hzmeyer Loc: Michigan

Is it Win 10, my new computer or me?
When my 11 year old computer failed, I thought I deserved a new one so I purchased a Dell core i7 with Win 10. I assumed I could look forward to 11 more years of trouble free service. The old computer went to my son who I ask to transfer everything to the new computer. ( the slide rule was just invented when I went to school so what do I know) All the photos were there and so was LR which I had installed in 2013. Only trouble is, LR does not work. I don't remember how I installed it originally- I can't find any disc. I don't want to subscribe to anything since I only use it once or twice a month to touch up photos of my great grand kids. Any suggestions on what I might do next to solve this issue? Is there a suitable substitute for LR to at least let me edit my photos?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you didn't keep the install file, it's going to be difficult to re-install LR. You might sign into Adobe.com and check your purchase history to find, at least, what version you had purchased in the past. We might be able to point you to a Windows install file if you have v5 or v6, once you confirm your prior version. Hopefully, you transferred the entire contents of the Pictures\Lightroom from the old computer to new as this is just as important as the install software.

Bill_de Loc: US

I think you need to disable LR on the old computer.

Definitely contact Adobe. They helped me with CS5 when I got a new computer.

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bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Your photos are not "in" Lightroom. Your photos are on whatever disk you put them on. Lightroom keeps track of that but does not move them or change the originals.

Since your photos are all still there and you use Lightroom so little, consider using the simple and easy photo editor that comes with Windows 10 that is on your computer.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you purchased LR and it worked for you, it will continue to work for you on a Win10 box. You just have to find what version you had and how to recover an install file. That starts, hopefully, with your Adobe site credentials.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Did you son just copy the files or did he clone the drive?

"Disk images and disk clones are different than just copying and pasting the entire contents of one hard drive to another. When you copy and paste files from one drive to another you're copying only the the actual files and not the additional data the hard drive uses to locate and access those files."

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

It's you. You have broken just about every rule a home computer owner can break. I hope others who read this go out and fix all the things they may see in your story so it doesn't happen to them ! Why do I know this ? Because I made a lot of money out of silly people who couldn't bust their way out of a wet paper bag. They have a disk with Office on it and a licence code. And they paid (say) $200 for it. What do they do ? Promptly lose the disk and not take note of the licence code. Quite happy to kiss good by to $200 but would take somebodies hand off if they picked up a dollar note you dropped and didn't return it.
Two glaring errors you have made here are as follows -
First off just because your last computer lasted 11 years DOES NOT mean your next one will. That is misplaced optimism based on only a single occurrence - yours. Totally ignoring history.
Secondly you keep every disc, write down every licence code, take noted of wherever you got software from, download and keep your original software in case you need it again especially keeping a copy of every licence code you were sent via email, keep track of every upgrade and possible licence changes during this period.
Then you won't have a tenth of the trouble you are now in.
I'll let others suggest possible replacement software.

adedeluca Loc: holbrook ny

Use the built in windows editor . For what need it will be powerful enough for you photos . You most likely not need a very powerful LR program. Do not over think this problem and enjoy it

Bill_de Loc: US

You make it sound like he has a major problem. The only issue is one program, which if it was registered will take one phone call to resolve. Sounds like a person could make a lot of money taking advantage of people by making a mountain out of a mole hill.

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

The problem is that you can't just copy a program to the disk of a new computer. You have to INSTALL the program, which places all the appropriate links into the computer registry.

To install the program you need the installation key which came with the program when you first got it. Adobe MAY be able to help you there.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Look up your account on Adobe and see if LR is available. If you registered LR when you bought it, they should have it there. When I had to look for something, I found my listings in two different places. A phone call might help - might. I save all my downloads. When I get a new computer I re-install.

tcthome Loc: NJ

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Welcome to the extremely ugly hedgehog this morning. The membership seems to have largely not had their coffee for the day or gotten out of the wronge side of the bed. I feel many replies are overly rude. I agree it sounds like you really messed up and may also have problems with some of your other programs too. But it does not have to be all so personal. My apologies for UHH. I did read some useful suggestions.

Note I am careful about keeping installation discs and keys. I just finally tossed out the materials I had from Windows XP and Vista. I have been using Windows 10 for years now.

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

For the most part, applications that run on a Windows computer have to be installed in order to run. You can't just copy the application files to another system like you can do with data files. The installation process installs lots of files in places you would never figure out. It also makes entries and changes to to parts of the operating system that you would never be able to duplicate. So, if you are going to use any programs such as LR, you will either have to find your original installation software and license (and it probably still won't work due to its age) or purchase and install new software.

jonyrot

I have had very good success getting help from adobe. Registering LR so that the install is available for a re-install download. That said I haven't upgraded from LR after adobe broke a promise to us all when it went to a subscription based LR.