CS3 licensing [CS3 is dead, locked]

[krazykrisi]

[Moderator moved from the non-technical Lounge to Creative Suites​ forum.]

When I try to open any CS3 program I get a message that says licensing for this product has stopped working. It says I need to uninstall and reinstall but I don't want to do that because I have a lot of websites in Dreamweaver, custom shapes and other things in Photoshop. Please help.

[cvid01]

Maybe start here: Adobe Licensing Website | Serial numbers, orders, and accounts

[krazykrisi]

None of those options work/apply to my situation. I tried the LWS but it said I wasn't an authorized user and wouldn't let me login.

I also tried the Adobe Licensing Repair Tool three times but it didn't fix my problem.

[John T Smith]

When you ask a question you need to provide some basic information

-Forum quick start https://forums.adobe.com/docs/DOC-5601

Mac or Windows, and EXACTLY which version of the operating system?

Recent Mac AND Windows operating systems have been known to cause "odd" problems

Are you using a computer Administrator account with full read/write permission?

[krazykrisi]

I am running Windows 10. CS3 was working fine yesterday but when I started my computer today, I got that message. I am using the computer Administrator account with full permissions.

[Jeffrey_A_Wright]

Krazykris you can find information on how to resolve the error, "the licensing has stopped working," for Windows 10 at Error: "Licensing has stopped working" | Windows .  The errors listed will allow for a resolution of this error.  If you have any questions regarding any of the steps listed then please update this discussion.

[krazykrisi]

Thank you for the information but I've already tried most of those options. Nothing worked

[Jeffrey_A_Wright]

That is extremely unfortunate Krazykris.  Your last option then will be to implement the listed solutions under a newly created local administrator account.  Details on how to set up a new local administrator account can be found at Adobe troubleshooting: Creating an admin account in Windows​.

If you are still unable to implement the solutions listed in https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/error-licensing-stopped-windows.html under the newly created local administrator account then I would recommend backing up any critical files.  Once safely backed up you can reinstall Windows 10 and then reinstall Creative Suite 3.

The root cause of this error, Krazykris, is that the current User account does not have the required permission to run the licensing service or update critical files.  The steps listed in Error: "Licensing has stopped working" | Windows provide details on how this can be corrected.

[krazykrisi]

I created a new user account in Windows but that did not work either. I tried repairing it with the software disc, that didn't work either. I'll try uninstalling and reinstalling next.

[Jeffrey_A_Wright]

Thank you for the update Krazykris.  I am sorry that you still faced difficulties with the newly created local administrator account.  A reinstallation of Windows 10 will resolve the issue.  Something on the current installation, of Windows, is preventing either account from having proper read/write access to the SLStore and Adobe PCD folders.

[Philbert McHumperdink]

I was told by Adobe that they are not allowing people to continue to use CS3.

[LinSims · Accepted solution]

It's not so much that Adobe is not allowing people to use CS3 any more. It's that it is no longer possible to install it on a new machine. The activation servers no longer exist and it is no longer possible to get a non-activation-needed registration number.

If you have CS3 installed on a computer and it's working, keep that computer working also if you want to continue using CS3.

Otherwise, your choices are to purchase a subscription that provides the Adobe programs you want to use or to find other software that performs similar functions.

[Nancy OShea]

I'm glad Adobe support told you the truth however unpleasant it may be.  CS1, CS2 and CS3 are officially dead & gone now.  And Creative Suite is no longer legally sold by any vendor, retailer or country.

MODERN OPTIONS:
Photoshop or Premier Elements 2020 (approx $100, no subscription needed)
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

Creative Cloud Photography Plan (approx $10/month for 1 year subscription)
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

Creative Cloud All Apps Plan (31 + apps & services)
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

===========
Beware of fake Adobe reps who may contact you privately offering to sell you software or take control of your computer. It's a scam, run away!

[Philbert McHumperdink]

They marked my case as "solved".

"You're software is old hence won't work anymore. Goodbye!"

Love that they are doing this during a pandemic.

[Philbert McHumperdink]

I have been told by Adobe they are canceling CS3 because it is "old". Really makes me unhappy. I am a CC subscriber but like having CS3 on my old MacBook. Not even sure CC is compatible with that operating system. This is software I paid for, and they decide now it messes with their subscription business model? Really scummy operation here. I paid $1200 for that software suite.