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Participant
January 22, 2020
Answered

CS3 Design Premium Activation Required - CS3 is dead

  • January 22, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 402 views

I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and now my CS3 programs require re-activation.  The on-line and phone activations no longer work.  And none of the solutions on the community website seem to work as the links to necessary download files are broken.

 

Adobe Case Number ADB-10974618-J8Y4

 

The programs are working fine and are sufficient for my current needs.  I do not want to upgrade to something newer.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Nancy OShea

It has been 13 years since CS3 came out.  The aging activation servers went offline years ago.  For a while, Adobe had a replacement program with new installers & serial numbers that did not require activation.  If you didn't obtain one when you had the chance, there is no way to obtain one now as that program has been discontinued.  Customer Care agents cannot help you.  Their hands are tied.  Your only options now are to get modern software or a paid Creative Cloud plan.  Your choice.

 

Photoshop Elements (approx $100, no subscription needed)

https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

 

Creative Cloud Photography Plan (approx $10/month for 1 year subscription)

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

 

Creative Cloud All Apps Plan (31 + apps & services)

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

 

=============

Beware of fake Adobe reps offering to sell you Creative Suite 6.  It's a scam.  All sales & supplies of Creative Suite ended 3 years ago.  CS can not be legally sold by any vendor, retailer or country now.  

https://community.adobe.com/t5/community-help/avoid-phishing-3-easy-ways-to-identify-adobe-staff/td-...

 

3 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
January 22, 2020

It has been 13 years since CS3 came out.  The aging activation servers went offline years ago.  For a while, Adobe had a replacement program with new installers & serial numbers that did not require activation.  If you didn't obtain one when you had the chance, there is no way to obtain one now as that program has been discontinued.  Customer Care agents cannot help you.  Their hands are tied.  Your only options now are to get modern software or a paid Creative Cloud plan.  Your choice.

 

Photoshop Elements (approx $100, no subscription needed)

https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

 

Creative Cloud Photography Plan (approx $10/month for 1 year subscription)

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

 

Creative Cloud All Apps Plan (31 + apps & services)

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

 

=============

Beware of fake Adobe reps offering to sell you Creative Suite 6.  It's a scam.  All sales & supplies of Creative Suite ended 3 years ago.  CS can not be legally sold by any vendor, retailer or country now.  

https://community.adobe.com/t5/community-help/avoid-phishing-3-easy-ways-to-identify-adobe-staff/td-...

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
John T Smith
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 22, 2020

I am just another user... I don't make Adobe policy, I only report what I know, and what I know is that Adobe no longer allows anyone to activate CS3 and earlier

John T Smith
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 22, 2020

CS3 is a dead product... the activation servers have been removed

aintbrokeAuthor
Participant
January 22, 2020

I'm sorry, but CS3 is not dead, the programs still function as needed, even on Windows 10.  And I assume will continue to work for the next 4 days until the temporary activation period expires.  The problem is Adobe has created a roadblock that is preventing me from continuing to use the program I paid for.  If they don't care about managing the licenses for CS3 any more, then they should just start handing it out for free.