CS4 re-install - serial numbers not working - need support

[Gizbuster]

Switching to a new computer, I deactivated my CS4 Design Premium install and re-installed the software on the new PC. So far so good, no issues until here. Trying to activate the software anew, the serial numbers are not accepted. My CS4 is an upgrade to a CS3 upgrade based on the original CS2 Full version. I have serial numbers for each one of them. None works. I contacted support but they told me that the CS4 line isn't supported any longer and the forum might be the best option I have to get this issue resolved. my last (non working) CS4 Upgrade serial number is [nothing you want to share publicly - anyone can steal/use it : moderator]. Support here is appreciated...

[Ned Murphy]

What is the new machine's operating system?  Newer systems will not work with older software - usually best to retain an older system for older software.

Normally for an upgrade you would first enter the serial number for the newer product (CS4) first when prompted, and then enter the serial number for the older qualifying version (CS3).

Activate and deactivate Adobe products

[Gizbuster]

The OS is Win 10 Pro

[kglad]

install cs4 only and activate with your cs4 (and cs3) serial numbers:

when starting your cs4 installation you'll be prompted for your cs4 serial number.  when the installer fails to find a qualifying product (ie, previous version) installed, you will be presented with a dropdown of possible qualifying products.  select cs3.  you will then be asked to enter cs3's serial number.

enter the correct number at the correct time and installation will proceed though you may have problems as mentioned by nm in message1 because of compatibility issues.  if so, you can usually surmount those by using compatibility mode when starting your cs4 installation, but some issue will remain (eg, with acrobat).

[Gizbuster]

I doesn't work that way, unfortunately. The serial number prompt doesn't offer alternatives back to the previous versions. I remember it being that way too when I installed it on the older Win 7 PC. I needed to call support to get it resolved.

[Jeffrey_A_Wright · Accepted solution]

Gizbuster are you trying to install Creative Suite 4 Design Premium for Windows?  If so then please enter the registered Creative Suite 2 Premium serial number registered under your account at http://www.adobe.com/.  For complete details on how to locate your registered serial number see Find your serial number​.

As Kglad indicated you need to enter the qualifying full version serial number.  The registered serial numbers should work with the installation files available at Download Adobe Creative Suite 4 (CS4) products​.  You will want to make sure and use the English - International / English - Universal installation files.  In specific the registered licenses are for International English.

If you continue to encounter difficulties Gizbuster, then can you please provide us with more details regarding what happened prior to reinstalling Creative Suite 4 Design Premium on Windows 10?