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Participant
August 27, 2017
Answered

can't re-activate my copy of CS3

  • August 27, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 497 views

for some reason, my copy of CS3 has decided to expire... i can't re-activate thru the application as it seems all forms of use are discontinued... so now i am staring at a product that no longer wants to work until i can re-active it using the discontinued means... i have downloaded the link that provides a different version of CS3, with a new serial number... i have used the adobe creative cloud cleaner tool to wipe my serial keys... and still nothing!! when i re-install CS3, it wont even let me enter a new serial number, it just runs with my previous number and prompts me to re-active, which sends me back thru this endless loop of uninstalling, reinstalling, requesting the key serial number for the 100th time, etc etc etc...

i need some help here, my projects are starting to pile up, and if i don't get a solution soon, i am gonna lose out on future freelance work...

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Correct answer Nancy OShea

Activation or connection error | CS3, Acrobat 8

It's official.  CS3 Activation Servers have been retired.  If you have CS3 or Acrobat 8, see this help article for further details on how to obtain a replacement version & new serial number that does not require activation.  This is not freeware.  You will be asked to log-in with your Adobe ID and provide a valid CS3 serial number.

Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

NOTE: For best results, remove your old CS3 / Acrobat 8 BEFORE installing the replacement version.  Below is a link to the CS Cleaner Tool.  Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems

And remove the old Adobe PCD folder from

Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/

When prompted for serial number, enter the new one.  And click on Never Register.

Restart your computer.

Special instructions for installing Creative Suite products on Mac OS.

Installing Creative Suite on macOS 10.12 (Sierra)

Please keep in mind that legacy CS3 is 10 years old & NOT certified to run on newer operating systems (Win10 or Mac Sierra or High Sierra). 

Nancy

2 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
October 16, 2017

Activation or connection error | CS3, Acrobat 8

It's official.  CS3 Activation Servers have been retired.  If you have CS3 or Acrobat 8, see this help article for further details on how to obtain a replacement version & new serial number that does not require activation.  This is not freeware.  You will be asked to log-in with your Adobe ID and provide a valid CS3 serial number.

Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

NOTE: For best results, remove your old CS3 / Acrobat 8 BEFORE installing the replacement version.  Below is a link to the CS Cleaner Tool.  Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems

And remove the old Adobe PCD folder from

Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe/

When prompted for serial number, enter the new one.  And click on Never Register.

Restart your computer.

Special instructions for installing Creative Suite products on Mac OS.

Installing Creative Suite on macOS 10.12 (Sierra)

Please keep in mind that legacy CS3 is 10 years old & NOT certified to run on newer operating systems (Win10 or Mac Sierra or High Sierra). 

Nancy

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Participant
October 16, 2017

Also, gave instruction to uninstall and download 2 files neither of which are programs, they are read files.  The original cd doesn't work.  Paid thousands for this product.  Called Adobe, got another country who after going through everything told me they cannot support over the phone I had to go the forum.  When I asked the website she said "you have to google it."  Next call coming from my attorney.