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bobc49536789
bobc49536789
Inspiring
February 5, 2015
Answered

Activation failed for CS3

  • February 5, 2015
  • 1 reply
  • 2583 views

I am trying to activate my software  for CS3 web premium.  I entered the serial number, but did not have my previous version upgrade number.  Adobe does not have it in file either, but used a secret hack challenge/response to bypass that and take me to the activation screen.  Then the activation failed with error code 194:3   They told me to come here for help.

HEEELLPPPPPPPPP

I NEED to get this software running.   What do I do now ???  What does this error code mean ?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer bobc49536789

    Bob I don't have easy access to Windows XP.  At minimum I would recommend removing C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ prior to trying to reinstall again.  I was able to find Remove Creative Suite 3 and CS3 products but it discusses the process which you have already utilized.

    The only other suggestion I have would be to try installing a newly created local Administrator account.  You can find more details at https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/troubleshoot-unexpected-behavior-user-account-1.html.


    Well I think I am running now.  Thanks for all your help.  I am not sure what did it though.

    I deleted EVERYTHING  as we discussed. 
    I also reinstalled it under a new admin account.

    But then I needed to contact customer support for help bypassing the upgrade serial number issue again.  And they gave me a new serial number instead.

    So it could have been any of those three things that got me working.  Thanks for your help.

    1 reply

    kglad
    Community Expert
    kgladCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 5, 2015

    if you can select cs2 as your upgrade, try the posted cs2 serial number, Error: Activation Server Unavailable | CS2, Acrobat 7, Audition 3

    bobc49536789
    bobc49536789Author
    Inspiring
    February 5, 2015

    Thanks.  I MAY try that. But I have a valid serial number for CS3, so would really like to solve this last step before uninstalling CS3 and downloading CS2, etc.

    bobc49536789
    bobc49536789Author
    Inspiring
    February 12, 2015

    Bobc49536789 if you have used the uninstallers to remove all Adobe software titles then you should be able to safely remove any remaining folders.


    I uninstalled CC3

    Reboot
    I uninstalled every Adobe program, and renamed the Adobe dfirectories I found.  I evidently forgot to rename Program Files/Common Files/Adobe.

    Reboot

    Ran CC3 Cleaner program and chose the ALL option. - appeared to run correctly
    Reboot

    Installed CC3

    Reboot

    Ran Dreamweaver.  Same problem at Activation

    I looked over the install log and see no errors.  No hits on "Return Value 3" or "FATAL".  I did find several variables named "ERROR_xxxxx" But no error messages

    What now ??

    Is it possible I am just getting activation failed because I never deactivated prior versions ?  It just says "failed" not anything mentioning deactivating or maximum counts or anything. I did not even know that was an issue back then, and at least one of these prior installs was on a disc failure.

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