CS3 on new computer running macOS 10.13.4

[richardm31147299]

I'm also trying to install CS3 on a new mac (10.13.4), and have been through all these steps to no avail. Please can you help?

I can't get rid of my old Serial Number. Is that stored somewhere that I could delete?

I have downloaded the new "non-registering" version of CS3 through Akamai, and installed it. During this process I was also given a new serial number. However, when I open illustrator/photoshop, a dialog box still counts down 5 days and asks me to complete registration over the internet/phone - and it is assuming the old serial number. There is no way to edit the serial number. It is as if the old serial number is hidden in a file somewhere on my hard drive. I've tried uninstalling CS3 with the Adobe uninstaller app, and also this: Adobe - Adobe CS3Clean Script

Perhaps a (hidden?) preference file containing the old serial was copied to my new computer when I used Apple's migration Assistant. I also have Adobe Acrobat Pro XI running. That's fine. Thanks for any help.

[Jeffrey_A_Wright]

Branching to a new discussion.

Richardm31147299 have you already located and removed the cache.db file as discussed in Resolve "temporary activation expired" error for CS3 and Acrobat 8 ? If so, can you post a screenshot of the current error you are facing?  Information on how to post a screenshot can be found at FAQ: How do I capture and post a screen shot or video? .

[richardm31147299 · Accepted solution]

Brilliant! This worked - thank you Jeff.

I just needed to know that the file containing the (old) registration information is hidden in /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe PCD/cache/

I don't know why that file wasn't deleted by either of the automated uninstallers/cleaners. But deleting it by hand enabled me to enter the new serial number. It's now working perfectly.

Thanks.

[Jeffrey_A_Wright]

You are welcome, Richardm31147299.  Yes, it is an unfortunate manual process when reinstalling on the same computer. It is used to keep licensing information for all installed Adobe software titles.  This is why it is not removed by the uninstallers and the CC Cleaner Tool.

It is not necessary to remove the cache.db file on a fresh Windows installation as it doesn't exist.