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Participant
April 14, 2022
Question

Photoshop CS3 can't be activated [CS3 IS DEAD]

  • April 14, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 1476 views

Hi,

my issue is that I want to activate my old software CS3 extended but that doesn't work.

I understand the software is old and the activation server is down. There is no running Adobe service existing anymore. So far so nice and acceptable. But that's not important for me. Why? The installation runs well and the software is running without problems during the 30 days testing period so I can expect or take the risk to try out that / what (it) will happen in the same way after the 30 days.

-> as I bought this software nobody can forbid me to use it on my own risk (without Adobe service) as long as I want. If you drive a 15 years old car no automaker will collect your key and say, you either have to walk now or buy a new one.

So, I would be happy if anybody has a tip how to activate the software offline (wo the not existing activation server) before I start writing books of correspondence with Adobe about who is the owner of what ...

Thanks a lot for your experience.

Cheers,

Christian

This topic has been closed for replies.

2 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 15, 2022

CS3 is dead.  After the 30 day trial ends, it will stop working. 

 

If you can't or won't pay for new software, nobody can force you.  There are free and low cost options available.  However they fall  short of what modern Photoshop can do.  

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Peru Bob
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 14, 2022

Shortly after the activation server was shut down, a non activation version was available for licensed users.

The window for that has long passed.

 

Participant
April 14, 2022

Cool, but I was a licenced user with another laptop and another (but still existing) mail adress - I got no information about that, so had no chance to get this software (if it was for free, otherwise it would make no sense).

If possible. for sure I am interested in taking that version (as there surely will be one on your archive servers). Alternatively I am sure that there is a solution to unlock mine within a file of the installation package I already have as that is what the activation server would also have done. I only need an instruction and maybe a requested code.

Do you think that's feasible?

Peru Bob
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 14, 2022