Skip to main content
KokonutMilk
Participant
Feb 28, 2026 3:47 PM UTC
Answered

I cannot deactivate my serial number for CS5 on previous pcs due to not existing anymore.

I have reinstalled windows a few times over the years and I recently had to do it again. So of course, reinstalling and getting everything back. Photoshop, CS5 version, tells me I have two other computers with the serial and I need to deactivate them first before putting on new computers. Well, can’t do that seeing as they do not exist anymore. I contacted adobe support but they referred me to adobe/community and to post for a solution because they can’t help me...wild. Hopefully someone has a solution on deactivating my “computers” that no longer exist so I can use my serial on my new build. Just trying to use Photoshop CS5 version that I have a legally bought license for.

    kglad
    kgladCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Feb 28, 2026 4:01 PM UTC

    you can’t deactivate without a computer that has a current activation. there’s no work-around despite your inference from adobe support.

    5 replies

    kglad
    Community Expert
    kgladCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Feb 28, 2026 4:01 PM UTC

    you can’t deactivate without a computer that has a current activation. there’s no work-around despite your inference from adobe support.

    Translate
    KokonutMilk
    Participant
    Feb 28, 2026 4:07 PM UTC

    It has been me reinstalling windows the few times so no there is no access to those “computers” anymore since reinstalling windows wipes all existing information. I can’t get back an old C drive that windows wiped off existance.

    Translate
    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 28, 2026 4:01 PM UTC

    Sorry… there is no solution since Adobe stopped manually adjusting the activation count

    Translate
    KokonutMilk
    Participant
    Feb 28, 2026 4:09 PM UTC

    Go figure. No wonder they turned me to the community support because they can’t tell me I am screwed lol Thanks for giving me the heads up :)

    Translate
    kglad
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 28, 2026 4:14 PM UTC

    ​@KokonutMilk 

     

    that is probably correct.

    Translate