Help! Need advice for old Freehand files.

[Golive1]

I have old Freehand 8 files from the late 90's that I need to open that ran on a Powerbook G4 OS9. Freehand 8 is on that computer. The problem is the computer isn't working and I can't find the Freehand 8 cd. I do have the license number though (not sure if that is helpful). In trying to open my many Freehand files, I just bought a 2007 iMac 20" 4G with the goal of installing Freehand and eventually learning AI. I had Snow Leopard installed on it thinking the older OS will be more suitable for Freehand programs. I think AI CS4 will open older Freehand files, is this correct? But, I really enjoyed Freehand and would like to revisit the program to make changes on my old files. So, should I keep Snow Leopard? Or should I go to a newer OS? Does anyone know where I can buy Freehand? I don't think my old license number will be helpful at all, is this correct? Assuming Freehand is available for purchase, which Freehand should I buy? Any advice is greatly appreciated. What a shame that Freehand is obsolete, I really enjoyed using it 15-20 yrs ago.

[FFH Mark]

Hey Golive1, I think you are good to go straight to FreeHandMX to open your FH8 files. Go to our home page and download a Trial version. Install it on your Snow Leopard iMac. That is the latest OSX to still open FreeHand. Since you can't buy FHMX anymore, you will need a universal serial number since Adobe removed online registration for personal #s. Here: https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/pol ... error.html

That should do it but if you notice that FreeHand doesn't open, it bounces and quits, then you need to also get the Adobe Registration patch here:
http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/504/cpsid_5046 ... ration.zip

Good luck and ask again if any problems.