gailj Loc: Fulton IL

Hi, I’m not sure anyone can help me but against my better judgement I updated my computer to Monterey the computer crashed about 3 weeks later and took to authorized dealer & had new hard drive put in, now can’t go back to older version as I don’t know what the firmware password is when I set up computer in 2015 :( as my photo programs won’t work:( and i really don’t want to learn another.

I have photoshop 19 and have used this program for a long time. Can someone suggest a program that is similar? Gail

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Do you mean Photoshop Elements?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Do you mean anything Adobe.com where you might request your password be reset to regain control of your software and account? While at Adobe (assumed the vendor needed), review whether your v19 software runs on the new OS version. You might be due for an update, whether desired or not.

Consider this a sign, too, to have some method of managing your user names, passwords, account numbers, purchase dates, vendor URL, etc in a way you can recover from the next inevitable & unexpected crash.

gailj Loc: Fulton IL

Yes, adobe says Monterey doesn’t support version 19 :(

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Assuming you go with the newest software and it runs there, be sure to get control of your account and purchase history so you can 'buy' at the upgrade price, not a new purchase price.

gailj Loc: Fulton IL

When I tried to open program it gave an error message, after speaking to adobe they said Monterey doesn’t support that version.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The current PSE version is 2023, see my comment earlier about an upgrade vs new purchase, if possible and relevant.

Consider the <quote reply> button for a clearer back n forth discussion, via replies, to give context.

gailj Loc: Fulton IL

Thank you, I definitely need better records.

Apple said Monterey is the last upgrade this computer can handle :(

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

2024 is out and is what Adobe is selling on their own site. From what I found online, 2023 should be compatible with Monterey, but I can't find any download trial.

To the OP: best you contact Adobe directly!

gailj Loc: Fulton IL

Thank you will definitely call adobe :)

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

The 'black Friday' price is traditionally about $10 cheaper than the upgrade price. I could be this year too!

gailj Loc: Fulton IL

Thank you 😊

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I wish you the best... but like the flu and the flu shot, prevention is possible. A tragic lesson that I learned the hard drive hard way two decades ago... now on a monthly basis I clone both my photo and my main [C:] drive. Also before Microsoft's [so called] operating system upgrades i do a "restore point."
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-a-system-restore-point-77e02e2a-3298-c869-9974-ef5658ea3be9

If you do not feel up to the hardware or cloning tasks, find a friend or neighbor or local High-school teen who is talented... ask the science instructor. My grandson was one of those kids at 12 y-old and earned money in his small home town repairing computers; not uncommon in this world where kids have computers from early years.

" authorized dealer & had new hard drive put in," That "authorized dealer" was authorized by you to charge you dollars when you signed the paper requesting work. There are many you-tube how2 videos. If you still have your old hard some of the information may be recoverable.

Installing a back up hard drive system is a simple task especially in our world of small solid state drives. I have a photo and main drive within my computer and a hot boot unit mounted in a CD/DVD hole. Insert a "backup drive" clone the main or photo drive, remove it, and store it safe.

Parts Needed: [Amazon] Syba Internal Dual Bay Tray Less Hot Swap Mobile Rack for Two 2.5" Sata III HDD or SSD [$36]... also StarTech.com 3.5" to 5.25" Front Bay Mounting Bracket w/ Mounting Screws [$6]
Crucial MX500 2TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD, [$80] And a small Phillips screwdriver.

There are free cloning programs or a simple to use one now on sale at Ashampoo.

gailj Loc: Fulton IL

Thank you for all the information, I didn’t lose anything as he transferred to new hard drive but didn’t realize I would not be able to use photo shop with the update Apple did to Monterey. Computer crashed about 3 weeks after upgrade :( and said I can’t go back.

CTTonymm Loc: Connecticut

Black Friday is upon us - may be great time to find a bargain on new computer -- and it will also trigger great buys on recent past new computers -- your stuff will run much faster and handle all the current version softwares ?