Cannot reinstall CS3 after OS upgrade (OS X)

Question

I have been running CS3 on my MacPro for quite some time with no issues. About 6 months ago I upgraded from OS X 10.7.5 to 10.9.5, with no CS3 related issues. This morning, I upgraded to OS X 10.12.4, and when I tried to start AI, It wanted me to reinstall the software. After some reading, I find out that the license servers for CS3 no longer work, but Adobe provided a path by issuing a new serial # (which I got) and a link to a new CS3 download. I also downloaded the Java runtime and confirmed that AI works just fine, but it was as a 5 day trial.

Just one problem - I am unable to uninstall the old files using the provided Adobe installer/uninstaller, nor does the new downloaded installer work. In each case, the setup launches but then hangs.

I am about to try booting from an earlier OS version of this drive (10.9.5) and seeing if I can reinstall to the new (10.12.4) drive. Other than that, has anyone else experienced this problem ?

thanks,

Tom

Microfilm Tom · Accepted Answer

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Microfilm+Tom schrieb
The problem isn't 10.9.5 or 10.12. This is an Adobe problem. Some bit or piece of software remains on my HD even after uninstallation, such that its telling CS3 that I don't have a proper serial #.

Even Uninstallers are software. And they too have specific system requirements. If you don't meet those requirements, then the Uninstaller won't work.

This is not an OS issue. The installers now work under 10.12, although for reasons I am unsure of. I was able to get them to work, after using the installer after booting from a 10.9 disk.

In any case, I now have CS3 working. See this thread:

Re: CS3 - Still getting Activation Error Message with new Installer

and most importantly, message #22.

"

Removing the cache.db file from the following folder seems to have gotten rid of the Activation countdown for me. (didn't even uninstall the new non-activation installation of CS3)

Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/

After removal, i started Photoshop and it requested a serial number. I entered the new serial number generated from my original CS3 serial number from the Adobe site. Obtain a new serial number | CS3, CS4

Next popped up the Registration screen, I selected Never Register. Closed and rebooted. Opened up my installed CS3 apps and they worked just fine with no activation screen popping up. Checked the folder location above, a new cache.db had been created.

"

While this is for the PC version, locate the equivalent mac folder:

/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache

and delete the cache.db file. The next time you start up a CS3 app, you will be asked to enter the new serial number, and elect "never register".

Please note, this all happened after I uninstalled the CS3 apps and then reinstalled using the new CS3 installer from Adobe.

Tom

Monika Gause · Answer

You need to go this route: Download Adobe Creative Suite 3 products But I doubt it will run on 10.12

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