tilp_and_gfm VS n-link

There are various cross-platform ways, I'm surprised you haven't found them (although ticalc.org probably doesn't have updated info so I guess that could explain it): TiLP (see my fork herefor Mac binaries directly) has a rom-dumping feature which produces a *full rom dump, and CEmu's dumper (which dumps less things but enough to emulate the calc, on which you can transfer missing things if needed, like apps). Since you're I retested in emulation you might want to go with CEmu (take the nightly build not the release) and follow the steps.

Google "tilp" and open the first non-ad result (it should take you to http://lpg.ticalc.org/prj_tilp/)

Try using http://lpg.ticalc.org/prj_tilp/ Tilp - I used that when I didn't have access to the student software. I was able to install apps and stuff.

Try tilp instead. It may give you a useful error if something goes wrong http://lpg.ticalc.org/prj_tilp/

Now that you've installed both TILP and TINCLS side by side, performing the extra steps described in the TILP README ( https://github.com/debrouxl/tilp_and_gfm/blob/master/tilp/trunk/README.win32 ), namely installing the filter driver and using Zadig, may help straightening up the connectivity between your computer and your calculator. The other computer OS don't need drivers for TI graphing calculators, which saves a lot of hassle for users.

Is this for the TI-84 Plus CE or TI Nspire CX? You can try ticalc.link or N-link https://lights0123.com/n-link/

Try using N-Link

Or even this should work https://lights0123.com/n-link/

That doesn't work all too well with Nspire series. Using TI's own online program or my N-Link are generally much more reliable.

If you actually have a Nspire CX II CAS then you can use the open source alternative N-Link: https://github.com/lights0123/n-link

I believe you only have to pay TI if you buy your Nspire used. New calculators come with a key in the box so you can activate the student software without a subscription. Even if you get a used one, there's an open source, free alternative called N-Link: https://github.com/lights0123/n-link It's what I use since I got my Nspire used and TI refused to provide a replacement student software key to me.

The Nspire CX II (CAS) will still work with any student software on any machine, it's not locked to a specific system. The issue is that TI will refuse to provide a student software key for used calculators unless you have the original receipt. I already went though this and my advice is, don't waste your time contacting them. There's an open source, free alternative called N-Link which works wayyyy better for transferring files and updating the calculator. I've personally been using it without issue: https://github.com/lights0123/n-link

For the CX-II this website works, although buggy at times: https://lights0123.com/n-link/