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N.+D.+Miranda
Participant
July 28, 2026
Answered

License Activation Issue Adobe 2017

  • July 28, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 13 views

Hi everyone,

I am hoping someone from Adobe can assist me with an activation issue.

I purchased a genuine perpetual licence for Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 several years ago and installed it on my old laptop. Unfortunately, the laptop crashed a few weeks ago and had to be formatted, so I was unable to deactivate the licence before it became unusable. The Other issue is it does not appear on my profile so perhaps not linked to my email address.

I have now purchased a new laptop and installed Acrobat Pro 2017 using my original installation files. However, when I enter my valid serial number, I receive a message stating that the licence is already activated on another computer and must first be deactivated.

Since I no longer have access to the old laptop, I cannot deactivate the licence myself.

I have tried every available support channel, but because Acrobat Pro 2017 is no longer supported, I have been unable to find anyone who can assist. I also tried emailing Adobe, but the email was returned.

Could an Adobe Community Manager or Adobe representative please advise whether it is possible to reset the activation associated with my serial number so that I can activate the software on my new laptop?

I can provide my serial number, Adobe ID, and proof of purchase via private message if required.

I would greatly appreciate any assistance. I purchased this perpetual licence legitimately and simply want to continue using it on my replacement laptop.

Thank you in advance.

    Correct answer Jeff_A_Wright

    Thank you for posting, Miranda.


    I appreciate your long-term use of Acrobat 2017. I apologize, but the only way to reclaim an activation in 2026 is to deactivate the software on the computer where it was previously installed.


    You stated this isn't possible, Miranda, as you don't have access to the old laptop. I am sorry, this means you will need to find a new solution for your PDF creation needs.


    Please see https://adobe.ly/4wzEpBC for additional information on how to reclaim the activations that were included with your purchase, Miranda.


    Please update this public discussion thread if you have any additional questions. ^JW

    1 reply

    Jeff_A_Wright
    Community Manager
    Jeff_A_WrightCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
    Community Manager
    July 29, 2026

    Thank you for posting, Miranda.


    I appreciate your long-term use of Acrobat 2017. I apologize, but the only way to reclaim an activation in 2026 is to deactivate the software on the computer where it was previously installed.


    You stated this isn't possible, Miranda, as you don't have access to the old laptop. I am sorry, this means you will need to find a new solution for your PDF creation needs.


    Please see https://adobe.ly/4wzEpBC for additional information on how to reclaim the activations that were included with your purchase, Miranda.


    Please update this public discussion thread if you have any additional questions. ^JW