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User profile for user: TwoRaleys
TwoRaleys Author
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Software compatibility

I am considering replacing my wonderful (but old) 17" MacBook Pro (MacBookPro3,1) with a new MacBook Pro because of an apparent fan problem in my existing machine. The largest of the problems: I have some critical software that I need to retain, and I would prefer to continue to use OS X 10.5.8 for a variety of reasons (including software compatibility). Is it possible to buy a new 17" MacBook Pro and using my 10.5 install disk, erase the new OS on the new machine and replace it with 10.5? I could conceivably then run the updates to 10.5.8 and/or use my TimeMachine backup to restore the new HD so it looked and worked like my old existing HD, right? Wrong?


I'm about to slit my wrists here...any thoughts or help out there? Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8), Also: iBook G4 (10.5.8) and 3 desktops (10.4.11); AirPort Extrem

Posted on Feb 6, 2012 1:34 PM

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User profile for user: TwoRaleys
TwoRaleys Author
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Feb 6, 2012 1:54 PM in response to TwoRaleys

So then...here's what I understand, and please correct me if I'm wrong:


1. The new MacBook Pro will NOT operate with OS X 10.5.8 (even having erased the new HD and installed 10.5)


2. If #1 above is accurate, then these specific apps below will NOT run on the new machine (i.e., using Lion, which apparently cannot be replaced with Leopard 10.5.8), even with all recommended updates having been installed:

Adobe CS4 (including Dreamweaver)

MSOffice 2004

Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro


3. Given that #1 and #2 above are true, my only option is to spend a gazillion dollars in new software or, more likely, go the "slit my wrists" route.

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
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Feb 6, 2012 1:58 PM in response to TwoRaleys

1. Correct. And, may not even run with Snow Leopard.


2. All the listed applications can be updated:


Adobe CS4 and CS5 should work as both are, I believe, Universal. At least CS5 is.

Office 2004 can be upgraded to Office 2011 which works fine.

I believe Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro is Universal. I have a copy that works.


3. Whenever you upgrade you have the potential need to spend money on software upgrades. What's new about that? If you don't want to, then just don't upgrade. Or, go slit your wrists. Your choice.

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User profile for user: TwoRaleys
TwoRaleys Author
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Feb 6, 2012 2:07 PM in response to Kappy

Slitting my wrists is not a particularly attractive option, and having used Macs since the old SE30 days, God knows I understand about software updates...and the potential for wrist-slitting...anytime you upgrade an OS! 🙂 Your point is well taken.


The problem is that everything about my good old trusty MacBook Pro works great, except for the intermittent "screaming fan" issue...I swear there's a damned rattlesnake in the back left corner of my machine. Maybe taking a few days off (i.e., away from the machine) and letting the "Genuis Bar" genuises try to work some magic is more appropriate at this point.


But, that said, if CS4 will work, I can swallow an MSOffice upgrade (maybe!).

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
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Feb 6, 2012 2:12 PM in response to TwoRaleys

Select any of your CS4 applications. Press COMMAND-I to open the Get Info window. Where you see the word Kind: look in the following parentheses for the word Universal or Intel. If you see one or the other then they are compatible with Intel processors. Do the same for Acrobat 9. Only your Office applications will have "PPC" in the parentheses.

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User profile for user: TwoRaleys
TwoRaleys Author
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Feb 6, 2012 2:42 PM in response to Kappy

So...the CS4 apps all say Intel. Additionally, Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro says Universal. Good news, no? All of the MSOffice apps only say Application after the word Kind, and there are no parentheses. Oh, well. If I have to replace my trusty old MacBook Pro with a new machine, it appears that only MSOffice will need to be replaced or upgraded. It certainly could be worse. That's provided, of course that the gazillion other fun and useful little apps still work, or have been replaced with new versions compatible wth the new OS (for example, and specifically, Suitcase Fusion 2, Skype, Grab, MacKeeper, iAntiVirus, MacScan, and the wireless functions of the Epson printer Workforce 630).

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User profile for user: TwoRaleys
TwoRaleys Author
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Feb 6, 2012 3:21 PM in response to TwoRaleys

Kappy:

I just talked to AppleCare...the person I spoke to said I could partition the HD on a new MacBook Pro and use the larger partition for Leopard (10.5) by installing Leopard on that partition and then restoring the current backup from TimeMachine, thereby maintaining all of my software except for MSOffice (which I would need to upgrade). Any thoughts?


p.s.: just saw your last reply...thanks!

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
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Feb 6, 2012 3:26 PM in response to TwoRaleys

Sorry, they gave you bad information or you misunderstood. It may be possible to install Snow Leopard, but definitely not Leopard.


The problem with Snow Leopard is that the current Snow Leopard DVD is 10.6.4 and the new hardware will require 10.6.6 or later assuming they can run Snow Leopard reliably. You cannot install Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later because it's only available on discs packaged with the 2010 or Early 2011 iMacs and MacBook Pros. The only way to install it is to have a pre-installed 10.6.8 system you can clone to another partition on the new computer. Still you take a chance it will not run reliably because of changes in the hardware.

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User profile for user: TwoRaleys
TwoRaleys Author
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Feb 6, 2012 3:36 PM in response to Kappy

Ouch! I was very clear to them about my currently using OS X 10.5.8. I guess it's back to the drawing board...which means, I suppose, "biting the bullet" and hoping Adobe CS4 works properly and also spending the additional money on an MSOffice upgrade. Once connected to my appropriate external HD, can I use the "restore" button in Time Machine on the new machine to get back the CS4 (and other) software, or do I need to completely reinstall them all from the original CDs?


Now let's also hope there are no wireless network issues or wireless printer (Epson Workforce 630) issues. Maybe I need to take a walk and digest all this! 🙂

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,741 points

Feb 6, 2012 3:36 PM in response to TwoRaleys

Yep, upgrades like Lion can certainly take a lot of changing. We've all been through it. I don't use Adobe applications but a friend of mine shelled out $1,200 to get CS5 and Dreamweaver upgrades from CS3. I have Acrobat 9 which is fine so far, but who knows when we move to OS XI.


I had to spring for new printers and a new scanner when moving to Intel machines initially. Donated a lot of PPC equipment to the local school.

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,741 points

Feb 6, 2012 3:43 PM in response to TwoRaleys

Well, I did get an email notification that's a little shorter than your public post, if that's what you mean. Sorry, but I didn't notice the Time Machine question. My apologies.


I would say the easy answer is when you first start the new computer the Setup Assistant will ask if you want to restore from a Time Machine backup. I would do that but only your Home folder, applications and support files, and system preferences. Don't do a full system restore or your new computer will no longer run.


The less easy answer is to install from scratch with the original DVDs to avoid all the crud that the systems tend to build up over time. Gives you a cleaner base from which to start.

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Software compatibility

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