David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I'm running Windows 7 Pro on my desktop and had been using Lightroom Classic (subscription) on it very successfully. A few weeks ago I had to reboot my desktop and wipe the C: hard drive, which eliminated my copy of Lightroom and several other products. I've been successful in reloading some others but I don't have a disc for Lightroom and attempts to download a copy have not worked -- Adobe says I have to upgrade to at least Windows 10 to do it. I know Win7Pro is no longer supported, but it works for me and I'm not ready to upgrade. Does anyone know where I can get an old version of Lightroom to upload to my desktop? I have all the lrcat files on an external drive, so I'm good to go if I can get the software.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

You might be in a tough spot!

If it were me, I would ask your question here: https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic/ct-p/ct-lightroom-classic?page=1&sort=latest_replies&lang=all&tabid=all

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Upgrading an OS is often a moment fraught with FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) for many, but Windows 10 has been around long enough to have proved it’s a solid OS, and believe it or not, an improvement over Win 7. Your dilemma demonstrates exactly the issue, which is going to get worse as new versions of applications drop support for older OSs. Also, there is the issue of security for out of date and unsupported OSs.

My suggestion is to make a list of your peripherals and make sure that there is a Win 10 driver for them. Next, do the same with your existing applications - make sure there is a win 10 version for each. Finally, make sure you have your data, including documents, application data, download folder, bookmarks and favorites backed up. Also make sure you know all the passwords for your aps and your win 7 registration code. A good things to do is to download a copy of BelArc Advisor, run it and print it out - it will list all your HW, applications and PWs. Then, take the plunge and upgrade to Win 10 - you’ll need to eventually and you may have just reached that point. You may find out you like the new features and many, including myself, have found it faster.

Cheers.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Oh well, it's been suggested in the past to back-up all your installation files along with your user names, passwords, image files, important documents and so forth. That is, copy the install disk and all the updates as downloading updates isn't an option from Adobe either for unsupported software.

The only version of old LR I've seen available is LR6. You haven't indicated what version you're looking for. The software you install will need to match to the software version of your LRCAT file, or the software to be an update that will ingest an old LRCAT file.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

All sound advice!!!

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

OldSchool-WI Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919

____________________________(reply)
The big question is whether or not what you have or "had" was SUPPORTED CURRENTLY BY ADOBE. If not you are sunk. I bought a totally new copy of an old version for my old Windows--shrik wrapped with serial number. But Adobe plays games and the package serial number is not enough. To unlock the program you need to register with them. And the new copy of the version I paid over $80. on eBay was no longer on their supported list so is still locked. I tried to get my money back from the woman on eBay who simply said---"sorry sucker." So I have a new copy which I thought would work on my old Windows. But I expect it will not help you either. AVOID ADOBE LIKE THE PLAGUE. Unless you are using some one else's money.--------ew

Wasabi

Regarding your windows 10 problem, you might look at Cnet. They have articles on no charge updates of 7 to 10. If your windows program is fully registered and you are doing the 'overwrite' install, 10 will find your registration info and not demand a new Windows fee. Good luck!!

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Adobe is not the problem.

The problem is trying not to move when the world moves.

radiojohn

Sometimes people upload disc images of old software - with NO serials or cracks - to Archive.org.

radiojohn

In my little world of professional digital audio editing for radio, I use older versions of software (Adobe Audition 3.0) because I know the program well and it works on my reliable, fanless, quiet laptops.

The world moves on, but sometimes it also complicates what used to be simple.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

There are some listed on eBay - used, of course. These are probably older versions that people stopped using when they updated. I'm sure I have older versions somewhere. Yes, I have the files for LR5, but the number would be registered in my name, so that might be a problem. From what I recall, when I installed LR6, I had to give the key number for the previous version, since LR6 was an update.

It's annoying how companies handle their software. Someone posted that he was unable to install software because the company had gone out of business. Giving away LR 3, 4, or 5 shouldn't be a concern of Adobe since they no longer sell them.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

At least for versions LR5 and LR6, the software cannot be installed unless the license key exists in your Adobe.com profile. And, there's no way in 2023 to add / edit that license key into your profile. If you didn't buy it and add the key into your profile in the past, like in the 5- to 8-year ago past, you're wasting your time and money today in 2023 trying to buy the software from anyone. See the said story of a resident sucker above.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Clarify for us that you need Lightroom CLASSIC 12.1, and not the ancient Lightroom 6.14. (The new Lr Classic replaced the old Lightroom. The NEW Lightroom is an enhanced version of the old Lightroom Mobile.

Lightroom CLASSIC 12.1 is subscription ONLY and is never available on disc. To get it, Download the Creative Cloud application from Adobe. Install that, log into your Adobe Account, then use it Creative Cloud app to download and install the Adobe Photography Plan applications and whatever else you subscribe to.

Lightroom 6.14 hasn't been supported in many years. It is no longer available as packaged software, and licenses are not transferrable. Chg_Canon here on UHH may be able to direct you to a download for it. But you will need your original licensing information and any installation codes.

If your computer is so old it is running Windows 7 Pro, I hope you keep it OFF the Internet, because Win 7 is now an easy target for hackers.

Here are the Adobe support pages you need to reference when shopping for a new computer:

https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/system-requirements.html
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements.html

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

If you want a modern, POWERFUL, reliable, fan-less, quiet laptop for multi-track audio recording, get an M1 or M2 MacBook Air. Plenty of recording studio video bloggers on YouTube have demonstrated what they can do with M1 and M2 Macs. GarageBand and Logic Pro run fine, and Pro Tools runs fine in Rosetta 2 emulation. Most audio plug-ins run natively or in Rosetta 2 emulation.

My M1 Air is all I need for audio recording, simple 4K video editing (iMovie, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro), and photography projects in the Adobe apps.

Henry Leeds

email me at hleeds@comcast.net so that I can correspond by email. I may be able to help you.
Henry
(personal info removed)