Unable to install creative cloud (error code 206)

[rkocur19]

I've been using Photoshop and Premiere Pro for a while now, and all of a sudden it stopped working. I tried restarting, reinstalling, but now I can't install it back because it says "Sever disconnection (error code 206). Does anyone know how to fix this? (It's on mac to be specific)

[kglad]

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/licensing-errors.html

[David29128106m5ne]

Any other ideas? I'm having the same problem, also on a Mac, and this just started recently after years of having no problems. My installation is through a larger employer license, but it's on a personal computer. I tried disabling the firewall, turning off antivirus, rebooting the computer... nothing works.

While it it curious that the page linked to by kglad and the page https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/troubleshoot-download-install-logs.html?promoid=Z662FS34&m... offer completely different diagnoses and fixes for the 206 error, neither set works for me.

[David29128106m5ne]

Solution:

1. Remove /Library/Application Support/Adobe
2. Remove all files in /Library/Preferences that mention Adobe
3. Install the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool ( https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html ).
4. Run the Cleaner Tool (for everything that comes up - not sure if that's necessary, but it worked for me).
5. Reboot the computer.
6. Reinstall the Creative Cloud.

This problem cropped up for a large number of Mac computers at my workplace recently due to something Adobe messed up, apparently, and this was the fix our IT team came up with. Worked for me.

[kglad]

contact your plan administrator 

[David29128106m5ne]

Yeeeesssss... I've submitted a ticket, but since this is not an enterprise-administered machine and the login to my enterprise account does work, the only thing that would be an issue on my organization's end is if they cancelled the Adobe contract without telling us, right? (It is listed as active on their software site.)

[kglad]

are you using an enterprise subscription or an individual subscription?  ie, the subscription type used is what determines who can help you, not the computer owner nor the computer location.

[David29128106m5ne]

Enterprise subscription, but my workplace IT doesn't fix problems on personal computers, regardless of what software we're running. When we thought it was just me, they basically told me I was on my own. Fortunately(?) this problem then cropped up on a bunch of Macs here, including ones they do administer, so they had to figure out a solution. See what I posted above.

[vera_1727]

Does anyone have the solution for Windows? I've been having this problem

[kglad]

@vera_1727 

are you using an enterprise subscription or an individual subscription? 

[kglad]

only if the previous suggestions fail:

1. follow all the steps on these pages to delete certificates and credentials: https://helpx.adobe.com/in/download-install/kb/adobe-license-issues-keychain-credential-mgr.html . I had a lot of "Adobe..." credentials to remove in the Credential Manager.
2. Close all Adobe related processes in Task Manager (Core sync, services for adobe desktop app, adobe desktop service, Adobe IPC broker, AAM updater)
3. Rename SLstore to SLstore.old at following location C:\ProgramData\Adobe
4. Rename SLcache to SLcache.old and OOBE to OOBE.old at following location C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe
5. Rename OOBE to OOBE.old at following location C:\Users\yschi\AppData\Local\Adobe
6. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and open hosts file using Notepad. If you see any Adobe entry there please replace that hosts file with a new hosts file which does not have any Adobe entry. If there is no Adobe entry leave the hosts file as it is.
7. Download the alternative direct installer from to get the latest version of Creative Cloud Desktop https://helpx.adobe.com/in/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-desktop-app-download.html
8. Launch Creative Cloud Desktop App and sign in.

[Anshul_Nautiyal]

Hi @vera_1727 ,

Thank you for reaching out. It appears that your Adobe Teams subscription is active with the Adobe ID used for this inquiry. To help resolve the issue, please follow these steps:

Verify Internet Connection: Confirm that you’re connected to the internet, then click "Retry."

Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Temporarily turn off your antivirus software, attempt the installation, and remember to re-enable it afterward. 

Switch Networks: If possible, try using a different network and restart the installation.

Run Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool: Use this tool to remove any leftover files or settings from previous installations that may be causing the issue. Learn more about the Cleaner Tool here.

If the problem persists, please reach out to your system administrator to ensure that necessary endpoints for Adobe servers are whitelisted. 

Regards,

A.N

[Anshul_Nautiyal · Accepted solution]

Are You Seeing Error 206 When Installing Adobe Creative Cloud Apps? Here’s How to Fix It

If you are encountering Error 206 during the installation of Creative Cloud apps, please follow the troubleshooting steps below. If you're using an office-provided device or are on an office network, please involve your IT team, as some actions may be restricted or require elevated permissions.

Step 1: Check Internet Connectivity
Ensure you have a stable internet connection. You need an active connection to download, install, and update Adobe apps. Try selecting "Retry" if prompted.
If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, and update it to the latest version.
If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Try a Different Network
Switch to another internet network if available to rule out network restrictions or firewall interference.
If the issue persists, continue troubleshooting.

Step 4: Configure Your Software Firewall
Temporarily disable your firewall to check if it is causing the issue. Refer to the following links:

• Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/firewall-and-network-protection-in-the-windows-security-...

• macOS: https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/mac-help/mh11783/mac
  If the issue persists, move on to the next step.

Step 5: Update Your Operating System
Install any pending system updates, as outdated systems may block internet access for security reasons.
If the issue persists, continue.

Step 6: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
Your antivirus may be blocking the installation. Temporarily disable it and retry.
If the issue persists, continue troubleshooting.

Step 7: Allow Adobe Apps Access Through Firewall
If prompted, allow Creative Cloud apps through the firewall. If not prompted, temporarily disable the firewall to test.
If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 8: Troubleshoot Common Network Issues
Follow this Adobe guide for fixing download and connectivity problems:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/download-failure/common-network-connectiv...
If the issue persists, continue.

Step 9: Verify TLS 1.2 Browser Support
Make sure your default browser supports TLS 1.2:
https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/eol-tls-support.html
If the issue persists, move to the next check.

Step 10: Test Secure Server Connectivity
Ensure you can connect to Adobe’s secure servers:
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/activation-network-issues.html
If the issue persists, reset the hosts file.

Step 11: Reset Hosts File
Use this Adobe guide to reset the hosts file:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/licensing-activation-issues/reset-hosts-f...
If the issue persists, update your Adobe certificates.

Step 12: Update Adobe Intermediate and Content Certificates
Outdated certificates may block activation. Follow this guide:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/licensing-activation-issues/user-license-...
If the issue persists, reset internet settings.

Step 13: Reset Internet Options (Windows Only)

• Go to "Internet Options" from the Start menu

• Select the "Advanced" tab

• Click "Restore advanced settings" and then click "Apply"
  If the issue persists, ensure required domains are allowed.

Step 14: Allow Required Adobe Domains
Verify that all required Adobe network domains are allowed:
https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/network-endpoints.html
If the issue persists, test using a new user profile.

Step 15: Create a New Administrator Account
Create a new local admin account and try installation there:

• Windows: https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/create-local-administrator-account-windows.html

• macOS: https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/mac-help/mtusr001/mac
  If the issue persists, use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool.

Step 16: Use Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool
This tool can remove corrupted installations and fix registry/permission issues:
https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html
If the issue persists, check for system file corruption.

Step 17: Repair System Files
Use system tools to fix missing or damaged files:

• Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/use-the-system-file-checker-tool-to-repair-missing-or-corr...

• macOS: https://support.apple.com/en-in/102611
  
  If the issue persists, try reinstalling with a fresh installer.

Please note: Download a Fresh Installer
Get a fresh copy of the Creative Cloud desktop installer:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/download-install-apps/creative-cloud-apps/download-cre...

Hope this helps with your issue. 

If the issue persists after completing all these steps, please reach out with details. We will be glad to assist you further.

[default06e87kjkqd96]

Just FYI, for anyone running into this problem, i tried everything, to no result. I also got any website with an ssl cert to go bad in Safari, which indicated a certificate problem. I just restarted my trust daemon on mac, and now it installs without problem.

sudo killall -HUP trustd