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lynncp
Participating Frequently
November 12, 2017
Question

Photoshop CS4 to new computer - I have box, serial number and deactivated. Still won't work

  • November 12, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 5889 views

I have a new MAC, and through searching this forum plus chatting with and calling Adobe, I have done everything required to install the software on my new computer:

1. I have the original box, with the original disk and the serial number

2. I deactivated the software on the old computer successfully.

3. My Adobe online account shows that I own the software with the same serial number

When I go to install the software and put in the serial number, it says the number is invalid. Yes, I double and triple checked accuracy. Per everything I've read on this forum and my extremely frustrating communications with Adobe, I should be able to install the software.

At this point, I feel like Adobe is extorting me to get the new software. I'm not a graphic artist - just a small business person who occasionally needs photo editing.

Any thoughts on what else to do? I simply can't stand the thought of having to subscribe to something I already own and need only occasionally.

This is leaving a very bad taste about this company.

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    Colin Holgate
    Colin Holgate
    Inspiring
    November 14, 2017

    Ok, if this works for you, you are going to laugh so much!

    My bundle serial number also failed, so I chose to install the Trial version. In the trial version splash screen I had the option to paste in my serial number. I pasted in the same one that had failed for the installer. It worked fine.

    PS. If anyone needs some CS4 testing, I have it installed now.

    Jeffrey_A_Wright
    Community Manager
    Jeffrey_A_WrightCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    November 14, 2017

    Colin are you saying the installation is also failing for you when you try to install Creative Suite 4?  I would recommend reviewing Installing Creative Suite on a new Mac or macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later which includes screen shots of the error you will receive when installing Creative Suite 4.  The installation process has to be invoked by using the Terminal.

    Colin Holgate
    Colin Holgate
    Inspiring
    November 14, 2017

    I had no trouble installing, the serial number failed before the install had even started. The trial install went ok, and the same serial number that had failed before worked fine. It was on my clipboard, so I know for sure I used the same number both times.

    I am familiar with the command line work around for that old error. I'm on macOS 10.13.2, and it seems not to have that old issue.

    lynncp, you could try the trial install again, but first open Console, which is here:

    /Applications/Utilities/Console.app

    Open that first, select the Errors and Faults option, then Clear, before running the trial install. It may show some useful errors that are going on. Here's a screenshot of it:

    Colin Holgate
    Colin Holgate
    Inspiring
    November 12, 2017

    I know that with some old products you have to get a new serial number, but that may be for CS3.

    Have you tried the steps in this page:

    Activate and deactivate Adobe products

    I did recently install a CS3 product ok, but remembering having to get a new serial number.

    L
    lynncpAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    November 12, 2017

    Yes, I've deactivated on the old computer. At the prompt to activate during installation, the software gives me a little red "x" saying it's not a valid number. When I called Adobe about it, they simply refused to help in any way. Four times they have sent me to this forum.

    Colin Holgate
    Colin Holgate
    Inspiring
    November 14, 2017

    Sorry. I should have been more clear. I just double checked. It is the one on the product page registration as well.  Really, really, really sure that I am using the correct number.


    Thanks Jeff for the "thanks", and also for really jumping in here.

    I see we're not there yet. Some of what you suggested I should have done already, like the CC Cleaner tool for example.

    I think that it's unlikely to be the answer, but it could be worth installing the legacy Java, in case CS4 installer depended on that:

    Download Java for OS X 2017-001

    Beyond that, I wonder if a screenshare would be worth doing? I would be up for that, if it would help.

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