Thanks for posting, @gesche0606.
I understand how frustrating this must be. After using Photoshop CS6 for more than a decade, only to replace your hard drive and run into both serial number and activation issues, is certainly disappointing.
I reviewed the registration information for your Photoshop CS6 for Windows license and can confirm it was registered in 2013. I can also confirm that the license has reached its maximum number of activations. To successfully install and activate Photoshop CS6 in 2026, at least three previous installations need to be deactivated first.
Unfortunately, because CS6 is a legacy perpetual-license product, Adobe is unable to reset activation counts for these older serial-number-based licenses. If you still have access to any computers where CS6 was previously installed, you can try launching Photoshop and selecting Help > Deactivate to free up an activation before attempting a new installation.
For information on locating a serial number that was registered with Adobe, please see:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/licensing-activation/serial-number-redemption-code/find-serial-number.html
You may also find the following article helpful, as it explains activation limits for older non-subscription Adobe products:
https://community.adobe.com/announcements-616/activation-limit-reached-for-non-subscription-adobe-desktop-applications-565112
Since you've already confirmed that TechSoup is unable to assist further, the primary path forward is to locate and deactivate any previous CS6 installations that are still counted against the license.
Please update this public discussion if you have any additional questions, @gesche0606.
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