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Jake23070042z3sd
Participating Frequently
June 2, 2025
Answered

CS6 Creative Suite License Revoked

  • June 2, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 1622 views

A few days ago, I had to replace the motherboard on my laptop. After the hardware change, I attempted to launch Photoshop (part of Adobe Creative Suite CS6) and was prompted to re-enter my serial number. Prior to replacing the motherboard, I had properly deactivated the installation.

However, upon entering the serial number again, I received a message stating that the serial number has been revoked.

I've tried to download the installer again (see screenshot below) from the Adobe and register it again, but I am getting the same error

I would like to note that I have another installation of CS6 running on a second laptop with the same serial number without any issues. I originally purchased this serial number directly from Adobe as part of a volume licensing agreement, and Adobe has confirmed as of today that the serial number is valid.

I would appreciate guidance on how to proceed in reactivating my software on the repaired system.

I've downloaded the 

 



 

 

    Correct answer Nancy OShea

    This is beyond frustrating. I reached out for help reactivating my CS6 Master Collection license after a motherboard replacement. Instead of legitimate support, I was privately messaged by someone named "Henry Stanley" claiming to be Adobe support, instructing me to contact adobe_tech@outlook.com for help.

    That address is clearly not affiliated with Adobe—yet it was recommended through your official forum messaging system. When I followed up, the scammer tried to charge me $399.99 for a "perpetual license upgrade" that I never needed in the first place. I have a valid volume license purchased directly from Adobe, and all I needed was a reactivation after a hardware change.

    How is this allowed to happen on your platform? Is anyone monitoring the forums for fraudulent accounts and phishing attempts?

    You’ve shut down all normal support channels for products like CS6, so your community forum is the only path left for users like me. And now that space is being exploited by scammers, making things worse.

    Please take responsibility for your support environment:

    • Audit private messages for scam activity.
    • Offer real support for verified CS6 license holders who still rely on your software.

    This isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a breach of trust.

     


    Beware of fake Adobe reps who may contact you privately offering to sell you software or take control of your computer. It's a scam, run away! Real Adobe employees will never reach out via Outlook, Yahoo, Gmail or Skype.
    =============
    3 Easy Ways to Identify Genuine Adobe Staff

    Report fraudsters and phishing schemes to Adobe.
    https://tinyurl.com/10791730

     

    13-year-old CS6 is a discontinued and unsupported product. 

    It had a shelf-life of 3-5 years, after which you were expected to replace it.  

    Neither Adobe nor this user-to-user community can help you with CS6. 

     

    If you want support, you must purchase a supported product.

     

    Good luck. 

     

    2 replies

    kglad
    Community Expert
    kgladCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 3, 2025

    a revoked serial number is not the same as an activation/deactivation problem.  ie, an adobe employee needs to tell you the next step.

    J
    Jake23070042z3sdAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    June 3, 2025

    Agreed — and thank you for confirming what’s becoming increasingly obvious.

    This is not a standard activation/deactivation issue. A revoked serial number implies a deliberate action by Adobe to render a valid, paid-for license inoperable — despite full compliance on my part. That’s not a technical error; it’s a licensing decision.

    At this point, I’m no longer seeking help from volunteers or community experts. I need a response from an Adobe employee acting in an official capacity — someone authorized to explain why a perpetual license I paid for has been invalidated, and whether Adobe intends to honor its contractual obligations under the EULA.

      kglad
      Community Expert
      kgladCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      June 3, 2025

      they won't be able to explain here, but they can tell you the next step.

       

      @Shivangi_Gupta 

      Nancy OShea
      Community Expert
      Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      June 2, 2025

      Given the advanced age of CS6 and it's activation servers, you might have reached the activation limit for this product. 

      Keep using your other laptop and don't do anything to disrupt its current status.

       

      Best advice, start budgeting for new software.

      MODERN OPTIONS:
      ==============
      FREE Acrobat Reader -- view, comment, print & sign PDF.
      https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/pdf-reader.html

      Paid Acrobat Pro -- the complete solution for creating and saving PDF.
      https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/acrobat-pro.html

      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). Includes the following:
      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
      J
      Jake23070042z3sdAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      June 3, 2025

      Thanks for your feedback, Nancy — but respectfully, no.

      I legally purchased Adobe CS6 Creative Suite directly from Adobe — paying a substantial sum for volume licenses — and activated it only once last year. Prior to replacing my motherboard, I followed Adobe’s own documented procedure and properly deactivated the software. Now I am being told that my serial number has been revoked — not due to multiple activations, but without any legitimate justification. That claim doesn’t withstand scrutiny. If Adobe’s servers can identify and reject a revoked serial number, then they are clearly functioning.

      I’ve also reviewed the network activity during the activation attempt. The connection successfully reaches Adobe’s servers, which respond with handshake, authentication, and license verification logic. In short: the servers are online, responsive, and executing business rules. This is not a system failure — it is a calculated maneuver, seemingly designed to invalidate perpetual licenses and funnel legacy users into subscription models. It’s a bait-and-switch dressed as policy, and it reflects a deeply troubling approach to customer trust and contractual obligation.

      • Breach of contract, by denying access to the software despite fulfillment of all license terms;

      • Unjust enrichment, by retaining payment while refusing delivery of the core benefit;

      • Breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, by interfering with my rightful use of the software;

      • Deceptive business practices, under applicable consumer protection laws, by marketing the license as perpetual while reserving the ability to disable it remotely.

      To any Adobe representative acting in an official capacity, monitoring this Adobe Community Forum:
      Please take notice that unless this matter is resolved and access to my license reinstated by the end of this week, I will begin pursuing formal remedies to enforce the rights granted under Adobe’s own End User License Agreement. I am not seeking special treatment — only that Adobe honor the perpetual product license for which I paid in full and complied with in good faith.

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