I recently got a used 17'' MacBook and installed the latest Garageband, 10.1.0, onto it.
But when I tried to load some of my old files, it said it could not find many of the instruments that are needed to play them.
After some research I found that many people had been able to re-install by using a file from the old Garageband (6.x) that was still left on their computer, or by finding it again from the "Purchased" tab on the App Store. I am unable to do either of these options.
Is there any way for me to play my old files without spending about $50 to get iLife '11?
Best Answer
This assumes you already have the initial pack loaded & need what used to be the 3 additional "Jam Packs"…
Would you consider 5 bucks worth it, to stay on Garageband 10?
GarageBand menu > Download More Sounds
If you previously purchased this content, select Restore Purchase to install the content
[I'm not certain if 'previously purchased' includes the iLife purchase, but it would be worth testing]
Source : Apple KB - Expanding GarageBand for Mac (v10.0) content with an in-app purchase
Alternatively, if you don't already have the first Jam pack fully loaded, this might be a solution…
Source : How To Update GarageBand with Nearly 1,000 Instruments and Loops for Free!