Skip to main content
Participating Frequently
June 30, 2017
Answered

CS4 won't install Windows 10 [Was on old thread: Re: after I download cs4 it it says the file archive is missing]

  • June 30, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 8541 views

I am getting the same message trying to install CS4 Production Premium.  I have the disks also and it is not working.  I'm on Windows 10.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Jeffrey_A_Wright

    Robc93728198 you can find details on error 1605 at "Error 1605. This action is only valid for products..." when installing Adobe Creative Suite 4 or point products .  You will need to adapt the directions for Windows 10 but they are still valid.  The Add/Remove Program Control panel was replaced with the Programs and Features in Windows Vista and later.

    For the error with the damaged archive I would recommend downloading a fresh copy of the installation files.  If you have already done so then try a different web browser, alternate Internet connection, or different computer.  The files can easily fit on a USB drive to be transferred to this computer.

    3 replies

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    July 1, 2017

    Two ideas that MAY work to install and/or run old programs in Windows 10

    -RIGHT click the program icon or EXE and select a compatibility mode in the pop up option window

    -or Run as Administrator http://forums.adobe.com/thread/969395 to assign FULL Windows permissions may help... says Encore, but sometimes required for ALL Adobe programs (this is NOT the same as using an Administrator account)

    Owners of old programs simply have problems with Windows 10... none of which is Adobe's fault... Adobe did not change your old program to make it stop working... Microsoft changed their operating system and THAT is why your old program won't work, not because of anything Adobe did... Also... every time Microsoft issues a Win10 update, there is the risk that an old program that HAS been working after the initial Win10 upgrade will STOP working... bottom line, old programs require a matching old operating system

    Participating Frequently
    July 3, 2017

    I will try the compatibility mode - thank you.

    I know it's not your personal policy, and may have more to do with company culture more than anything, but it is telling that Adobe leadership does not take any responsibility for older products working on the largest OS platform their customers use.  It is almost as if they expect Microsoft to have Windows 10 be compatible with Adobe products rather than the other way around.  When Windows 10 came out some of the software companies proactively notified me they were aware of compatibility issues and provided links to patches or other solutions.  That is an example of taking responsibility for assuring their product work on the platform rather than blaming the platform and leaving the risk, as you put it, with their customers.  I would understand if Adobe did not have the resources or knowledge base to help their customers, but that is not the case here.  It is a decision to leave customers to fend for themselves and give a quick compatibility answer when customers need help (that is what happened when I called).  It is an unfortunate decision by Adobe (especially considering how much you charged for CS products), not an unfortunate circumstance.  Old programs do not require a matching old OS unless you decide they do.  I think it is a stretch for Adobe to try and align itself as a victim circumstances with their customers, especially if the solution requires doling our a lot of cash to Adobe, rather then simply providing for a solution.

    Again, I'm not suggesting you made the decision and I appreciate your advice.  I'll let you know if I have any luck.

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    July 4, 2017

    I don't work for Adobe, so I did not make any decisions about not going back to update old programs to make them compatible with new operating systems

    I only report what I read hundreds-to-thousands of times from owners of CS6 and earlier for BOTH Windows and Mac... Adobe simply does not go back and update old programs... if you want to use an old program, you need to keep using an old, matching operating system

    Jeffrey_A_Wright
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    June 30, 2017

    Robc93728198 if you need a fresh copy of installation files for Creative Suite 4 the retail installation files are available at Download Adobe Creative Suite 4 (CS4) products .  If you continue to encounter errors what errors are you experiencing Robc93728198?

    Participating Frequently
    July 4, 2017

    Thank you for your reply Jeff.

    When using the disk I get a message explaining that the installation of a component failed.  The only one it will let me try and install is an anchor, but I get an error in the end with that.  Here are a couple of screen shots.

    Any thoughts or advice you have would be much appreciated.

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    June 30, 2017

    CS4 may not run on Windows 10.