Old lds infobase library conversion program for OSX?

Hi all,
I have an old LDS infobase program that only works on my Mac OS 9. It has hundreds of LDS documents and books I've used many times in the past to research topics. My question is if anyone knows of a product (preferably shareware) that will convert old infobases into something useable/searchable under todays standards and will work on OS X? I have delayed upgrading one of my systems so I can still get access to my infobases.
I know there is an online subscription-based service that does the same thing, but I can't see purchasing a subscription to books/materials I already own.
Any ideas?

-Mike

mikengray-p40 wrote:Hi all,
I have an old LDS infobase program that only works on my Mac OS 9. It has hundreds of LDS documents and books I've used many times in the past to research topics. My question is if anyone knows of a product (preferably shareware) that will convert old infobases into something useable/searchable under todays standards and will work on OS X? I have delayed upgrading one of my systems so I can still get access to my infobases.
I know there is an online subscription-based service that does the same thing, but I can't see purchasing a subscription to books/materials I already own.
Any ideas?

-Mike

This is a pretty old post but I have a copy of LDS Collectors Library 97 that I would like to use on an iPad. Any suggestions?

Thanks
roger

That product used Folio Views and related software from the same party. Folio Views was also widely used by the Church as well, mainly for genealogy and family history products in the late-1990s, although they used something different from another vendor for the Pedigree Resource File, everything from just before that was using that software.

It is 2022 and I am so frustrated with trying to find pertinent information on the net today. There is so much bad that you can't get to the good anymore. I loved my LDS Collector's Library and Infobases Collector's Library but they don't work on our 'modern' computers. Do they sell one that is for 2022 or is there a way to use these old disks that my computer won't recognize?

Referring to the post dated 2022. I too would like to use the Gospel library on my current computer. My approach, not tried yet is the following. It may not work for you, in fact it may not work for me. Here is my plan. Depending on your computer skills, you may want to ask help of a neighbor or friend who is comfortable with installing operating systems on a clean system. I do not know about Apple computers, this approach is for a PC.

0) Make a backup of you existing computer operating system and important files. Save this to an offline disk, SSD or other backup device. Make sure you know how to restore your system if it needs a complete reinstall. If this scares you, you may want to reconsider this approach.

1) On my PC (Windows based), I plan to install a virtual machine. In Win 10 professional version there is a "Hyper-V" virtual machine available. There are also other software apps that will create a virtual machine in case you have the Home version, some of which are free. You will need to google to find the software needed (or buy it). Install the virtual machine.

2) I have kept the original installation disks of Windows ME and Windows 7 (which included an XP emulator in which LDS Collectors Library 2009 could run). If these can install in the virtual machine I will be halfway there. I don't think this runs into any copyright issues for me, but I need to check that. If you do not have old operating systems, you may be able to buy them on Ebay or other site.

3) Now install the old operating system into the virtual machine only! Do not install over your existing operating system. If you run into trouble restore your backup and consider whether you want to try again.

4) Once the old operating systems are installed, I can try to install and run the LDS Collector's Library '97 and 2009 (I own both but like you I can't get them to run under the current Windows). I note that the 2009 version needs access to the internet to check for a valid license. Since Windows ME was created around 2000, it may be close enough in age to run these older programs I have that I would like to resurrect.

5) A few words of caution. I think this may work but could be wrong. It is also risky to use old operating systems that are no longer patched for purposes of doing internet searches or running unknown programs. The virtual machine "sand box" may limit damage from bugs, viruses, or other malicious programs, but the risk is still there. Make sure you follow directions for properly installing and using the virtual machine.

I wish both you and me luck.

I think the simplest solution to running old Infobase versions, ie, 1997-2009 is to get yourself an old, windows 7 or older computer/laptop and use it solely for that purpose. I don't recommend messing with your newer computers.

rtccccmg wrote:
> It is 2022 and I am so frustrated with trying to find pertinent information
> on the net today. There is so much bad that you can't get to the good
> anymore. I loved my LDS Collector's Library and Infobases Collector's
> Library but they don't work on our 'modern' computers. Do they sell one
> that is for 2022 or is there a way to use these old disks that my computer
> won't recognize?
Older collections like the LDS Collector's Library and Infobases Collector's Library are not compatible with modern computers (2022 and later). The developers have discontinued support and there are no updated versions for new operating systems.

You might look into the Deseret Bookshelf app, in addition to the Church's official Gospel Library app and website. Deseret Book's GospelLink is also apparently still online, though I don't know if it's been updated anytime in the past 20 years: https://www.gospelink.com, and I'm not sure how it compares to Deseret Bookshelf.

Some trivia: the official Gospel Library app currently has about 3,600 publications in English, plus a good amount of content in more than 140 other languages. It would take a long time to read it all!

I came across my old LDS Collectors Library 98 CDROM pack made for Windows 98 and thought I'd see if I could get it running again. Even with AI and all the online option there's still never been a better collection of LDS content that was so easily searchable than what was available almost 30 years ago in this application.

I have a Windows 11 Pro laptop and used the Hyper-V application to create a VM of Windows XP. After that install was complete, I was able to create an ISO from the LDS 98 CD I had and attached it to the VM as a DVD drive and after booting up the CM was able to use the setup program to install the old program. It's been working just like I remember it giving me access to all the scriptures, TPJS, JoD, writtings of other prophets and apostles and all easily searchable through the Folio app.

I had to do a few tweeks to get XP working fine as the default install caused an issue with my mouse being reversed. I also found it's better to access the VM through windows Remote Desktop Connection as it provides copy and paste functionality between XP and Win11 and also shares my hard drive into the XP VM so I can copy files to and from the VM.

I do wish someone would post the Owner password for the NFO content as I would like to change the font to improve the viewing and reading of the content.

If this isn't allowed, just please let me know kindly but don't ban me.
Since the software is abandonware and 15 years old I don't feel too bad giving you a hint at the password. It is 8 characters long and is an abbreviated scripture reference. Look for it saved in plain text in the exe. You don't have to decompile to find it.
Still, some of the dlls to access the database are only 32 bit, so you'll have some hiccups.