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ElishevaH
Known Participant
January 28, 2026
Answered

Installing an upgraded CS4 ME

  • January 28, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 109 views

I had CS3. I upgraded to CS4 ME. Recently I thought I wouldn’t be needing the CS3 because I had CS4 ME so I gave away the CS3 and now don’t have the details of that person anymore. I bought a new computer (windows 11) and installed the CS4 ME. Opening the programs, I am asked to type in the code of CS3 since the CS4 is an upgrade. What can be done? Is there a way to find the CS3 code? Or is the CS4 ME useless now, without the CS3 code?

Correct answer kglad

no, you can’t activate cs3 nor can you activate cs4.

 

also, it’s illegal to share your software unless you obtained a license transfer, http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/transfer-product-license.html

3 replies

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ElishevaHAuthor
Known Participant
January 29, 2026

Illegal? The things no one tells us... Thanks for the link!!

John T Smith
Community Expert
John T SmithCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 28, 2026

The CS2-CS3-CS4 activation servers have been removed from service
https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html?promoid=19SCDRQK
-So even if you have a disc or saved download, CS2-CS3-CS4 are completely dead
 

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ElishevaHAuthor
Known Participant
January 29, 2026

It is actually possible to activate the older CS CD’s. A chatbot guided me through this. I managed to trace the initial CS3 I had and got it back. I typed in the initial code, and then the upgraded CS4 programs code. They seem to be working… But you’re right - eventually they will probably “die”.

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 30, 2026

When the introductory TRIAL expires, you’ll be unable to use the software. 

I can’t remember how long the TRIAL was for legacy CS4. Probably about 15 days. 

 

CS4 REPLACEMENTS:

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

 

Good luck.

 

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
kglad
Community Expert
kgladCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
January 28, 2026

no, you can’t activate cs3 nor can you activate cs4.

 

also, it’s illegal to share your software unless you obtained a license transfer, http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/transfer-product-license.html

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ElishevaHAuthor
Known Participant
January 29, 2026

Ok, I traced the person, got back the CS3. Why would it be illegal to share the old CS CD’s? If they can’t be activated or installed, why would it matter where the physical CD’s are? They will actually soon be impossible to use, like Office from 2015 or before.

kglad
Community Expert
kgladCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 29, 2026

​@ElishevaH 

 

it’s illegal to share your serial number without a license transfer.  everything else (including cds) can be shared.

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