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groston
Participant
May 22, 2021
Answered

Re-registering CS3

  • May 22, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 3585 views

Something happened on my computer a couple of weeks ago and the registration information for CS3 was lost. 'No big deal' I thought - I grabbed the serial number and entered it, but this is when things got really weird.

I was shown the error message 'Registration - Connection Failure'. I sent a note to Adobe and they told me that the URL associated with registering CS3 has been shut down and that I should buy the newest version. No way - I want my CS3 without regularly being asked to register it. Can you please point me to a solution. Yes, this is a legit copy for which I paid.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer ProDesignTools

    Hi @freshgarbage 

    You might want to look at PS Elements, but be sure to try the trial first if you have an older system. There are two problems with your plan:

    • much of the older software you can purchase comes with malware
    • you still won't be able to activate CS3 even if you install it. The activation servers for CS3 are gone.

    Can you post the broken link for @ProDesignTools? He will want to fix it.

    ~ Jane


    Thanks for the shout-out, Jane!

     

    It appears the problem is that the CS3 activation doesn't work any longer (which has been the case for some years), rather than the link or download itself.

     

    At least, that seems to be clarified further below.

    3 replies

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 29, 2021

    For those with up-to-date operating systems, they might like to consider the Photography Plan. You get the latest version of Photoshop (2021 – 22.4.2) plus updates as they become available and Lightroom and some cloud storage for about $10 a month.

    F
    freshgarbage
    Participating Frequently
    May 29, 2021
    Sad part, I have invested a lot of money in third party add ons, and they are worthless now.
     
    The link he gave me was https://prodesigntools.com/download-adobe-cs4-and-cs3-free-trials-here.html#sa_src=web-messaging. He told me that I could download a trial version of cs3 there, and my key would work. It doesn't.

    • Case number: ADB-19146098-Z6K8
    • Issue: Disconnected
    F
    freshgarbage
    Participating Frequently
    May 29, 2021

    Unlimited license is 99 years

    I bought 5.5, 7 and cs3, I won't be buying old software, but new not from Adobe.

    Beachcolonist
    Beachcolonist
    Inspiring
    May 22, 2021

    I suspect you are going to be s.o.l. Adobe will reply with rough answers, but if you read the EULA carefully it probably gives them every right. They are not in the business of doing all things for all users.

    You did not detail your process, I presume you tried to reinstall and it balked at the registration. My hope is that you got good use out of it over the years, and that $10 a month paid once a year is not too big a hurdle for you.

    F
    freshgarbage
    Participating Frequently
    May 29, 2021

    I'm retired, I have no intention of paying for what's mine. Adobe support gave me a link, then connection was lost. The link doesn't work. (pro design tools). If I can't get a pre-registered version of cs3, I'll go elsewhere, and there are options.

     

    There is no limitations on length of service on the software's use. This is a bad way to do business.

      jane-e
      Community Expert
      jane-eCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 29, 2021

      Hi @freshgarbage 

      You might want to look at PS Elements, but be sure to try the trial first if you have an older system. There are two problems with your plan:

      • much of the older software you can purchase comes with malware
      • you still won't be able to activate CS3 even if you install it. The activation servers for CS3 are gone.

      Can you post the broken link for @ProDesignTools? He will want to fix it.

      ~ Jane

        Abambo
        Community Expert
        AbamboCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        May 22, 2021

        CS3 activation servers have been retired some while ago. It is impossible to get CS3 products activated. As long as they stay activated they continue running. See here: https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html

        ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
        G
        grostonAuthor
        Participant
        May 22, 2021

        Adobe is full of ***. from the webpage you cited "The aging activation servers for those apps had to be retired." This statement is total BS...

        gener7
        Community Expert
        gener7Community Expert
        Community Expert
        May 22, 2021

        For a awhile Adobe did provide an activation free CS3 along with a new serial number in exchange for the old CS3 serial number as proof of ownership. That offer has long since expired.

        https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install/re-activating-cs3/td-p/9609319

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