Installing Photoshop CS5 FROM external drive without disk

Question

I had purchased full Photoshop and Illustrator CS5 versions on disks from Adobe a few years back. (a sizeable investment). My Windows computer subsequently had a motherboard failure making it non-useable. I was able to remove the hard drive and I can access it in full through a docking unit. I have a new windows 11 desktop but I no longer have the install disks (I lost them during a recent move).

Can I either access Photoshop from that external docking drive, or can I somehow reinstall it onto my new computer's C:\ drive from that external drive? Is there any way other than spending another ton of money on an online subscription? Thanks in advance.

D Fosse · Accepted Answer

Won't work. It's not just the program files; there's a ton of registry keys that have to be set correctly by the installer.

In any case what you paid for wasn't the installer, it was the serial number. The installer has never been restricted, but probably hard to find now.

And finally, you need a vacant activation slot from the original two you were allowed. If both are used, one has to be deactivated to free up one. This has to be done from within a working application, it can't be done afterwards.

Jeff Arola · Answer

Check your Adobe account to see if the CS5 installers are available:

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/download-install-apps/creative-cloud-apps/download-previous-versions-non-subscription-apps.html

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