CS4 RE-INSTALL ISSUE

[Mr. MIke]

Hello, in Dec 21 I stupidly upgraded to Win 11 and now I was finally able to downgrade back to Win 10 but stupidly as well, I forgot to de-activate CS4 before switching back to Win 10. Also (stupidly) I didn't register it on adobe.com. I have the serial number but of course it won't accept it. Is there any way in the world that I can get this serial number re-activated and re-install CS4?

Thanks, Mike

[John T Smith]

Sorry, no

The CS2-CS3-CS4 activation servers have been removed from service
-https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html?promoid=19SCDRQK
-So even if you have a disc or saved download, CS2-CS3-CS4 are completely dead
-Adobe also no longer supplies the special non-activation version of CS2-CS3-CS4
-EXCEPT https://community.adobe.com/t5/the-lounge-discussions/wishful-thinking/m-p/12629144
--See John Waller reply dated 1-1-22 There's a kink in the space-time continuum with CS4 activation.
Although the CS4 activation servers are officially dead, CS4 can still be activated for use on a fresh install on a computer where CS4 has never previously been installed. I successfully activated CS4 myself a couple of months ago just as a proof of concept

[Mr. MIke]

Ok I'll try that but if the server is dead how come when I tried to register it this morning it says "that the serial number is in use"?

[Peru Bob]

It can't activate or deactivate, but it knows it's already been activated twice.

[Peru Bob]

In addition to the reply by John T Smith , although sometimes it can be activated, it can never be deactivated.

[Nancy OShea]

I think you've reached the end of the road with CS4.  It's End of Life and Adobe can't help you activate a dead product.

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

Creative Cloud Photography Plan (approx $10/month for 12 months). Includes the following:

• Photoshop CC and Photoshop on iPad
• Lightroom on desktop, mobile and the web
• Lightroom Classic
• Portfolio website + hosting
• Creative Cloud Express (free starter plan)
• Bridge
• 20 GB cloud storage (upgradable to 1 TB).

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

Premium Creative Cloud Express ($10/month).

• Creative Cloud Express app (web and mobile)
• Premiere Rush (video editor for desktop and mobile)
• Photoshop Express (mobile)
• Spark Video (mobile)
• Spark Page (mobile)
• Adobe Portfolio + 100 GB of cloud storage
• All premium templates and design assets including the entire collection of over 160 million royalty-free Adobe Stock photo collection.

https://helpx.adobe.com/express/using/express-overview.html

Creative Cloud All Apps (bundled suite of apps & services for mobile & desktop) or Single App Plans
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

Hope that helps.

[Mr. MIke]

Just a question. If I ever do purchase a subscription for a newer version is it a fee every month FOREVER!!! I didn't see that in the fine print.

[Nancy OShea]

It's pay to play.  Paid subscription entitles you to continued access to desktop/mobile apps & services including upgrades for as long as you remain a paid subscriber.  

When you stop paying, access to apps & online services stops.  But your work files are yours to keep forever.

How do I Cancel my Subscription?
https://helpx.adobe.com/manage-account/using/cancel-subscription.html
===============
Subscription & Cancellation Terms:
https://www.adobe.com/legal/subscription-terms.html

Except for Elements, Adobe doesn't sell perpetual licenses anymore.  That ended in 2017 when Creative Suite was discontinued.

[Mr. MIke]

That sounds like highway robbery to me and they only care about their profits! Too bad for people who can't afford that every year.

[Nancy OShea]

Compared to what I previously paid for a whole suite of tools plus regular upgrades, the subscription model is more budget-friendly than before.  But your mileage may vary if you're only a casual user.