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Chuck Lotanos
Chuck Lotanos
Participant
May 10, 2018
Answered

Can't Re-Activate Photoshop CS3 [CS3 is dead]

  • May 10, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 1202 views

I followed the re-activation instructions step by step (in adobe.com/go/activation), but it still didn't work.

I've read through the forums and tried everything they suggested - used CC cleaner, restarted the computer, uninstalled everything, re-installed everything... still can't use the program.

 

Adobe doesn't seem to have a support chat or everything (which is the basic tech support you expect to get in these circumstances) so these forums are my last hope. that's pretty urgent and I don't know what to do... thanks in advance!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Nancy OShea

It's 2020 and CS3 and earlier are officially dead now.  The activation servers are gone.  Adobe ended the replacement program by removing links to activation-free installers and serial numbers.  It is no longer possible to re-install CS3.

 

CS 4 - 6 are on life support.  Going forward, if you want Adobe product support, you really need modern software or a paid Creative Cloud Plan.

 

3 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
January 12, 2020

It's 2020 and CS3 and earlier are officially dead now.  The activation servers are gone.  Adobe ended the replacement program by removing links to activation-free installers and serial numbers.  It is no longer possible to re-install CS3.

 

CS 4 - 6 are on life support.  Going forward, if you want Adobe product support, you really need modern software or a paid Creative Cloud Plan.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
T
Test Screen Name
Legend
May 10, 2018

This means there are still traces of the old software trying to activate. The new software alone won’t do that. I hope someone can find instructions for a deeper clean.

A
Anonymous
May 10, 2018

Hi

Activation servers for CS3 have been shutdown, see below

Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

Check the "What are my options" part for more info

    Chuck Lotanos
    Chuck LotanosAuthor
    Participant
    May 10, 2018

    Hey Ged, thanks for your answer.

    As I mentioned before, I already followed these instructions (Uninstalled the current version, downloaded and installed the new version of CS3 - still no activation). That's why i'm here... do you have any advice?

    T
    Test Screen Name
    Legend
    May 10, 2018

    Please tell us exactly what happens. All we have is “doesn’t work”.

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