adobe shenanigans

Layers of confusion requiring clarity here.

I started a 30 day trial for Photoshop Elements 2020 and in the meantime I BOUGHT it at Best Buy and installed it.

2020 has not been sold by Adobe for a couple of years. So when did you start the trial version?

Did you buy 2020 a couple of years ago? Or did you buy 2022 this year?

Everything was fine until the trial period was over.

You mean the 2020 trial stopped? That's normal unless you enter a 2020 serial number.

I'm told I have to have monthly subscription.

Bit of confusion here. Adobe sells two version of Photoshop:

1. Photoshop - aimed at professionals which is subscription only
2. Photoshop Elements - a completely different app aimed at consumers. Not subscription. With Elements you pay once and own forever.

And that it's not supported.  So I have a disc that's no good.

Which operating system are you running? If you have 2020 and you're running a modern Mac then Elements 2020 is not supported. But you'll have to confirm your operating system for us to offer more accurate info.

Did you buy 2020 or 2021?

You can't use a 2021 serial number on 2020.

Help > Sign in and enter your serial number.

This may help:

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/find-serial-number.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/redemption-code-help.html

I started a 30 day trial for Photoshop Elements 2020 and in the meantime I BOUGHT it at Best Buy and installed it. Everything was fine until the trial period was over. Then nothing worked. I'm told I have to have monthly subscription.  And that it's not supported.  So I have a disc that's no good.