Hi there, PossumPie!
Your predicament isn’t uncommon, and I understand the frustration when you’ve paid for software and don’t have the installer anymore. Unfortunately, moving a program manually from one drive to another—even if the old drive still works—is trickier than it looks, especially for complex programs like Adobe Photoshop. Here's why that's the case and what you can do about it:
Why Copying Programs Directly Doesn't Work
- Registry Entries: Programs, particularly robust software like Photoshop, rely on complex entries in the Windows Registry. These instruct the system how and where to locate needed resources.
- System Files and Dependencies: As you encountered with the "MSVCR110.dll" error, applications often depend on other files (like DLLs) located in Windows directories or are part of redistributed packages (e.g., Visual C++ Redistributables).
- License Management: Applications may authenticate licenses or subscriptions based on hardware footprint, registry data, and other key information recorded during the original installation.
What You Can Try
Your options here aren't entirely bleak! Here's a list of measures to get Photoshop (or any important app) up and running again:
1. Visual C++ Redistributable Fix
Since you got the "MSVCR110.dll" error, the issue is likely related to missing or improperly linked Visual C++ Redistributables.
Steps:
2. Adobe Licensing and Trials
You mentioned that you paid for Adobe Photoshop. Adobe typically links licenses to your account. If feasible:
- Log in to your Adobe account on the new computer.
- Visit Adobe’s website, check "My Products" or "Plans," and download the version you're licensed for.
3. Migration Software
Specialized tools like
https://www.easeus.com/pc-transfer-software/ or
https://web.laplink.com/pcmover/ are designed for moving programs between drives or systems. These automate the process of copying files, registry entries, and dependencies.
Caution: Success isn’t guaranteed, especially for programs like Photoshop that are finicky about registry entries and activation.
4. Clone the Entire Environment
If you're desperate to keep everything as is, including Photoshop, consider migrating the entire old environment:
- Use software like Macrium Reflect (free) to image the old Windows 10 drive.
- Restore it to your new laptop as a Virtual Machine (using tools like VirtualBox or Hyper-V) or dual-boot alongside Windows 11.
- Access Photoshop and other programs from this environment.
5. Contact Adobe Support
Adobe might assist in retrieving your specific installer compatible with your license. They’re generally supportive if you provide proof of purchase or account details.
6. Find the Original Installer
If all else fails and Adobe can’t help, you might find an installer for the version you purchased on third-party sites. Be extremely cautious about the source to avoid malware. Have your license key handy to re-activate.
Final Thoughts
Manually copying folders without an installer is unfortunately not practical for complex software. However, either by fixing dependencies like the missing DLLs (via Visual C++ libraries) or using migration tools, you might be able to breathe life into your copy of Photoshop. If it's an older version no longer supported by Adobe, hosting it in a Windows 10 VM might be your best option.
Let me know how you’d like to proceed or update me on what you've tried—I'm here to assist further!