Photoshop Elements 4.0 on iMac

Question

Hello,
my parents bought me Photoshop Elements 4.0 about 3 years ago for my MacBook. I've just bought an iMac and successfully migrated all my files from there onto the new one (I couldn't find the installation disc/serial number). I think I've got the serial number now, looked it up in the old application
BUT the new iMac can't/won't open PE 4.0, it says ''You can’t open the application “Photoshop Elements 4.0” because PowerPC applications are no longer supported.''
What do I do? My parents paid for it and I'd like to use it.....
Thank you!
Anja

Answer 1

OH!  So by "There's no other option" you meant "There's no other option... that costs $49 or less!"
Thank you for that clarification.
For 18 months, I have been assisting those who upgraded to Lion and now Mt. Lion with no foreknowledged that their COMPLETE PowerPC software library would immediately fail to function.
Some purchased new Macs that could not be modified to boot Snow Leopard.
Some had PowerPC software that they discovered only has existing Intel upgrades with a different, reduced feature set then what they need for their daily use.
And lastly, some were using PowerPC Software that had no 3rd party alternative software that could open their data files, modify them and resave them in any continuing usable format; as for example, users who have a substantial amount of Appleworks database files.
So, when these Appleworks database users read your comment, that "There's no other option" are you telling them to throw away years of their time, money and efforts?
I do not think that is the appropriate response.
And, from my 18 months of experience with people in the same shoes as the OP, there is almost ALWAYS one or more other PowerPC applications that they use that were not yet discovered or mentioned in the OP.
So, the proper conclusion is that upgrading ALL of his PowerPC applications may be MUCH more expensive than $49 and that "a lot more work" may be his ONLY alternative to keeping his workflow working now and into the future; while they look for other options that may arise in the future.
At least they are aware, then, that there IS another option!