Skip to main content
Participant
May 11, 2025
Answered

CS5 on a new computer registration problem

  • May 11, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 627 views

On my installed and working new computer Photoshop is complaining it is already used on 2 computers. but on the Adobe website on my account I have zero registerred computers. how can I register my purchased software on a new computer.

Correct answer Nancy OShea

Registration is one time per customer.  There's no need to re-register.

 

Did you deactivate Creative Suite from your previously installed devices first?
That's critically important because your individual license has a strict 2 time activation limit. Remote deactivation of Creative Suite is not possible.
- https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/activate-deactivate-products.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/activation-deactivation-help.html

If the old devices are dead or no longer in your possession, you're stuck. You won't be allowed to activate CS on another compatible device.

MODERN OPTIONS:
==============
Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements (3 year license, no subscription needed).
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

Creative Cloud Photography (Annual & Monthly plan options).
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

Creative Cloud Bundles & Single App Plans for mobile, web & desktops
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

4 replies

Peru Bob
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 13, 2025
quote

 on the Adobe website on my account I have zero registerred computers. 


By @deadcrowArtStudio

 

The "Activated Devices" tab on your account refers to Creative Cloud, not Creative Suite apps.

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
May 12, 2025

Registration is one time per customer.  There's no need to re-register.

 

Did you deactivate Creative Suite from your previously installed devices first?
That's critically important because your individual license has a strict 2 time activation limit. Remote deactivation of Creative Suite is not possible.
- https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/activate-deactivate-products.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/activation-deactivation-help.html

If the old devices are dead or no longer in your possession, you're stuck. You won't be allowed to activate CS on another compatible device.

MODERN OPTIONS:
==============
Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements (3 year license, no subscription needed).
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

Creative Cloud Photography (Annual & Monthly plan options).
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

Creative Cloud Bundles & Single App Plans for mobile, web & desktops
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Participant
May 13, 2025

The old sytems died so I can't deactivate from them.. Try again

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 13, 2025

REPEAT:  "...you're stuck. You can't activate CS on another device."

 

Time for new software.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Peru Bob
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 11, 2025

Registration is different from activation. 

Registration is not necessary for it to work.  Activation is.

And as kglad said, you need to free up one of two activations that you are allowed by deactivating on one of the activated computers.

kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 11, 2025

you have to deactivate on a computer that has an activation.  that computer needs an updated os and default browser (that's not opera).

 

what your account says is irrelevant.