Need to purchase older Mac for Adobe CS4 apps, etc.

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

Hi,

A few months back I dropped my Adobe CC subscription and planned on (somehow) using my legacy CS4 apps instead.

I tried unsuccessfully—and with many hours on the phone with Adobe Support—to try to clean my main computer, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010, Yosemite 10.10.5), of all Adobe CC and other apps using the Adobe Cleaner/Uninstaller so I could install my older CS4 apps (tried both CD and digital download installs). They had previously been installed on this MacBook but I think installing Adobe CC on it wiped them out, as I remember.

It was a complete no go, and Support was not helpful at all. It just stopped mid-way and still stops during uninstall, etc.: "installation error." So my MacBook is handicapped by having Adobe residual Adobe data, plug-ins, etc., or whatever on it, so I cannot install and use my CS4 on it. I have a conspiracy hunch that Adobe knocked out my older CS apps after I downloaded Adobe CC onto my MacBook Pro. Who knows.

Since then I have been using a second computer, G4, that had my CS4 apps on it already, but today it died. Possibly due to a power cut in my home; it doesn't turn on at all. This older, significantly slower desktop G4 was not the dream machine but I was able to get my Photoshop, InDesign/Illustrator work done on it—eventually.

I need to buy an older version of Mac—desktop or laptop—with OS to use the CS 4 apps on. They are on CD, so the new computer needs to have CD drive and a Mac to use it on. I need lots of memory (for Photoshop, imaging, etc).

1. Is it possible to take the hard drive from my dead G4 and transplant it into another Mac that you may have that fits the bill? I’m not a techie guy but I can probably do simple fixes or part replacement inside a Mac.

2. If transplant is not feasible, what do you suggest for specs on a used Mac and which OS version(s)? I have heard nearly anything up until El Capitan may work, but I'm not sure which older Mac and which OS version will work best with CS4.

3. How much Ram should I have at minimum for Photoshop etc. and are there even many older Macs that even have a CD drive? My MacBook is unfortunately limited to 8GB of ram. It would be nice to have the option of being able to install CS4 using both the CD install and digital download.

4. Do you have any vendor recs? I'm in Boston and would need it delivered to me.

5. At this point, I am over the G4. It gets hot and it's very old. How can I destroy the hard drive (for privacy's sake), which I don't need, and trash it ethically/responsibly into the environment? I'm sure I can google that, too.

Thanks, guys!

 

[Fishrrman]

What version of the OS do you need to run?
That determines which will be "the most recent" Mac to buy...

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

What version of the OS do you need to run?
That determines which will be "the most recent" Mac to buy...

I need the OS to be in a Mac (desktop is fine) that is powerful for working in Photoshop and Lightroom (6) and is compatible with Adobe CS4 apps and preferably has a CD drive. I'm asking here for any and all guidance and suggestions from anyone who have had this kind of experience with CS4 and OS. It's not exactly clear which OS is compatible with CS4 from my research, but it seems that El Capitan is a good match: https://roaringapps.com/app/adobe-cs4

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

Hi,

A few months back I dropped my Adobe CC subscription and planned on (somehow) using my legacy CS4 apps instead.

I tried unsuccessfully—and with many hours on the phone with Adobe Support—to try to clean my main computer, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010, Yosemite 10.10.5), of all Adobe CC and other apps using the Adobe Cleaner/Uninstaller so I could install my older CS4 apps (tried both CD and digital download installs). They had previously been installed on this MacBook but I think installing Adobe CC on it wiped them out, as I remember.

It was a complete no go, and Support was not helpful at all. It just stopped mid-way and still stops during uninstall, etc.: "installation error." So my MacBook is handicapped by having Adobe residual Adobe data, plug-ins, etc., or whatever on it, so I cannot install and use my CS4 on it. I have a conspiracy hunch that Adobe knocked out my older CS apps after I downloaded Adobe CC onto my MacBook Pro. Who knows.

Since then I have been using a second computer, G4, that had my CS4 apps on it already, but today it died. Possibly due to a power cut in my home; it doesn't turn on at all. This older, significantly slower desktop G4 was not the dream machine but I was able to get my Photoshop, InDesign/Illustrator work done on it—eventually.

I need to buy an older version of Mac—desktop or laptop—with OS to use the CS 4 apps on. They are on CD, so the new computer needs to have CD drive and a Mac to use it on. I need lots of memory (for Photoshop, imaging, etc).

1. Is it possible to take the hard drive from my dead G4 and transplant it into another Mac that you may have that fits the bill? I’m not a techie guy but I can probably do simple fixes or part replacement inside a Mac.

2. If transplant is not feasible, what do you suggest for specs on a used Mac and which OS version(s)? I have heard nearly anything up until El Capitan may work, but I'm not sure which older Mac and which OS version will work best with CS4.

3. How much Ram should I have at minimum for Photoshop etc. and are there even many older Macs that even have a CD drive? My MacBook is unfortunately limited to 8GB of ram. It would be nice to have the option of being able to install CS4 using both the CD install and digital download.

4. Do you have any vendor recs? I'm in Boston and would need it delivered to me.

5. At this point, I am over the G4. It gets hot and it's very old. How can I destroy the hard drive (for privacy's sake), which I don't need, and trash it ethically/responsibly into the environment? I'm sure I can google that, too.

Thanks, guys!

Is it possible for me to install an older version of OS on an HDD and work from that on my main work computer (MacBook Pro 15-inch, Mid 2010, which has Yosemite 10.10.5) so that I'd be able to switch between another OS, such as El Capitan, and Yosemite? I am hesitant to upgrade or go backwards on OS on my MacBook, as I have software on it that is working now (i.e., Lightroom 6) that I need.

 

[gilby101]

Is it possible for me to install an older version of OS on an HDD and work from that on my main work computer (MacBook Pro 15-inch, Mid 2010, which has Yosemite 10.10.5) so that I'd be able to switch between another OS, such as El Capitan, and Yosemite?

Yes, you can do that. The only restriction is that you can't run a macOS that is older than when the particular model Mac was first released or newer than Apple support. In your case the oldest is 10.6.3 and the most recent is 10.13.6

As you have already found CS4 is believed to work with Yosemite - so stick with that if that is what you like. And you can update the main OS to macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra).

To get rid of the bits and pieces left by a CC install is a tedious job. Almost easier to wipe your disk, reinstall macOS and apps and then recover data from your backup.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"...is compatible with Adobe CS4 apps and preferably has a CD drive."

Be aware that a newer Mac (capable of running El Cap) will not have a built in CD drive.
Just buy a USB external DVD/CD burner -- they're cheap.

According to everymac.com, the newest iMac that can still boot El Cap is the "late 2015" version.

2015 MacBook Pros will still boot El Cap (I have one, still running El Cap).

You CANNOT boot El Cap on anything "newer" than those.
You CAN run El Cap using a "virtual machine" on newer Macs (using VMWare Fusion or Parallels).

Prediction:
At some point you're going to run into a roadblock, and will have no choice but to upgrade your software...

 

[iluvmacs99]

I need the OS to be in a Mac (desktop is fine) that is powerful for working in Photoshop and Lightroom (6) and is compatible with Adobe CS4 apps and preferably has a CD drive. I'm asking here for any and all guidance and suggestions from anyone who have had this kind of experience with CS4 and OS. It's not exactly clear which OS is compatible with CS4 from my research, but it seems that El Capitan is a good match: https://roaringapps.com/app/adobe-cs4

I use a Mac Mini 2011 and CS5 (previously 4, but got a cheap upgrade used) and that I agree El-Capitan is the best OS for both CS4 and CS5. Though I had since upgraded to Sierra for the Mini 2011 and it works good up to Sierra with CS5. Would not recommend Sierra if you are using CS4. Having said that, the 2011 uses a Core i5 CPU which is better than the Core 2 Duo and it has an integrated GPU that Photoshop uses for some graphics acceleration. Not much acceleration, but definitely much faster than working on my PowerBook G4 1.67Ghz laptop that I also have Photoshop on. Which was why I kept these 2 machines with me because I didn't want to pay the CC subscription moving forward as I had semi-retired from my professional graphics and photographic career, but I need a backup machine if one kicked the bucket. Which is why I have the Mini and G4 Powerbook both running CS4 and CS5 for Mini. G4 is on Leopard.

Get a clean installed Mini, either a 2011 or 2012 and then get a USB DVD external drive which is really cheap these days and you can install from that. Or else you can network both your Macbook to the Mini and use the Macbook's internal CD drive to share with the Mini and install your software that way if you don't want to buy an external DVD.

Hope this helps. Ask me more if you need more clarification..

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

I use a Mac Mini 2011 and CS5 (previously 4, but got a cheap upgrade used) and that I agree El-Capitan is the best OS for both CS4 and CS5. Though I had since upgraded to Sierra for the Mini 2011 and it works good up to Sierra with CS5. Would not recommend Sierra if you are using CS4. Having said that, the 2011 uses a Core i5 CPU which is better than the Core 2 Duo and it has an integrated GPU that Photoshop uses for some graphics acceleration. Not much acceleration, but definitely much faster than working on my PowerBook G4 1.67Ghz laptop that I also have Photoshop on. Which was why I kept these 2 machines with me because I didn't want to pay the CC subscription moving forward as I had semi-retired from my professional graphics and photographic career, but I need a backup machine if one kicked the bucket. Which is why I have the Mini and G4 Powerbook both running CS4 and CS5 for Mini. G4 is on Leopard.

Get a clean installed Mini, either a 2011 or 2012 and then get a USB DVD external drive which is really cheap these days and you can install from that. Or else you can network both your Macbook to the Mini and use the Macbook's internal CD drive to share with the Mini and install your software that way if you don't want to buy an external DVD.

Hope this helps. Ask me more if you need more clarification..

VERY helpful! Thanks for all of the detail. It helps a lot. Will look into this option. I'd love to consolidate all of my work into one computer. Having to start up the G4 was a pain and also it would get pretty warm/hot. Can't wait to "junk" or hopefully recycle it! I'm a freelance artist and photographer and want to focus more on Lightroom/photography, but need the other Adobe apps for my work for design clients.

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

OP wrote:
"...is compatible with Adobe CS4 apps and preferably has a CD drive."

Be aware that a newer Mac (capable of running El Cap) will not have a built in CD drive.
Just buy a USB external DVD/CD burner -- they're cheap.

According to everymac.com, the newest iMac that can still boot El Cap is the "late 2015" version.

2015 MacBook Pros will still boot El Cap (I have one, still running El Cap).

You CANNOT boot El Cap on anything "newer" than those.
You CAN run El Cap using a "virtual machine" on newer Macs (using VMWare Fusion or Parallels).

Prediction:
At some point you're going to run into a roadblock, and will have no choice but to upgrade your software...

Thanks! I really appreciate your feedback. Running a separate OS on a separate HDD or virtual machine sounds a bit complicated/complex, but maybe I can make it work. I think the clean install that gilby1010 describes in comments here sounds ideal if I'm able to do that. What do you think?

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

Yes, you can do that. The only restriction is that you can't run a macOS that is older than when the particular model Mac was first released or newer than Apple support. In your case the oldest is 10.6.3 and the most recent is 10.13.6

As you have already found CS4 is believed to work with Yosemite - so stick with that if that is what you like. And you can update the main OS to macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra).

To get rid of the bits and pieces left by a CC install is a tedious job. Almost easier to wipe your disk, reinstall macOS and apps and then recover data from your backup.

Your last suggestion about a clean install is like a revelation. I hope I can consolidate all of my work onto 1 computer.

I'm a bit nervous about wipe/reinstall as I don't know enough about it and haven't yet had to do that. Are there any risks to that? Do you have any links on it? Obviously, I can google and look on the Apple site, too. Just curious. All or most (I'll have to check) of my data is backed up onto my portable HD via Time Machine.

I meant my 2TB portable SP hard drive not "HDD" in my original post. I was wondering if I can run an older OS from a portable hard drive.

Thank you for these great suggestions that I hope I can implement.

 

[MacCheetah3]

Let me try to verify your situation...

I tried unsuccessfully—and with many hours on the phone with Adobe Support—to try to clean my main computer, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010, Yosemite 10.10.5), of all Adobe CC and other apps using the Adobe Cleaner/Uninstaller so I could install my older CS4 apps (tried both CD and digital download installs). They had previously been installed on this MacBook but I think installing Adobe CC on it wiped them out, as I remember.

It was a complete no go, and Support was not helpful at all. It just stopped mid-way and still stops during uninstall, etc.: "installation error." So my MacBook is handicapped by having Adobe residual Adobe data, plug-ins, etc., or whatever on it, so I cannot install and use my CS4 on it. I have a conspiracy hunch that Adobe knocked out my older CS apps after I downloaded Adobe CC onto my MacBook Pro. Who knows.

Sadly, macOS software uninstaller have been notoriously garbage for many apps -- probably because, in general, it has been seemingly fine to be lazy and just delete the app from the Applications folder.

With that said, we could try to help you further clean your OS but that could very well be tediously futile. However, have you considered ensuring you have current backups and reinstalling macOS and apps -- fresh installs, that is -- on your MBP 2010? In theory, the CS4 install, etc should work as long as you don't restore application support, preference files, etc. In other words, simply backup and transfer documents, desktop files, music, photos, etc.

Or... Are you set on using this situation to do a slight Mac upgrade?

I need to buy an older version of Mac—desktop or laptop—with OS to use the CS 4 apps on. They are on CD, so the new computer needs to have CD drive and a Mac to use it on. I need lots of memory (for Photoshop, imaging, etc).

1. Is it possible to take the hard drive from my dead G4 and transplant it into another Mac that you may have that fits the bill? I’m not a techie guy but I can probably do simple fixes or part replacement inside a Mac.

2. If transplant is not feasible, what do you suggest for specs on a used Mac and which OS version(s)? I have heard nearly anything up until El Capitan may work, but I'm not sure which older Mac and which OS version will work best with CS4.

3. How much Ram should I have at minimum for Photoshop etc. and are there even many older Macs that even have a CD drive? My MacBook is unfortunately limited to 8GB of ram. It would be nice to have the option of being able to install CS4 using both the CD install and digital download.

4. Do you have any vendor recs? I'm in Boston and would need it delivered to me.

5. At this point, I am over the G4. It gets hot and it's very old. How can I destroy the hard drive (for privacy's sake), which I don't need, and trash it ethically/responsibly into the environment? I'm sure I can google that, too.

VERY helpful! Thanks for all of the detail. It helps a lot. Will look into this option. I'd love to consolidate all of my work into one computer. Having to start up the G4 was a pain and also it would get pretty warm/hot. Can't wait to "junk" or hopefully recycle it! I'm a freelance artist and photographer and want to focus more on Lightroom/photography, but need the other Adobe apps for my work for design clients.

If you're leaning to @iluvmacs99 suggestion, I am planning to sell my 2012 Mac mini -- specs in signature -- replacing it with an M1 system. I was thinking of holding off until next spring/summer because that's when I expect to truly need the extra performance boost. However, if you're genuinely interested, I could probably let it go sooner for a reasonable price -- though I'm not sure what the current going rate is. I also have a USB LG DVD-/+RW drive that has had no compatibility issues with the OS or Apple software. I'm using Catalina, however, the original macOS was 10.8 Mountain Lion. Apple apparently provides installers for older macOS, so that shouldn't be a problem. Not a pressure sale by any means. Thought I'd mention with the suggestion of a 2011/2012 Mac mini.

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

Let me try to verify your situation...

Sadly, macOS software uninstaller have been notoriously garbage for many apps -- probably because, in general, it has been seemingly fine to be lazy and just delete the app from the Applications folder.

With that said, we could try to help you further clean your OS but that could very well be tediously futile. However, have you considered ensuring you have current backups and reinstalling macOS and apps -- fresh installs, that is -- on your MBP 2010? In theory, the CS4 install, etc should work as long as you don't restore application support, preference files, etc. In other words, simply backup and transfer documents, desktop files, music, photos, etc.

Or... Are you set on using this situation to do a slight Mac upgrade?


If you're leaning to @iluvmacs99 suggestion, I am planning to sell my 2012 Mac mini -- specs in signature -- replacing it with an M1 system. I was thinking of holding off until next spring/summer because that's when I expect to truly need the extra performance boost. However, if you're genuinely interested, I could probably let it go sooner for a reasonable price -- though I'm not sure what the current going rate is. I also have a USB LG DVD-/+RW drive that has had no compatibility issues with the OS or Apple software. I'm using Catalina, however, the original macOS was 10.8 Mountain Lion. Apple apparently provides installers for older macOS, so that shouldn't be a problem. Not a pressure sale by any means. Thought I'd mention with the suggestion of a 2011/2012 Mac mini.

Thanks for your feedback. Totally appreciate it. I'll check all this out and get back to you as soon I can. The software uninstaller I had tried was the Adobe Cleaner, not Mac OS, if it matters.

If I get another computer, it must be compatible with CS4 and it would be ideal if it fits these Lightroom 6 system requirements: https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/system-requirements/earlier-versions.html It looks like the Minis don't have a CD drive but user above ilovemacs99 mentions a DVD external drive.

Ideally, I'd like to consolidate everything onto 1 computer, and right now I have 2 screens to work, which is ideal: MacBook and an LG display. How much more powerful is your Mini vs. my MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010, Yosemite 10.10.5)? Mine currently only stores 8GB of ram; yours has 16GB, I see? Are you happy with your Samsung 27" display? If I upgrade the display at some point, it needs to be large and great for working with photo images, detail, color, etc.

 

[MacCheetah3]

If I get another computer, it must be compatible with CS4 and it would be ideal if it fits these Lightroom 6 system requirements: https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/system-requirements/earlier-versions.html

The 2012 mini does satisfy the Lightroom requirements, including the "Graphics processor acceleration requirements".

It looks like the Minis don't have a CD drive but user above ilovemacs99 mentions a DVD external drive.

Yeah, the slightly newer model than the one I have goes for about $30 on Amazon. I assume they're all in that ballpark.

How much more powerful is your Mini vs. my MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010, Yosemite 10.10.5)? Mine currently only stores 8GB of ram; yours has 16GB,

In basic benchmark tests, it appears to be about 25-30% faster. However, along with maxing out the memory (to 16GB), I also added a 480GB SSD to go along with the original 500GB HDD. Honestly, I don't have complaints about performance except for the latest Xcode versions, those have been sluggish -- which is mainly why I would be upgrading to an M1 system. I don't do a lot of image editing, but what I have done hasn't exhibited any notable lag in Affinity Photo -- I formerly used Photoshop Elements 6 (I think) , but it was only 32-bit and thus not compatible with macOS Catalina. I sure wasn't going to pay a subscription fee to Adobe.

Are you happy with your Samsung 27" display? If I upgrade the display at some point, it needs to be large and great for working with photo images, detail, color, etc.

I am satisfied with it. Is it (FHD/1080p) as sharp as a 4K or 5K display? Probably not -- plus this Mac mini can't push 4K anyway. To me, the monitor has good sharpness and, I'd say, very good color, especially for the price ($160 at Walmart).

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

Let me try to verify your situation...

Sadly, macOS software uninstaller have been notoriously garbage for many apps -- probably because, in general, it has been seemingly fine to be lazy and just delete the app from the Applications folder.

With that said, we could try to help you further clean your OS but that could very well be tediously futile. However, have you considered ensuring you have current backups and reinstalling macOS and apps -- fresh installs, that is -- on your MBP 2010? In theory, the CS4 install, etc should work as long as you don't restore application support, preference files, etc. In other words, simply backup and transfer documents, desktop files, music, photos, etc.

Or... Are you set on using this situation to do a slight Mac upgrade?


If you're leaning to @iluvmacs99 suggestion, I am planning to sell my 2012 Mac mini -- specs in signature -- replacing it with an M1 system. I was thinking of holding off until next spring/summer because that's when I expect to truly need the extra performance boost. However, if you're genuinely interested, I could probably let it go sooner for a reasonable price -- though I'm not sure what the current going rate is. I also have a USB LG DVD-/+RW drive that has had no compatibility issues with the OS or Apple software. I'm using Catalina, however, the original macOS was 10.8 Mountain Lion. Apple apparently provides installers for older macOS, so that shouldn't be a problem. Not a pressure sale by any means. Thought I'd mention with the suggestion of a 2011/2012 Mac mini.

Miraculously, my ol' G4 is now on today after a long sleep or coma, and I'm able to turn it on usually after a "rest," so maybe it's an internal power/battery issue? I'm not sure if the power break cut its power temporarily or what.

In any event, for now I want to focus on doing a clean install of my MacBook Pro 15" and fresh install of my CS4 apps and Lightroom 6 apps using the CDs I have for all of them, or digital downloading from Adobe. I will then still have 2 displays (the one on the MacBook and the LG), which is great for my work.

In the future I'll try to figure out a best option for a more powerful work machine that can handle my Adobe legacy apps.

Why exactly do you say this? What can I do to eliminate any problems with this process? Can Apple do this at their stores/genius bars for me?:

"With that said, we could try to help you further clean your OS but that could very well be tediously futile. However, have you considered ensuring you have current backups and reinstalling macOS and apps -- fresh installs, that is -- on your MBP 2010? In theory, the CS4 install, etc should work as long as you don't restore application support, preference files, etc. In other words, simply backup and transfer documents, desktop files, music, photos, etc."

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

Miraculously, my ol' G4 is now on today after a long sleep or coma, and I'm able to turn it on usually after a "rest," so maybe it's an internal power/battery issue? I'm not sure if the power break cut its power temporarily or what.

In any event, for now I want to focus on doing a clean install of my MacBook Pro 15" and fresh install of my CS4 apps and Lightroom 6 apps using the CDs I have for all of them, or digital downloading from Adobe. I will then still have 2 displays (the one on the MacBook and the LG), which is great for my work.

In the future I'll try to figure out a best option for a more powerful work machine that can handle my Adobe legacy apps.

Why exactly do you say this? What can I do to eliminate any problems with this process? Can Apple do this at their stores/genius bars for me?:

"With that said, we could try to help you further clean your OS but that could very well be tediously futile. However, have you considered ensuring you have current backups and reinstalling macOS and apps -- fresh installs, that is -- on your MBP 2010? In theory, the CS4 install, etc should work as long as you don't restore application support, preference files, etc. In other words, simply backup and transfer documents, desktop files, music, photos, etc."

Maybe I wasn't clear, but the Adobe CC remnants are apparently still on my main computer, the MBP 2010, not the much older G4. So I'm unable to install my CS4 legacy apps on the MBP 2010 due to the Adobe Cleaner not working entirely. So I abandoned that ship and went back to the G4, which already has CS4 on it. Hope that's more clear? So when you say you could help me clean my OS, I think you're referring to the G4? Do you think that a clean install of my MBP 2010 will be feasible to do myself (having no experience doing that) and then reinstalling CS4—via CD or Adobe download—on it? Does Apple support or store geniuses do this for customers, paid or not? I just don't want any more digital drama. ; )

 

[MacCheetah3]

So when you say you could help me clean my OS, I think you're referring to the G4?

No. I did mean the MBP. There are hidden folders (Application Support, Preferences, etc) that contain pieces of an application. Sadly, annoyingly, most Mac uninstaller tools, even those provided by the original developer, are lackluster at actually removing all components of an app. However, that's not an absolute guarantee to fix your problem, which is why I suggested a possible OS reinstall.

Maybe I wasn't clear, but the Adobe CC remnants are apparently still on my main computer, the MBP 2010, not the much older G4. So I'm unable to install my CS4 legacy apps on the MBP 2010 due to the Adobe Cleaner not working entirely. So I abandoned that ship and went back to the G4, which already has CS4 on it. Hope that's more clear? So when you say you could help me clean my OS, I think you're referring to the G4? Do you think that a clean install of my MBP 2010 will be feasible to do myself (having no experience doing that) and then reinstalling CS4—via CD or Adobe download—on it? Does Apple support or store geniuses do this for customers, paid or not? I just don't want any more digital drama. ; )

Do you think that a clean install of my MBP 2010 will be feasible to do myself (having no experience doing that) and then reinstalling CS4—via CD or Adobe download—on it?

I don't know if I can make that judgement/conclusion.

There are many ways to have a backup of your data: Time Machine, cloning, simple copy and paste/drag and drop, to an external drive, and so on -- which you should have some method in place for irreplaceable, important data. Nothing's completely infallible.

Does Apple support or store geniuses do this for customers, paid or not?

I know they help with migration-type data transfers. I assume they would be willing for a reinstall situation. I would suggest contacting them to verify and setup an appointment.

Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple

Find an Apple Store and shop for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. Sign up for Today at Apple programs. Or get support at the Genius Bar.

www.apple.com

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options

Make a Genius Bar reservation or get help now with Apple Support. Answer a few questions and we’ll connect you with the right expert, right away.

www.apple.com

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

No. I did mean the MBP. There are hidden folders (Application Support, Preferences, etc) that contain pieces of an application. Sadly, annoyingly, most Mac uninstaller tools, even those provided by the original developer, are lackluster at actually removing all components of an app. However, that's not an absolute guarantee to fix your problem, which is why I suggested a possible OS reinstall.


I don't know if I can make that judgement/conclusion.

There are many ways to have a backup of your data: Time Machine, cloning, simple copy and paste/drag and drop, to an external drive, and so on -- which you should have some method in place for irreplaceable, important data. Nothing's completely infallible.

I know they help with migration-type data transfers. I assume they would be willing for a reinstall situation. I would suggest contacting them to verify and setup an appointment.

Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple

Find an Apple Store and shop for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. Sign up for Today at Apple programs. Or get support at the Genius Bar.

www.apple.com

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options

Make a Genius Bar reservation or get help now with Apple Support. Answer a few questions and we’ll connect you with the right expert, right away.

www.apple.com

Thanks so much for your response.

I do have the original CD with Snow Leopard on it. I could do this:

1. Clean uninstall my MPB of OS and install the Snow Leopard (and later perhaps update to Yosemite/El Cap depending on compatibility with CS4 per the link you gave me https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683; it's not yet definitive or unanimous about which OS is best in my research online).

Where can I find best way to do this? I can call support of course, but I can't seem to find it by googling right now. It has clean uninstalling of Mac "apps" which I assume is not the actual OS, etc.*

2. Reinstall backup of my data from Time Machine backup currently stored on a 2TB SP external drive (I have 817 GB free of 2TB on this drive). I'll look into if and what Apple can do with/for me with this process.

I may try to do a thorough backup of all my photography and other important files separately on my Amazon photos account to double back it all up—to be safe. Or maybe get a temporary upgrade of my iCloud storage to have it all there, too.

3. Install CS4 apps and separate LR6 from CDs (they are all registered with Adobe.com) or digital download if necessary.

How does this sound? Am I missing anything? Thanks again.

* https://www.google.com/search?ei=mJ...OYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6yAEIwAEB&sclient=psy-ab

 

[MacCheetah3]

That's not a bad plan. However, in your particular case, I would swap steps two and three because we don't know the cause of the Adobe installation problem. Therefore, getting CS4 and LR successfully installed and running before restoring any previous data seems most logical to me.

The secondary recommendation I have to increase the probability of a smooth reinstallation is to perform a log out in apps that utilize accounts to verify (iTunes, etc) and iCloud before rebooting the MBP and going through the install process.

Having a secondary backup of photos and such is indeed also a good consideration.

Macs Articles - dummies

These elegant Apple products have revolutionized home computing. Get the most out of your Mac with these useful articles.

www.dummies.com

How to Perform a Clean Install of OS X Snow Leopard

OS X Snow Leopard installer was designed only for upgrades, but with a few extra steps, you can get it to perform an Erase and Install for you.

www.lifewire.com

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

Hi, to refresh your memory, I am trying to clean install a version of OS that will be compatible for both Adobe CS4 apps and Lightroom 6. I’m at a standstill. Please let me know any thoughts. Hope this makes sense…

I was trying to clean install (delete HD) from my original Snow Leopard CD but got the attached message, that the current OS needed to be 23.1.1. I’m not even sure what “23” is.

Then I went further into these issues…and am not sure if I can do what I want to do….yet.


MY COMPUTER:

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
Processor 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory 8GB
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
graphics card is NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M 512 MB


**** 10.14 minimum for LR Classic - MOJAVE: YES

****10.4.1110.5.4 minimum for CS4 TIGER: NO


Lightroom Classic system requirement

Lightroom Classic system requirements

Your computer must meet the minimum technical specifications outlined below to run and use Lightroom Classic.

helpx.adobe.com

Operating systemmacOS Mojave (version 10.14) or later
macOS Big Sur (version 11)
macOS Catalina (version 10.15)macOS Mojave (version 10.14) or later - needs 8GB

macOS Big Sur (version 11) - need 16GB or more
macOS Catalina (version 10.15) - need 16GB or more



ADOBE CS4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Mac OS Versions compatible with CS4

I am a publisher currently running Mac OS X 10.6.8, using Adobe Creative Suite CS4 and QuarkXPress 8.5.1. I wish to bring myself up to speed with the current versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat. The problem is I wish to test run the iCloud to familiarise myself with these...

community.adobe.com

CS4 is not compatible with the El Capitan version of Mac OS.There are known issues with CS4 from version 10.7Known issues with Adobe CS products on Mac OS 10.7 (Lion)System requirements | Adobe Creative Suite 4, Point Products

Creative Suite archive

If you purchased Creative Suite 5, 5.5, or 6 from Adobe or registered your app, you may be able to download the installer for your app from your account.

helpx.adobe.com

PowerPC G5 or multicore Intel processor

Mac OS X v10.4.1110.5.4

Java Runtime Environment 1.5 required for Adobe Version Cue Server

1GB of RAM or more recommended

8.2 GB (Design Standard) or 10.3GB (Design Premium) of available hard-disk space for installation. Additional hard-disk space isrequired during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on flash-based storage devices.)

1,024x768 display (1,280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card

Some GPU-accelerated features require graphics support for Shader Model 3.0 and OpenGL 2.0

DVD-ROM drive

QuickTime 7.4.5 required for multimedia features

Broadband Internet connection required for online servicesFor the most up-to-date to system requirements select the Adobe Creative Suite 4 product on the Adobe Products page.

CS4 with Mac High Sierra

I've been using CS4 Creative Suite for several years and with every system upgrade I worry that I won't be able to continue using it. (I don't use it regularly but I have important documents that I need to access periodically). I just updated my MacBook Pro to the latest OS, High Sierra...

community.adobe.com

You hould e aware that even current oftware will (and in the Cae of CC 2017 InDeignDO) have potential prolem running on the firt verion of a new O. C4 ha not eenupported for at leat two verion of the Mac O o the onl proale wa that ou'll e aleto fix thi i to roll ack our O (I think Yoemite wa the lat verion to upport C4 ut Icould e wrong aout that).


******IDEAL OS X ???
**** 10.14 minimum for LR Classic - MOJAVE: YES??? Good compromise for both LR 6 and Adobe CS4??

BUT.....

Mac Pro Mid 2010 15-inch doesn't seem to be compatible with Mojave 10.14, if it doesn't have a metal-capable GPU listed here apparently:

MacOS Mojave Compatible Macs List

MacOS Mojave is the freshly announced next major release of Mac OS system software, complete with a gorgeous Dark Mode appearance and a variety of other great features set to improve the Mac experi…

osxdaily.com

My graphics card is NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M 512 MB -- not metal, correct?

Apple Outlines Metal-Capable Cards Compatible With macOS Mojave on 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro Models

Apple's new macOS Mojave update is not compatible with mid-2010 and mid-2012 Mac Pros with stock GPUs, but it is supported on 2010 and 2012 Mac...

www.macrumors.com

"Apple's new macOS Mojave update is not compatible with mid-2010 and mid-2012 Mac Pros with stock GPUs, but it is supported on 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models that have been upgraded with graphics cards that support Metal."


Does this all sound right, kind of making me stuck for a bit...?

I don't know anything about installing an upgraded metal-capable graphic card. Can I go into an Apple store and ask them to do it, fee or free, whatever? Or is it fairly simple that I can do it? Any links appreciated.

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

That's not a bad plan. However, in your particular case, I would swap steps two and three because we don't know the cause of the Adobe installation problem. Therefore, getting CS4 and LR successfully installed and running before restoring any previous data seems most logical to me.

The secondary recommendation I have to increase the probability of a smooth reinstallation is to perform a log out in apps that utilize accounts to verify (iTunes, etc) and iCloud before rebooting the MBP and going through the install process.

Having a secondary backup of photos and such is indeed also a good consideration.

Macs Articles - dummies

These elegant Apple products have revolutionized home computing. Get the most out of your Mac with these useful articles.

www.dummies.com

How to Perform a Clean Install of OS X Snow Leopard

OS X Snow Leopard installer was designed only for upgrades, but with a few extra steps, you can get it to perform an Erase and Install for you.

www.lifewire.com

I posted and update, let me know your thoughts. Thanks again!

 

[AdobeMacCompatibility]

I posted and update, let me know your thoughts. Thanks again!

 

[gilby101]

**** 10.14 minimum for LR Classic - MOJAVE: YES???

That is for the current version of Lightroom Classic. Earlier you said you wanted to use Lightroom 6.

For LR 6 the https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/system-requirements/earlier-versions.html is confusing (to me). It says that the requirements for Lightroom Classic CC 7.x/Lightroom 6.x are:

Mac OS X v10.11 (El Capitan), macOS v10.12 (Sierra), or macOS v10.13 (High Sierra)**

and the ** points to:
** Lightroom CC 2015.1/Lightroom 6.1 and earlier versions are supported on Mac OS X v10.8. Lightroom CC 2015.6.1/Lightroom 6.6.1 and earlier are supported on Mac OS X v10.9. Lightroom CC 2015.6.12/Lightroom 6.12 and earlier are supported on Mac OS X v10.10.

I think it is saying that you must be careful about supported macOS version for each precise sub-version of LR 6.

But note that it uses the word "supported" (by Adobe). That is not the same as "works with".

I don't know much about CS4, but it is fairly clear that you won't get a version of macOS on which Adobe supports both CS4 and any version of LR 6. But maybe there is a version of macOS where they both work - you will need to experiment.

 

[gilby101]

I don't know anything about installing an upgraded metal-capable graphic card. Can I go into an Apple store and ask them to do it, fee or free, whatever? Or is it fairly simple that I can do it? Any links appreciated.

The only way Apple will upgrade a 'vintage' or older Mac is by selling you a newer one. You will need to find a non-official Apple repairer who might know whether it can be done and do it for you. But I am pretty sure that it can't be done. (Hope I am wrong).

 

[MacCheetah3]

My graphics card is NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M 512 MB -- not metal, correct?

Apple Outlines Metal-Capable Cards Compatible With macOS Mojave on 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro Models

Apple's new macOS Mojave update is not compatible with mid-2010 and mid-2012 Mac Pros with stock GPUs, but it is supported on 2010 and 2012 Mac...

www.macrumors.com

Correct. For the most part, 2012 models and newer.

I don't know anything about installing an upgraded metal-capable graphic card. Can I go into an Apple store and ask them to do it, fee or free, whatever? Or is it fairly simple that I can do it? Any links appreciated.

For a Mac Pro maybe, but I don't know if they'd on such an old model i.e. lack of stock for an upgraded graphics card. On the MacBook Pro, I don't believe so. As far as I'm aware, the GPU is soldered to the logic board.

I was trying to clean install (delete HD) from my original Snow Leopard CD but got the attached message, that the current OS needed to be 23.1.1. I’m not even sure what “23” is.

Admittedly, I hadn't seen that message, error before. After doing some research, I discovered the "23.1.1" is a reference to the Mac OS Installer version. In other words, the Installer app on the macOS version you're currently using doesn't work with the Mac OS version you're trying to install.

You'll need to boot from the DVD to reinstall -- I assume, you have your backups completed.

Boot a Mac from a CD / DVD

If your Mac has a SuperDrive or Disc drive, you can boot the Mac from any bootable DVD or CD by using a special keyboard shortcut. The bootable disc can be an OS X system restore disc, an OS X inst…

osxdaily.com

If holding C doesn't work, try holding down Option immediately after the chime and selecting the DVD.

Then... If during the install process, Macintosh HD is unselectable or it otherwise won't allow you to install from the DVD, you may need to erase and format the HDD.

Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support

How to erase (format) the built-in startup disk of an Intel-based Mac.

support.apple.com

Use Disk Utility to erase your disk​

1. From the utilities window in macOS Recovery, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
   
   
2. Select Macintosh HD in the sidebar of Disk Utility. Don't see Macintosh HD?
3. Click the Erase button in the toolbar, then enter the requested details:
   • Name: Continue to use Macintosh HD as the name, or enter a different name.
   • Format: Continue to use APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), as recommended by Disk Utility.
4. Click Erase Volume Group. If you don't see this button, click Erase instead.
   
   
5. If Find My is turned on for this Mac, you may be asked to enter your Apple ID to authorize the erase. Forgot your Apple ID?
6. After the erase is done, select any other internal volumes that may be listed in the sidebar, then click the delete volume (–) button in the toolbar to delete each volume.
   You don't need to delete the Macintosh HD volume you just erased, or any external volumes or disk images.
7. Quit Disk Utility to return to the utilities window.
8. If you want to start up again from the disk you erased, you should now reinstall macOS on that disk.

 

[Airborne67]

FYI, I'm running a mid 2019 15" MacBook Pro with Mojave. CS4 works fine with Mojave and that's why I've not yet upgraded to Big Sur. Am waiting to see if anyone else manages to make it work before going ahead.