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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

    Show previous replies
    saads55879968
    saads55879968
    Participating Frequently
    August 9, 2017

    Hi Erika,

    I'm curious why you haven't switched yet to Creative Cloud given that CS3 is such an older version?  Do you intend to, and is there something specific that would motivate you to do so? 

    I'm researching the shift from CS to CC myself so your perspective on this would be super helpful. 

    Thanks,
    Saad

    Jeffrey_A_Wright
    Community Manager
    Jeffrey_A_WrightCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    July 31, 2017

    Erika did you completely remove the installed version of Creative Suite 3 before installing the new version available at Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8 ?

    If so what operating system are you installing on?  In addition what other Adobe software titles are currently installed?

    E
    erikao3118010Author
    Participant
    July 31, 2017

    Thanks for your quick response. I'm using Windows 10 (on a Dell Laptop). I have Adobe Flash Player installed. When I go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features (see image), I have selected "Add or Remove Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Standard" and selected "Uninstall/Change". If there is a different way to uninstall, please let me know.

    One more thing, since the activation error message first occurred, I haven't been able to deactivate my product first, before uninstalling.

    Jeffrey_A_Wright
    Community Manager
    Jeffrey_A_WrightCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    July 31, 2017

    Thanks for the update Erika.  Yes please use the uninstaller in Programs and Features control panel.  Once you have completed the uninstall process then please also download and run the CC Cleaner Tool available at Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems​.  This should help remove any remaining entries from the Creative Suite 3 installation.

    You should then be able to utilize the new serial number and installation files at Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8.  The installation files on this page does not include activation technology so you should no longer receive any prompts regarding a need to activate Creative Suite 3.

    If you do continue to face an activation error then can you please post a screen shot of the error Erika?

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