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M
Margaret from Aus
Participant
November 5, 2012
Answered

Serial Numbers

  • November 5, 2012
  • 1 reply
  • 773 views

Over the years I have upgraded from CS1(?) to CS3, CS5 and recently purchased CS6.  In a moment of madness 6 months ago, I had a cleanout of old software discs and, apparently, threw out my CS5 discs but kept the CS3 discs.  Will I be able to upgrade from CS5 to CS6 without using the CS5 serial number, or by using the serial number from CS3??  If that's not possible, is there an easy way to find the serial number for CS5 on the computer where it is currently installed (Windows 7 system).  I would really like the upgrade to go smoothly!

Thanks.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer John Waller

    Margaret from Aus wrote:

    Will I be able to upgrade from CS5 to CS6 without using the CS5 serial number, or by using the serial number from CS3??

    Yes.

    CS3 is the oldest version from which you can upgrade to CS6.(For example, a CS2 serial number will not work)

    http://www.adobe.com/au/products/creativesuite/faq/upgrade-policy.html

    So all you need to do is insert the CS6 upgrade disk (no need to install earlier versions first) then when the installer asks you to enter the serial number from an earlier qualifying version, you enter a serial number for either CS3 or CS4 or CS5.

    The CS6 installer will accept it and continue installing CS6.

    Note that the "3-versions-back" upgrade rule is now dead with the CS6 cycle. A "one-version-back" upgrade policy now applies.

    There's a special exemption for CS3 and CS4 owners with CS6 because the new policy has only just been introduced. The timing was unfair for "one-version-back" for CS6 without special exemptions.

    Moving forward, it will be "one version back" without exception. So you can only upgrade to CS7 from CS6. Upgrade to CS8 only from CS7 and so on. No skipping versions anymore. You must upgrade with every new version in order to keep enjoying upgrade pricing. Otherwise it's full price next time.

    1 reply

    John Waller
    Community Expert
    John WallerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    November 6, 2012

    Margaret from Aus wrote:

    Will I be able to upgrade from CS5 to CS6 without using the CS5 serial number, or by using the serial number from CS3??

    Yes.

    CS3 is the oldest version from which you can upgrade to CS6.(For example, a CS2 serial number will not work)

    http://www.adobe.com/au/products/creativesuite/faq/upgrade-policy.html

    So all you need to do is insert the CS6 upgrade disk (no need to install earlier versions first) then when the installer asks you to enter the serial number from an earlier qualifying version, you enter a serial number for either CS3 or CS4 or CS5.

    The CS6 installer will accept it and continue installing CS6.

    Note that the "3-versions-back" upgrade rule is now dead with the CS6 cycle. A "one-version-back" upgrade policy now applies.

    There's a special exemption for CS3 and CS4 owners with CS6 because the new policy has only just been introduced. The timing was unfair for "one-version-back" for CS6 without special exemptions.

    Moving forward, it will be "one version back" without exception. So you can only upgrade to CS7 from CS6. Upgrade to CS8 only from CS7 and so on. No skipping versions anymore. You must upgrade with every new version in order to keep enjoying upgrade pricing. Otherwise it's full price next time.

    M
    Margaret from AusAuthor
    Participant
    November 6, 2012

    Phew!  Thanks very much!  I will keep the upgrade info in mind for next time though.

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