demo to purchased copy

[Guest]

I have been evaluating the latest version of Lightroom 3.6, downloaded from Adobe. 

I'd like to purchase a full copy from a retailer (good price), but they may not have the latest version that I have installed as demo. 

Will the serial number from a retail copy of Lightroom 3 instal correctly into the version 3.6 that I have been demoing? 

- Ray

[Preran]

It looks like you are taking the more difficult route. I am guessing that there is an option to buy the full version online when you open the software. On the screen telling you that your trial version has expired, there must be a link to buy the full version. After you purchase the software, you are provided with a serial number that you can enter into the trial version expired screen to continue to use the software as a purchased version.

See this document for more info: http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/167/tn_16719.html

[Guest]

The retail copy offered is cheaper than buying it from Adobe in this case. Please answer the question that was asked.

[Gautham_K]

Hi Ray,

A serial number is specific to every different version of a product and hence the Lightroom 3 serial key will not convert the Lightroom 3.6 trial on your computer to a full version.

You will have to perform a fresh installation of the retail copy you purchase and key in the relevant serial number.

Hope this helps.

[Guest]

Thanks Gautham, that was the critical answer I was looking for.

My issue here is that Lightroom 3.6 is the first version that will support my new camera in raw mode. 

I'd like to purchase the retail version 3.x (don't know which version), install it, and perform a program update to arrive at version 3.6.

Do you know how far the version updates go?  I'd hope that starting with anything version 3 could be updated to 3.6.

[Jeffrey_A_Wright · Accepted solution]

ray62202 assuming the license for Lightroom 3 is valid you will be able to upgrade to 3.6.  I would recommend you inquire if the reseller is authorized by Adobe or at least what their return policy is.  That way if for some reason the license is not valid you will not be out the money you spent on Lightroom 3.

[Guest]

Thanks Jeff,

  good point about the authorization by Adobe. 

The retailer is Staples, who I would hope is authorized by Adobe since they sell lots of Adobe's products.  I'll try to find out their status.