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sfkids
Participant
May 2, 2024
Question

Id like to keep photoshop elements 12

  • May 2, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 725 views

Id like to be able to continue using photoshop elements 12. Bought in 2013. In the last few days i've lost access to use it and a "pop up" screen says its no longer supported. I had a count down clock on the screen telling me to upgrade however Id simply like to keep what i have. Adobe online Chat keeps pushing subscription upgrades that id prefer not to do. Is there a way to keep using my old version 12 or do i have to buy a new version? I have the old serial number from the purchase but it wont allow me to reactivate it. Thanks in advance, Steven

 

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3 replies

Greg_S.
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 24, 2024

@frank_elements12 said:  I have the same problem, except I copied old files from my old Windows 10 PC to my new Windows 11 PC. 

You can't simply copy program files from one PC to another.  The program has to be installed properly.  If you still have the old PC but don't intend to use it, you should sign out of Elements on that computer before installing the program on the new one.   You can then go to the Products page of your Adobe account to find a download link for the program installation files and your serial number.

 

If you continue to have sign in problems, try following the instructions in this HelpX Article to activate the program offline.  Although the instructions are for Elements 2019, they should work for Elements 12.

Greg_S.
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 24, 2024

@nicolas_6812 , as I said, it may be possible that your purchase from BestBuy was a 10 year limited term license.  If that is the case, you will not be able to activate it.  You may be able to find the license agreement in the following folder:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 14\Legal

I would be interested in seeing what it says.

If you don't have a limited term license, then you can try the offline activation instructions linked in my previous reply to Frank.

Participant
November 23, 2024

I have the same problem, I bought PE12 in 2014. I just want to continue with it and not to buy any other version. When I try to open PE12 in my win10 laptop, a Sign in window pops up in order to register and continue. I did that several times and always asking the same. Moreover, when I go to my adobe personal account, my PE12 is already registered. I bought PE12 in Best Buy Canada. Is there any way to fix that or should I trow it to garbage? Thanks for any help on it.

Greg_S.
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 2, 2024

Elements 12 is still working on my computer.  However, I have recently learned that purchases made from third-party retailers such as BestBuy may have an expiration period.  Did you purchase from Adobe?  Also, can you give us a screenshot of any messages you are receiving when you launch the program.

Participant
November 23, 2024

Hi Greg,

I have the same problem, except I copied old files from my old Windows 10 PC to my new Windows 11 PC. After launching Photoshop Elements 12 on the new PC, I received a pop-up asking me to log in, and register the product. But I can't find how to do this. I note your comment below. I purchased my version from BuyTechSolutions.com in November 2014. Am I condemned to a subscription service, despite being happy with PE12, and using it only a few times a year?

Participant
November 23, 2024

Oh - I should mention - I received a 24 digit code to install the software (which worked fine), and I'm in Australia, don't know if that makes a difference. Thanks.