Activation Server Retirement

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
October 8, 2020
4 replies
2836 views

I just came across a post in a photograpny forum yesterday from a man trying to install CS3 on a new desktop. Of course he cannot activate the software and is not happy about the situation.

It seems many people were caught off guard when the CS3 servers were shut down. This makes me wonder: How were users notified of the impending server termination? Since we can be assured that all the remaining perpetual versions will have their lifelines cut too, it would be good to know what sort of notice to expect and when to expect it.

Thanks,

Problem or error

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T

Test Screen Name

Legend

"appears their only recourse is to periodically scan Adobe's site for clues that a large, ugly shoe is about to drop" No, that would be pointless. There was no advance warning that CS1/2 or CS3 servers were to close down, and no notification that it happened. Only scanning the forum for angry/confused people will tell you.

The seeds of this were sown in 2004 when Adobe introduced activation. Nobody seemed much concerned, but it seemed inevitable to me that one day this would happen - why wouldn't it? The time to vote with your feet was 16 years ago; it seems to be a fait accompli now that software companies can limit the life of software by plan, by accident, or by random decisions.

I was always puzzled how the people who stuck with CS6 "to run it forever" really thought that would play out. You can get off the bus, but the bus doesn't wait for you.

JJMack

Community Expert

Not True before the Activation servers where taken down Adobe made a CS3 Installer that installed a CS3 version that does not require activation to function. They made this CS3 version for their old CS3 customer that still required CS3. Adobe made a Web download old CS3 users could download using their CS3 serial number to gain access to the download and were given a new serial number required the install the download CS3 install. Adobe has since removed the download from the Web. CS3 has no support it life is over. It Also a 32Bit application that can not run on current Mac systemss and can not utilize Windows PC well for the is no 64bit version. R.I.P. CS3....

Adobe did this once before also for the CS2 and CS users they made a CS2 install that does not require require activation. I can not remember how I was notified. I have always kept up to date with Photoshop so I would have known about the download when they became available. CS2 is so old its not worth trying to use on Windows 10.

JJMack

D Fosse

Community Expert

That's right. There was a long grace period with a no-activation version and it was very obvious what was coming.

T

Test Screen Name

Legend

There was no notification. The closedown was 5 years after support ended. Adobe have not said that is a plan (if it is a plan, CS4 is 2 years late for shutdown).

Joely10623436

Community Expert

Come on, CS3 was 13 years ago 😉

There was plenty of informations on any kind of communication channels by Adobe… Does CS3 even work on a new Mac/PC?

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

But if I understood the OP correctly they work on CS4, CS5 or CS6 and just want to know where to look for announcements on when the activation servers for those will be retired to avoid surprises.

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