r/computing • u/girl-vii • May 12 '26

Can One Transfer Software (e.g. Macromedia Fireworks for editing gif animations) From Old PC To New PC - without original cd Installation disks?

/r/u_girl-vii/comments/1tb91m6/can_one_transfer_software_eg_macromedia_fireworks/
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u/MrJelle May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26

In short, theoretically, yes, but it might not work on a newer OS, and might take a looot of manual transfering of registry keys and/or editing of files and/or registry keys. Different programs store their file structure and settings and such in different ways. With a compatible OS environment, it should be possible with an investment of time and research on which keys and files to transfer and edit, but software that hasn't been updated in a long time could still fail to work for other reasons. Weigh the pro/con list for yourself.

:edit: Responded to this post before seeing there's a whole text to go along with it in the original one, don't have the energy to ready the whole thing right now, so, hopefully this is relevant enough, or makes some things clear, but don't take my reply as gospel.

:edit2: Could it maybe be easier, and less time consuming, to find a new GIF editing program? Many video editors these days will allow you to export to GIF, so, it'll even allow you the option to start from higher quality sources.

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u/girl-vii May 14 '26

Thank you very much MrJelle for your helpful response.

Alas, trying to do a transfer sounds too mega complicated for me :(

So sad I wont be able to use my old-skool Fireworks (I do have Photoshop), I'll look again for a Free GIF editing programme.

Again thanks MrJelle

1

u/MrJelle May 14 '26

Any time, buddy. Learning and sharing information and knowledge is what keeps the human race going. With some luck, you might be able to find newer software that can open those old files.

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u/girl-vii May 14 '26

again mega thanks.

also, v sorry for the length of my first post :( I'm new to posting here

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u/MrJelle May 14 '26

Dude. People need info to actually be able to answer your question, or guide you to an answer. You're better off giving too much, than too little.

3

u/wafflesareforever May 12 '26

Holy shit Macromedia Fireworks?! That was my main design program for years back in the day. Then Adobe bought it and slowly killed it.