Where to Get Old Versions of Software

Reader Lewis C. writes: Is Windows Media Player 10 still available? I have been trying to uninstall WMP 11 and revert back to WMP 10; WMP 11 is incompatible with my MP3 player.

Meet an essential website: OldVersion.com, which offers, well, old versions of software applications, often back to the very beginning, even after the companies that make the software have taken them offline.

In the case of Windows Media Player, OldVersion stretches back to WMP 5.1, when it was just a 200KB application (having just changed its name from NetShow). WinZip, for example, is available back to version 3.2. As I write this, OldVersion offers 2,388 versions of 179 programs. Note that you won't find shrinkwrapped software like Microsoft Office for download; OldVersion only archives downloadable software and only the more popular apps (old web browsers are especially popular).

There are other sites that offer the same type of service: OldApps.com and Old-Versions.net are worth a look if OldVersion doesn't have what you need. Of course, if that fails, a general web search for the specific version of the software you're looking for is a good next step. Or, if you need old shrinkwrapped software, try shopping for it at RetroSoftware (Microsoft Office 95, just $99!). Finally, check out Mac.OldApps.com if you have an Apple.