Downloaded CS3 won't launch; no obvious .exe

[anthonym34175923]

Tonight I discovered why my CS3 has suddenly stopped working. Apparently the Adobe servers are tired. Incredible, and profoundly irritating.  With no options, I dutifully downloaded the Akamai app and it then downloaded the 2 monstrous CS3 files, taking 3 hrs to do so. I then followed instructions and saw that the CS3 files were apparently expanded into the named folder. Then nothing. So, again following instructions, I searched for an exe file to launch. There is none. I've attempted to read every available self-help suggestion, and am about to have a nervous breakdown in utter frustration and rage. Can anyone please offer a way out of this ghastly mess? I'm using Win 7. Thanks.

[Nancy OShea]

The aging CS3 activation servers were taken offline.   Did you obtain the replacement installer and new serial number that does not require activation?  You will need admin level permissions to uninstall old software and install on Windows.  See correct answer below for more details.

Re-activating CS3 (Updated)

After you download Akamai, look in your browser''s downloads folder for the akamai.exe file.  Click on it to install the  NetSession Downloader.   Afterwards, you should see a popup screen asking you to save the CS3/Acrobat 8 installer.   Mine defaults to my Documents folder.   Hit Save button.

NetSession automiatcally downloads the CS3/Acrobat 8  installer.  From your browser window, click on the EXE file to begin installation.

[anthonym34175923]

Thanks for your prompt reply. Yes, I have done all you suggest, and expanded files go into an Adobe folder under Desktop. But the CS3 folder contains only 2 sub-folders (Documentation and Goodies) and there is no .exe file in either of them. In addition to these sub-folders there's a CS3 Read Me file, but it's woefully out of date.