Backward compatibility with a newer machine?

[hempomatic]

Well, I have no idea how to create another volume and run any other OS, nor frankly, do I have any intention of ever doing so given the bad luck I've had with every update since Mavericks the last OS I NEVER had a single issue with for the first 4 or 5 years I owned that computer LOL. Falling for the hype of how wonderful and life altering the new OS was along with the paranoia surrounding SECURITY SECURITY update immediately or give up all security and usability BS is when the wheels came off. I am now HOPING to find a gently used 2010 to 2012 machine so I can run Mountain Lion or Mavericks, but that seems less and less likely as time marches on, so I'm also presently looking for a 2015 Retina MBP machine since it's the last model where I can replace the HD (Is that accurate? ). Sierra and High Sierra were at least usable, even Mojave to a point, but beyond that there is simply no way I can work with Catalina or beyond. When I find an older machine that suits my needs, at that point I will sell this machine and happily bask in my continued ignorance.

Thank you everyone for your input and help.

 

[vansmith]

I'm sure we're all happy to help but I'm not clear on what your question is. If you're only looking to know which MBPs have replaceable drives, the 2015s can have the SSD replaced although it's no simple task (see here).

If I may, I think you're better off trying to work through the issues with newer hardware & software instead of intentionally using antiquated and increasingly insecure software. Put differently, the headaches and vulnerabilities that you open yourself too in the spirit of getting around (avoiding?) the issues of newer devices will no doubt be greater.

 

[hempomatic]

I'm sure we're all happy to help but I'm not clear on what your question is. If you're only looking to know which MBPs have replaceable drives, the 2015s can have the SSD replaced although it's no simple task (see here).

If I may, I think you're better off trying to work through the issues with newer hardware & software instead of intentionally using antiquated and increasingly insecure software. Put differently, the headaches and vulnerabilities that you open yourself too in the spirit of getting around (avoiding?) the issues of newer devices will no doubt be greater.

My question was originally if it was even possible to to utilize the new computer with an older operating system. I've since learned that no, I can't do that, which leaves me with a computer that does very little if anything I actually need it to do along with updated programs that screwed the associated libraries up so profoundly as to make them unusable. Ideally, the machine I'm most familiar with is a mid 2012, but I also realize they are getting long in the tooth.

I'm not at all concerned with older software or inevitable mechanical failures, because I back my data up as a rule. It is the NEWER computer and NEWER software that give me no access to my backed up data. I never had any issues with the older machines. I updated after falling for the nonsense that the new hardware and software were so much more secure and reliable.

I understand the need for newer more powerful machines for today's demanding software, but I don't use any new software. There may come the day when I too may NEED a newer computer. Until then .......... no thanks, I rather have one I CAN understand and repair.

 

[vansmith]

What I'm about to say is done so with the following preface: to each their own and you do what works for you.

The issue with older software is less the risk of corruption or lost data but rather that older operating systems are no longer updated or patched against vulnerabilities. Everything pre-Catalina is no longer maintained by Apple and Catalina isn't far behind. You will also, increasingly, run into issues doing basic things. See this recent thread for instance. While it may be some time before either of these become issues, they will become issues sooner for you than it will for most others.

 

[rbpeirce]

2. In iTunes, as already mentioned, use the Keyboard shortcut - Command plus comma - to enter iTunes Preferences. Now Click on Advanced (last option on the right in the menu bar). Tick "Keep iTunes Media folder organised". Also Tick " Copy Files to iTunes Media Folder when adding to library".

That depends. Sometimes you want to leave stuff where it is and this can really mess it up. I actually keep all my stuff in the library but in different directories within it. Unless you later move it (or possibly change the directory name; I don't know about that) iTunes will find it.

Sometimes iTunes loses track of where the correct iTunes library is. In that case you can start iTunes with the Option key depressed and it will allow you to point it to the desired library.

 

[MacInWin]

@hempomatic, I'll say it again. You have much work to do to restore your tunes and pictures. Going backwards, if you can find an old machine that works, will be a lot of work. Going forwards will be the same work, but you end up in a better position. And that also applies if you leave the Apple environment and to go Windows, or Linux. The work is there. The outcome is up to you. I recommend going forward, as @vansmith also said.

But, again, it is up to you. Best of luck with it either way!

 

[rbpeirce]

Your iTunes library is impressive. Mine is about 2000 which is setup into multiple playlists, but when I went from Mojave to Catalina, my library was FUBAR. I had to wipe my iMac clean and start from scratch. I still use Mojave and am hesitant to jump to Monterey because I get so much conflicting information about what works and what doesn't. I also know that one day I won't have any choice.

Same boat here. I currently have my library on its own HD. It is connected to a mini running Mojave. I also have a new computer running 12.1. As a test I plugged the HD into the Monterey machine and fired up Music with the Option key down and located the iTunes library on the HD. Monterey liked that so I selected it. It wanted to create a new library called Music 1 so I said ok. I then played some CDs. After that I reconnected to the Mojave machine with zero problem.

I have over 1400 LPs digitized using software that is still 32-bit. I know that won't work on Monterey. OTOH, I have over 1000 CDs and they will work if it comes to that.

Hopefully there will be 64-bit software for my LPs before Mojave becomes completely unavailable. I still have two machines running Mojave and more are available on the internet so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

[MacInWin]

I have over 1400 LPs digitized using software that is still 32-bit. I know that won't work on Monterey. OTOH, I have over 1000 CDs and they will work if it comes to that.

That is a curious statement. Theoretically, the digitization process should have created a file of digitized music, hopefully in some standard format, that should play regardless of the status of the software used to digitize it. Did you actually try to play any of them while booted in Monterey?

 

[IWT]

I echo Jake's statement. I have music on my iMac (Big Sur) that was imported from numerous sources and formats that date back to 2008/9; and they have played through all the operating systems since then and still do.

Ian

 

[hempomatic]

The desired Library no longer exists, same with Photos. The bulk of both libraries seem to be somewhere in the 900 gig backup I no longer have access to. Catalina wants no part of anything written before it.

I don't have the skill or aptitude to any longer put up with this exercise in frustration. I look at it this way, if my computer was stolen or spontaneously exploded, I'd be in the same predicament. I have no idea how to create partitions or libraries, and any time I have ever attempted to do that has resulted in the nonsense I'm dealing with now.

Regardless, none of this is any longer an issue. I have accepted reality, albeit with a degree of reluctance. If I can't find an older machine PRE-Mojave I'll chalk it up to a loss. That's on me, not you guys. I simply should have never updated my machine because there was no need to. To say I will NEVER EVER do another update to a machine running flawlessly is an understatement of gigantic proportions. I've spoken to dozens of people with Power PC machines to present and most agree that these updates are why Apple is now a 3 trillion dollar company. They create a need for a problem that simply does not exist. As a business model, I find that abhorrent, as a Capitalist, I understand it.

Here is the bottom line, I'll put this in perspective. Much as there are virus deniers, I am now a avid update denier. I believe in the Corona virus and was vaccinated because I saw people die. I have NEVER seen anyone have a computer problem with a Mac because they didn't update. I'm talking about basic functionality rather than the ability to use the latest and greatest program they don't actually need.

Again, I will thank everyone that has tried to help me. You folks have helped me numerous times in the past, and I am sure I'll have more question in the future. In this case however, I have a $2000 boat anchor with email.

THANK YOU.

 

[rbpeirce]

That is a curious statement. Theoretically, the digitization process should have created a file of digitized music, hopefully in some standard format, that should play regardless of the status of the software used to digitize it. Did you actually try to play any of them while booted in Monterey?

It creates a single CAF file for the album and a set of "bookmarks" indicating where the track begins and ends within the file. The bookmarks are what is actually loaded into iTunes. The bookmark feature is the 32-bit bugaboo. I can convert each track into an actual m4a track file which can be loaded into iTunes/Music and played. However, this loses all the meta data and cover art so I am reluctant to do that as long as I am stuck with 32-bit and Mojave is still available.

 

[hempomatic]

I was talking to someone today that suggested I just upgrade to Monterey since A.) The computer doesn't really work anyway, and B.) When I sell it it will be easier to wipe the computer clean and reinstall the same OS that was on it already.