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CS5.5 activation limit exceeded – old computer no longer available

Forum|Forum|6 days ago
March 11, 2026
4 replies
91 views

Hello,

I have a legitimate Adobe CS5.5 Master Collection with a valid serial number.

Previously it was activated on two machines:
1. My current Windows PC
2. An old iMac running Windows via Bootcamp

The iMac has already been disposed of and cannot be deactivated.

Now when I try to run Illustrator I get the message:
"Activation limit exceeded."

I only want to use the software on this single computer.

Could an Adobe staff member please reset the activation for my serial number?

Thank you very much.

Correct answer Jeffrey_A_Wright

Naga, I am sorry, but if you are unable to deactivate a previous installation of the Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection, you will need to find a new solution for your creative needs in 2026.

Please see https://adobe.ly/4bjK7OK for information on how to manage any remaining activations that were included with your purchase. ^JW

leo.r

Community Expert

In addition to all other advice you received, there’s not much that can be added to the reply you already received a month ago:

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

CS5 Replacements:

-------------------

Photoshop Elements

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

Creative Cloud Apps & Services

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

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

kglad

Community Expert

why can’t you use your current pc?

naga106Author

Participating Frequently

Hello,kglad

Thank you for your reply.

I am using my current PC.

However, when I launch Illustrator it shows:
"Activation limit exceeded."

So the software is installed correctly, but it cannot run because the previous activation from the old iMac (Bootcamp Windows) is still counted.

Since that computer was already disposed of, I cannot deactivate it.

I only want to use the software on this one computer.

Could Adobe please reset the previous activation?

Thank you.

kglad

Community Expert

did you just install cs5.5 onto your current computer?

Jeffrey_A_Wright

Correct answer

Community Manager

Naga, I am sorry, but if you are unable to deactivate a previous installation of the Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection, you will need to find a new solution for your creative needs in 2026.

Please see https://adobe.ly/4bjK7OK for information on how to manage any remaining activations that were included with your purchase. ^JW

naga106Author

Participating Frequently

Hello Jeffrey,

Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunately the previous computer (an iMac running Windows via Bootcamp) was physically disposed of several years ago, so it is impossible for me to deactivate the installation.

This is a legitimate license of CS5.5 Master Collection and I only want to use it on my current single computer.

Would it be possible for Adobe staff to clear or reset the previous activation on the server side?

Thank you for your help.

Peru Bob

Community Expert

Would it be possible for Adobe staff to clear or reset the previous activation on the server side?

Sorry, but Adobe staff no longer have that ability.

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