features, but everybody’s needs/wants are different. And my subscription costs me far less than the old “purchase” plan used to cost me, because I “purchased” LR and PS about every other update, and those prices added up.

If this link doesn’t work for you and you still don’t want to subscribe, you might look at other software alternatives outside of Adobe’s offerings. There are some that are free, others that allow you to purchase “rights” to use (we never really owned the software itself anyway). Good luck with this effort. With computers, there is always one hassle or another.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If our OP used Apple instead of Windows, they may find the way is shut, in that the older / unsupported LR versions can't be installed and run on Apple's newest equipment.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Adobe employees have nothing to do…

Plan a leviathan price rise and steal software.

Now the world is really coming to its end.

lreisner Loc: Union,NJ

It probably depends on what was in the purchase agreement you clicked on when either purchasing the software or installing it. It was probably a promotional price with limited long term support with limitations on licensing.

These hidden agreements which really are not hidden, are everywhere. Legally was it theft, probably not but the disclosure of terms should have been stated in clear sight when the sale of the software was offered. Unethical is the term that comes to mind both by Adobe and Microsoft.

P.S.: Keep this in mind when you buy digital music or movies on the internet, unlike a record, CD or tape, you only have limited rights that are not for life. It's all in the fine print in the agreement we have to agree to for access.

I feel for you and understand your frustration and anger.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Fine print IN ALL SOFTWARE:
You purchase the right to use it, not the software. This right is terminated when said software is deemed at its 'lifetime end'. (in computer jargon… When it is not supported anymore)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Usually the "download install" is simply a 'downloader routine' that goes to the company's website to download the actual software. If the originally purchased software is no longer on their server, the download routine will no longer work as the software is no longer available. Some download the software package and then a local installer is run to install it on the computer. THOSE are more easily reloaded, USUALLY. One simply has to find it in the "download folder". CDs are usually self contained.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Perhaps. I didn’t try to install the old V5 on my mac, I just located the link to download it again.

And the latest Apple equipment is quite different than the old.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

No longer supported and no longer available are two different things.
I'm still using Elements 14, however it is no longer supported.
Not sure if the "packed" software package is still in my download folder or not.
If it is, I MAY be able to copy and re-install it on a new computer, maybe.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Although this generalization applies to many questions, it doesn't apply to how LR could be downloaded as an install file and saved safely (locally) like all important digital files. It also ignores the nearly 2-years Adobe kept all their legacy products publicly posted and available for download and local storage. Why / when they stopped, we'd need someone from Adobe to explain.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.