Skip to main content
Enchanted_smarts462a
Participant
August 26, 2026
Answered

Acrobat Pro 2017 Perpetual License - Activation Limit Reached Error After Motherboard Replacement

  • August 26, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 36 views

Hello,

I am experiencing an "Activation Limit Reached" error with my Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 (perpetual license).

Recently, the motherboard on my computer burned out and had to be replaced. Because of this hardware failure, I was unable to open Acrobat and manually deactivate the software before the repair.

Now, after reinstalling the software on the same computer (with the new motherboard), the Adobe activation server flags it as a new device and states that the serial number is already in use by the maximum allowed number of computers. I only use this software on this single machine.

Since my online Adobe Account profile does not list legacy perpetual activations under "Activated devices", I cannot deactivate the old hardware signature myself.

Could an Adobe staff member please contact me via Direct Message so I can provide my serial number and account details to have the activation counter reset?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

    Correct answer kglad

    ​@Enchanted_smarts462a 

     

    adobe staff can no longer reset activation counts.  the only way to recover an activation count is to use a computer that has a current activation AND that meets adobe’s security requirements.  ie, if you don’t still control another computer with your activation, it’s impossible to recover an activation.

     

    details - https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/activation-limit-reached-for-non-subscription-adobe-desktop-applications/td-p/14804413?linkId=100000376554410

    2 replies

    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 30, 2026

    For security & compatibility reasons, don’t use unsupported versions of Acrobat.  

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    kglad
    Community Expert
    kgladCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    August 28, 2026

    ​@Enchanted_smarts462a 

     

    adobe staff can no longer reset activation counts.  the only way to recover an activation count is to use a computer that has a current activation AND that meets adobe’s security requirements.  ie, if you don’t still control another computer with your activation, it’s impossible to recover an activation.

     

    details - https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/activation-limit-reached-for-non-subscription-adobe-desktop-applications/td-p/14804413?linkId=100000376554410

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices