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erikao3118010
Participant
July 31, 2017
Answered

CS3 - Still getting Activation Error Message with new Installer

  • July 31, 2017
  • 12 replies
  • 26051 views

My Creative Suite 3 programs recently had an activation error message and wouldn't start. I was lead here: Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8 . I opted to "Receive a new serial number and installer". I followed the instructions: uninstalled the existing version and downloaded and installed the new replacement installer. After the installation was complete, I restarted my computer. Then I started Photoshop and Illustrator, and still got the same error message ("Temporary Activation Expired"). When I selected "Activate over the telephone" I noticed that the serial number was the old one. However, I never was asked to enter the new serial number with the new installer.

I'm at a loss for what to do. I did try uninstalling and reinstalling with the new installer again. Any help would be appreciated. I tried live chat, and was asked to direct my question here.

Thanks,

Erika

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer lovetoread456

    If you don't remove the installed Adobe applications Ianf1945 then you will affect the licensing for all installed Adobe software.  This could lead to the need to re-enter the serial number, or new unexpected licensing errors, for the installed Adobe software titles.


    I would strongly recommend removing all Adobe applications first to prevent that occurrence.  You can always reinstall any needed applications again.

    If you are uncomfortable with proceeding Ianf1945 then please continue to monitor this discussion to see the results from other individuals.


    Removing the cache.db file from the following folder seems to have gotten rid of the Activation countdown for me. (didn't even uninstall the new non-activation installation of CS3)

    Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/

    After removal, i started Photoshop and it requested a serial number. I entered the new serial number generated from my original CS3 serial number from the Adobe site. Obtain a new serial number | CS3, CS4

    Next popped up the Registration screen, I selected Never Register. Closed and rebooted. Opened up my installed CS3 apps and they worked just fine with no activation screen popping up. Checked the folder location above, a new cache.db had been created.

    I do not have any other Adobe applications on my computer besides the CS3 applications, so can not speak to the impact on other Adobe applications.

    So far so good!

    12 replies

    I
    irish14500
    Participant
    August 10, 2018

    Annnnd BAM, just like that I have my CS3 back again. Woo hoo! this delete cached worked like a charm.

    S
    SeaJaye
    Participant
    January 24, 2018

    So far so good.   Thank you.  I am very upset at Adobe for making this so difficult.  I paid good money to own my copy not to be held hostage

      A
      Anonymous
      January 8, 2018

      Brilliant

      A
      albuckj51
      Participant
      January 8, 2018

      This worked for me. Thank you so much, I have all my CS3 Apps back again.

      Alan

      S
      sharipierr3920
      Participant
      January 2, 2018

      This caused a complete program failure for me, and I had to uninstall the CS3 Suite all over again....

      S
      SamSudbury
      Participant
      December 7, 2017

      OMG  Why on earth didn't Adobe put that in their instructions.  Removing that cache.db file magically made the proceedure work flawlessly.  Thank you so much for your post.

      T
      theowillcharlie
      Participant
      October 21, 2017

      Hi, if anyone out there is on a mac and having this same problem, please help. I've tried all day to fix this same problem. I followed the advice from other mac users to trash that cache file. I uninstalled and installed twice. I think I'm doing everything right but I guess I'm missing something.

      Thanks in advance

      Jeffrey_A_Wright
      Community Manager
      Jeffrey_A_WrightCommunity Manager
      Community Manager
      October 23, 2017

      Theowillcharlie you can find instructions on how to remove the cache.db file at Resolve "temporary activation expired" error for CS3 and Acrobat 8 .  Please make sure to remove any other installed Adobe software before you remove this file.

      If you continue to face difficulties then can you please post a screen shot of the /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/ folder.  Complete information on how to post a screen shot can be found at FAQ: How do I capture and post a screen shot or video? Theowillcharlie.

      T
      theowillcharlie
      Participant
      October 24, 2017

      Thanks so much. I got it to work. 

      Dan

      Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

      S
      steves3042527
      Participant
      August 29, 2017

      Yessss !! Thank you

      gerardl41055758
      gerardl41055758
      Participant
      August 11, 2017

      I need some real help here.


      I have a licensed (to me) CS3 that I use on infrequent occasions.  Since I paid for this software years ago and
      am now retired, I can’t afford the cloud version of the software.  I have been getting the five day count-down
      and am now at 2 days left.

      I have uninstalled all components of CS3, have run the AdobeCreativeCloudCleanerTool, and received a new serial number (the same new number every time I retry the install).  Dreamweaver and its components are installed and it goes to the activation screen and always fails with the following notice: Activation – No Connection.

      I have turned off the firewall as suggested by the notice popup, but still get the error.

      I am really at a loss for what is going on here.  My 40 years doing IT development have not served me well trying to fix this problem.
      I was under the impression that the new serial number removed the validation process with the old servers.


      It appears that it is still trying to connect to the old verification
      servers.

      Please help!

      Jeffrey_A_Wright
      Community Manager
      Jeffrey_A_WrightCommunity Manager
      Community Manager
      August 11, 2017

      Gerardl41055758 see post #22 which discusses the location of the cache folder.  You will need to remove this folder to installation the new installation of Creative Suite 3 successfully.

        saads55879968
        saads55879968
        Participating Frequently
        August 11, 2017

        Thanks a lot for the thoughtful answer Erika. 

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