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M
Mr. MIke
Inspiring
June 5, 2022
Question

CS4 RE-INSTALL ISSUE

  • June 5, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 388 views

Hello, in Dec 21 I stupidly upgraded to Win 11 and now I was finally able to downgrade back to Win 10 but stupidly as well, I forgot to de-activate CS4 before switching back to Win 10. Also (stupidly) I didn't register it on adobe.com. I have the serial number but of course it won't accept it. Is there any way in the world that I can get this serial number re-activated and re-install CS4?

Thanks, Mike

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2022

I think you've reached the end of the road with CS4.  It's End of Life and Adobe can't help you activate a dead product.

 

MODERN OPTIONS:
Photoshop Elements or Premier Elements (approx $100, no subscription needed).
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

Creative Cloud Photography Plan (approx $10/month for 12 months). Includes the following:

  • Photoshop CC and Photoshop on iPad
  • Lightroom on desktop, mobile and the web
  • Lightroom Classic
  • Portfolio website + hosting
  • Creative Cloud Express (free starter plan)
  • Bridge
  • 20 GB cloud storage (upgradable to 1 TB).

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

Premium Creative Cloud Express ($10/month).

  • Creative Cloud Express app (web and mobile)
  • Premiere Rush (video editor for desktop and mobile)
  • Photoshop Express (mobile)
  • Spark Video (mobile)
  • Spark Page (mobile)
  • Adobe Portfolio + 100 GB of cloud storage
  • All premium templates and design assets including the entire collection of over 160 million royalty-free Adobe Stock photo collection.

https://helpx.adobe.com/express/using/express-overview.html

Creative Cloud All Apps (bundled suite of apps & services for mobile & desktop) or Single App Plans
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

 

Hope that helps.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
M
Mr. MIkeAuthor
Inspiring
June 5, 2022

Just a question. If I ever do purchase a subscription for a newer version is it a fee every month FOREVER!!! I didn't see that in the fine print.

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2022

It's pay to play.  Paid subscription entitles you to continued access to desktop/mobile apps & services including upgrades for as long as you remain a paid subscriber.  

 

When you stop paying, access to apps & online services stops.  But your work files are yours to keep forever.


How do I Cancel my Subscription?
https://helpx.adobe.com/manage-account/using/cancel-subscription.html
===============
Subscription & Cancellation Terms:
https://www.adobe.com/legal/subscription-terms.html

 

Except for Elements, Adobe doesn't sell perpetual licenses anymore.  That ended in 2017 when Creative Suite was discontinued.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Peru Bob
Community Expert
Peru BobCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2022

In addition to the reply by John T Smith , although sometimes it can be activated, it can never be deactivated.

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    John T SmithCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 5, 2022

    Sorry, no

    The CS2-CS3-CS4 activation servers have been removed from service
    -https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html?promoid=19SCDRQK
    -So even if you have a disc or saved download, CS2-CS3-CS4 are completely dead
    -Adobe also no longer supplies the special non-activation version of CS2-CS3-CS4
    -EXCEPT https://community.adobe.com/t5/the-lounge-discussions/wishful-thinking/m-p/12629144
    --See John Waller reply dated 1-1-22 There's a kink in the space-time continuum with CS4 activation.
    Although the CS4 activation servers are officially dead, CS4 can still be activated for use on a fresh install on a computer where CS4 has never previously been installed. I successfully activated CS4 myself a couple of months ago just as a proof of concept

    M
    Mr. MIkeAuthor
    Inspiring
    June 5, 2022

    Ok I'll try that but if the server is dead how come when I tried to register it this morning it says "that the serial number is in use"?

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Peru BobCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 5, 2022

    It can't activate or deactivate, but it knows it's already been activated twice.

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