Creative Suite 3 on Notebook (Windows 11)

Forum|Forum|4 months ago
October 8, 2025
2 replies
608 views

Hello hello...

after working with a Desktop PC and Windows 11, where CS3 runs properly, I bought a notebook with Winds 11, and there is a problem, I can't resolve:

Starting Photoshop is not the problem but open that window to insert the key is. So what to do?

Does anybody have an idea to fix this? That would be fantastic.

Thomas

Windows

H

hannah_2740

Participating Frequently

Hey Thomas!

I ran into a similar issue before — it’s usually because Photoshop CS3’s activation window isn’t compatible with newer versions of Windows 11. The easiest fix is to run the program in compatibility mode:

Right-click on the Photoshop CS3 shortcut → Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check Run this program in compatibility mode for → Windows 7 (or XP).
Also check Run as administrator, then click Apply.

After that, try opening Photoshop again — the key window should appear normally.
If it still doesn’t, you can also try disabling high DPI scaling under the same tab.

Hope that helps!
— Hannah

D Fosse

Community Expert

See above.

D Fosse

Community Expert

The activation servers for CS4 and earlier have been shut down a while ago. This 18-year old software can no longer be activated. It works as long as it works, but it can't be reinstalled.

CS5 and CS6 can still be activated, but probably not for much longer.

J

jetztistgutAuthor

Participating Frequently

Yes, about the server shut down I've been informed already, but i have both the original installation DVD and the file published by Adobe to install CS3 without online registration.

D Fosse

Community Expert

haha sorry, long day. True is: It's not supported anymore, bbut not true is, that it'S limited to Trial. I worked qith it legally for years now.

@jetztistgut

You're missing the point. If it was installed and activated back when it could be activated, it will continue running until something breaks down.

What we're saying is that it cannot be activated now, whatever version or serial number you have. Inserting the serial number is pointless and futile. It won't register on any server, those servers are shut down, and most likely it will just stall at the dialog because it's not connecting to anything.

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