CS 5 keeps asking for serial number after every re-start

[simone257]

Hi, hope someone can help me with this.

I've been using Photoshop CS5.1 Extended for several years without any problems. But a few weeks ago, out of the blue (no major changes or new installations on my computer) it suddenly started asking for my serial number every time I'm starting the program. I can enter it and confirm it (it's valid and the registration is confirmed), but as soon as I shut down Photoshop and start it again -- I have to enter it again.

I have no idea what to do other than re-entering it every time. I've googled and found some posts saying I should rename some cache.db file, but that didn't work -- a new cache file popped up right after renaming it and the problem persisted.

Any help will be much appreciated.

I'm using Windows 8.1, and I have both the 64-Bit and the 32-Bit versions installed (used to work without any problems or complications). Serial number is valid and legal. Internet works fine to connect to the licensing server. 

Thanks!

[kglad]

check to see if you have some clean up program (like ccleaner) that's removing your licensing info.

Adobe PCD folder and SLStore (licensing information), https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/configuration-error-cs5.html:

Adobe PCD:

Windows 32 bit:  Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\

Windows 64 bit: Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ Adobe PCD\

C:\Users\[user name]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe

C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet folder

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\caps

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\backup

SLStore:

ProgramData\Adobe\SLStore

[simone257]

Here's what I have:

Windows 32 bit:  Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe PCD\  --> directory "Adobe" exists but no "Adobe PCD" in there

Windows 64 bit: Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ Adobe PCD\  --> pcd.db and a "cache" folder with cache.db and four files with a numbers/letters combination as filename

ProgramData\Adobe\SLStore --> has three .lic files and three files with a numbers/letters combination as filename (and a bmp file)

The other folders you mentioned also exist...

So, how can I tell now if something's missing or what would I do next?

(I'm not using any cleaners and haven't installed any new anti-virus software either... not sure if any minor Windows update might have done something though.. :-/)

[kglad · Accepted solution]

after licensing,  note the files/date/time in

Windows 64 bit: Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ Adobe PCD\  --> pcd.db and a "cache" folder with cache.db and four files with a numbers/letters combination as filename

ProgramData\Adobe\SLStore --> has three .lic files and three files with a numbers/letters combination as filename

restart your computer and note if anything's changed in those files.

[simone257]

Okay, now it gets crazy: the license window doesn't show up again like it did just an hour ago.

Before I opened this topic, I had to re-enter my license key three times. Same the other day this week. And several times before that. But now, I closed down Photoshop, rebooted my computer several times, opened all other programs (like Outlook, Chrome, etc.) to reproduce the error under the same conditions -- and the fricking thing keeps working the way it's supposed to. I swear I'm not trying to waste your time, lol.

I took screenshots of all the folders you mentioned so I'll have the files/dates/times to compare next time the licensing window shows up. Guess I'll just have to wait... I'll bump this thread as soon as the problem re-occurs. Thanks for your help so far!

[kglad]

you're welcome.

but this doesn't sound crazy.  my guess is there is some clean-up program that's (erroneously) removing those files.  i've not heard of a virus doing that but it wouldn't hurt to scan your computer.