I am using an old version on an old computer (2015) that is running MacOS Mojave 10.14.6
My computer works well but I assume it will die at some point so I’d like to upgrade. But I’m concerned how I transfer my book on the Scrivener program, since it’s such an old version. (by the way, Time Machine isn’t working on my mac anymore, so i back up by emailing copies and also on an external hard drive). any advice?
I think your best option for migrating an activated Scrivener installation to a new computer would be
but that requires Time Machine. 
So the only advice I can offer right now is to fix Time Machine.
And regarding the old project format, you know how to copy the book (you’re already doing it), so do this on the new computer, just in the opposite direction (external HD to new device). Even if you decide to upgrade Scrivener to 3.x, that also could open those files.
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To transfer a project, make a backup using the File → Backup → Backup To command. Check the box to create a ZIP backup. Transfer it to the new computer by any convenient method, unzip, and you’re back in business.
To transfer Scrivener itself, you can’t. Scrivener 2 won’t work with Mac OS Catalina or any newer version. But you’re eligible for an upgrade discount. Details here:
I’d also recommend taking a look at our upgrade guide for Scrivener 2 users, as Scrivener 3 has some very significant changes. You can find it here:
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I bought scrivener 8 years ago and darn if I knew where to find the license or anything. I’m using 2.8.1 (from 2017) on a very old Mac, and now that book is almost done (yes it’s backedup) I want to buy a new computer and transfer the file. how do i do that? (I’m quite happy with this old version of Scrivener by the way)
As above, if the ‘new’ computer is on Catalina of later, you can’t run 2.8.1. You will have to upgrade.
On the L&L site there is a link to search for your license.
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