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Question

Can't Find or Download Previous Software Versions

Feb 11, 2012 6:28AM PST

Hi all-
I hate cluttering these forums more than they already are so I searched pretty thoroughly for a related post.

I've recently re-installed Tiger (10.4.11) on my MBP. I am trying to get many of my cherished app and utilities back but having much difficulty.

One example; Cocktail v.3.4.9 for Tiger. A search for Cocktail, naturally, takes me to the download page for the newest version (compatible w. 10.5 or higher). At the very bottom of the page, I find the dropdown menu for previous versions. From here I can bring up the description page for many previous versions but clicking on the download but takes me right back to the newest version.

I'm finding this to be the same with nearly ALL my older app versions which I've purchased and still have the authorizations for. Am I missing something? Is Tiger really so outdated already that I'm not going to be able to find much of these old apps?

Two reasons I don't just simply want to upgrade to Snow Leopard: 1 - I run a lot of music software and I'm one of those who believe "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" I have everything working perfectly with my current config and don't need to mess with it. 2nd and most important, I can't afford it. Not just the OS upgrade, but purchasing all these licenses for the many small programs I've been using for years.

So, am I missing something simple? How can I find the downloads for these "ancient", Tiger compatible, programs?

Thank You, All
-Josh

Discussion is locked

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Answer
How can I find the downloads for these "ancient", Tiger comp
Feb 11, 2012 6:43AM PST

"How can I find the downloads for these "ancient", Tiger compatible, programs?"

When I need such things I turn to my backups. For those that don't keep such copies and such are still on the web albeit the new version I look at the page for any CONTACT information and contact the author or company with my request.
Bob

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And it may not be necessary to purchase new licenses
Feb 11, 2012 9:08AM PST

for those apps.

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Yes, No, Perhaps?
Feb 11, 2012 7:35PM PST

Hi Bob-
Are you one of those guys who sits around browsing support forums waiting for an opportunity to make yourself sound smarter than someone else? If so, then you certainly hit the mark on this one, buddy! I, in fact, do NOT have a copy of my original installer for Cocktail 3.4.9 from 8+ years ago.

Just messin' with ya buddy Wink I guess I did come across a bit facetious, myself, in my original post...

Anyway, let's backtrack and rehash the essence of my original question, shall we?

"At the very bottom of the page, I find the drop-down menu for previous
versions. From here I can bring up the description page for many
previous versions but clicking on the download but takes me right back
to the newest version."
I'm just noticing that I mistyped "button". That's awkward Plain

Oh well, moving on; If I'm looking at the description page for Cocktail 3.4.9, why would the big green download button on this page initiate the download of Cocktail SLE? A bit counter intuitive, don't ya think?

Now, that is my question. If you can answer it, please do. You're welcome to make me look like an idiot if you can actually provide some enlightenment.

To your favor, contacting the program developer is a good idea and I've done just that, but that was significantly more trouble than clicking on the big green download button.

mrmacfixit (P), Thank You, for real. In the case of Cocktail, no luck... SLE will not run on Tiger, but a couple other apps that I assumed were only compatible with the OS that they claimed to be compatible with actually did run on Tiger.

Really, Bob, I'm just messin' with ya, bra. You do have a good point. Keep copies of your original installers. 8 years is a long time though. Some cheap external backup drives won't even live that long, unused, in storage. Don't be a smart-OS Laugh get it? That's my attempt at a geek joke Silly
-Josh

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I wonder if this is any good for you
Feb 11, 2012 10:29PM PST
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No problem.
Feb 12, 2012 3:56AM PST

As an author of apps for almost anything (GE-210, CP/M, embedded to present day Android, iOS, Windows, Linux) you can bet that I keep significant older versions in the archives.

My reply was about how to find and gain access to such things.
Bob

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Hey Bob-
Feb 12, 2012 10:23AM PST

I know you were trying to help. I was in a mood when I got home last night and I felt like your replay was a "shame on you for not backing up your installers, rookie" jab, instead of just an answer to my question. Although it was just a little mischievous forum play, I actually started feelin' a little guilty about coming across too snotty. Thanks for not takin' me too seriously Happy

Here's the deal: I am in the habit of archiving original installers with my backups but for whatever reason, I don't have the Cocktail installer. It was so long ago I couldn't even begin to guess why I didn't stash it away, or maybe I did and accidentally overwrote it somewhere along the way. It's not even that I can't live without Cocktail, it's a fun little utility, but life will go on. I'm really just obsessing over why I can't find a d/l of this ANYWHERE. Confused

mrmacfixit posted a link to a site that "claims" to have it. I'd already come across that one and a few similar. They're scam sites. They don't actually have the content available. It's just amazing to me that I can't find a legit download from a legit site (like C|Net) anywhere on the web! If I didn't know better, I'd think I was one of the last 15 people on the planet still running Tiger.

And, the C|NET thing is just baffles me. Why waste the server space to host pages of program information and reviews for software that you can't actually d/l? I've posted on another forum as well and haven't gotten an answer either. A few suggestions as to how to go about getting the apps, most of them along the same lines as your suggestion, but I was really just hoping that someone would tell me that there's this largely unknown website that archives all these otherwise lost and forgotten programs. Or even that I'm just stupid and it's been right in front of me the entire time and I'm just not seeing it.

Anyway, I'll quit throwing a tantrum over this and just move on, but just for licks and tickles, to anyone that can spare a few minutes, short of contacting Maintain and asking for the Tiger edition of Cocktail, I'd be sure be curious to see if anyone else could actually find a LEGIT copy available for download. It's just simple curiosity now.

Well, happy tappin', fellas
-Josh

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It's one of the mysteries.
Feb 12, 2012 1:14PM PST

download.com is a nice idea but unless folk report what's broke and missing then it will have broke and missing items.

There's a CNET Download.com forum to report broke and missing links.

Good to read you are finding your stuff.
Bob