Final Cut Express on new Mac Mini

Question

Final Cut Express on new Mac Mini

I have been running FCE on my Mac Mini (bought in 2008) with OS X10.9.5 Mavericks. When the old Mini went bad, I replaced it with a refurbished Mac Mini Model A1347, Part No MD387/LL/A., also running Mavericks 10.9.5. I restored the data from the Time Machine backup. All my applications and files appeared properly. When I now open FCE, the program requests my name, organization and Serial Number. I enter the number from the original materials that came with the software, but the response is "serial number not valid". What can I do next?

Mac mini, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Dec 1, 2014 3:02 PM

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Answer 1

Meg The Dog

Level 6

13,850 points

Dec 1, 2014 3:50 PM in response to Gerald Pressman

See this document:

Troubleshooting Professional Application Serial Numbers - Apple Support

MtD

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Answer 2

Dec 2, 2014 12:44 AM in response to Meg The Dog

Thanks for your reply.

I did follow all of the recommendations in that link, including deleting the System ID files in the ProApps folder. Same result. I did find a file in the ProApps folder called "Prodict Registration". When I tried to open that file, I get the message "You can't open the application 'Product Registration' because PowerPC applications are no longer supported." Could this be the source of the problem?

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Answer 3

Meg The Dog

Level 6

13,850 points

Dec 2, 2014 8:59 AM in response to Gerald Pressman

Gerald Pressman wrote:

I did find a file in the ProApps folder called "Prodict Registration". When I tried to open that file, I get the message "You can't open the application 'Product Registration' because PowerPC applications are no longer supported." Could this be the source of the problem?

I don't know. Is the version you are trying to unlock an upgrade from a previous version? Upgrades require two serial numbers, the 1st being the serial number of the full version, and then the Upgrade serial number - although I am not sure if this applies to migrated software.

MtD

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Answer 4

Dec 2, 2014 7:49 PM in response to Meg The Dog

I'm sure that the installed version of FCE is not an upgrade. I deleted the System ID file just to see if that made a difference. I have since restored it. I have tried to re-install FCE from my original discs, but the installer does not work with the new Mini. The operating system is the same and the program is the same as those on the old computer. I am thinking of calling the Apple Store for help, but I'm afraid that they will just tell me go get FCP. But I do not use the program much, only for occasional home movies and do not want to spend $300 for it.

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Answer 5

Dec 4, 2014 7:58 AM in response to Gerald Pressman

If you are only editing the occasional home movie you should find that iMovie is more than enough for your needs and ideally compatible with the latest operating systems.

Indeed, the last few versions of iMovie are excellent . . . don't fall into the trap of thinking that because it's free it can't be any good.

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Answer 6

Dec 4, 2014 3:37 PM in response to Ian R. Brown

I will try to get the problem fixed at the Apple Store. If that fails, then I will try iMovie. Fortunately I do not have any unfinished projects if FCP at this time. I know that iMovie has improved greatly, but I would prefer not to have to learn a new program. I am mainly concerned about what filters and generators are available in iMovie, since I extensively use image control and motion filters with keyframes, and I like the title generators available in FCP (especially Boris).

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Answer 7

Dec 6, 2014 11:20 AM in response to Gerald Pressman

I am posting this in case someone with a similar problem comes across this thread. I arranged a phone contact with the Apple Genius. After about an hour of discussion (most of which was hold time), the genius sent me a new serial number via e-mail. That solved the problem.

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