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KokonutMilk
Participant
February 28, 2026
Answered

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

  • February 28, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 44 views

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.

    Correct answer kglad

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

    2 replies

    kglad
    Community Expert
    kgladCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    February 28, 2026

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

    KokonutMilk
    Participant
    February 28, 2026

    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.

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 28, 2026

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

    KokonutMilk
    Participant
    February 28, 2026

    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 :)

    kglad
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 28, 2026

    @KokonutMilk 

     

    that is probably correct.