Creative Suite 3 on Notebook (Windows 11)

Hey Thomas!

I ran into a similar issue before — it’s usually because Photoshop CS3’s activation window isn’t compatible with newer versions of Windows 11. The easiest fix is to run the program in compatibility mode:

1. Right-click on the Photoshop CS3 shortcut → Properties.

2. Go to the Compatibility tab.

3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for → Windows 7 (or XP).

4. Also check Run as administrator, then click Apply.

After that, try opening Photoshop again — the key window should appear normally.
If it still doesn’t, you can also try disabling high DPI scaling under the same tab.

Hope that helps!
— Hannah

The activation servers for CS4 and earlier have been shut down a while ago. This 18-year old software can no longer be activated. It works as long as it works, but it can't be reinstalled.

CS5 and CS6 can still be activated, but probably not for much longer.