Error: The Installer Database is Corrupt (CS3)

[lornevs]

I am a victim of an Activation Error on my CS3 Master Collection which I have been using for years and for several months on my new computer (running Windows 10). I dutifully downloaded the new version that does not require activation but could not uninstall my old version as it did not show up in the Add/Remove programs list. I finally got it off using an third party application but now when I try to set up the new one, I get the above error (along with the advice to contact Adobe Support). I have re-downloaded all the files, along with Akamai Net Installer but with the same results.

I know this is an old program but I am happy with it as it is (was) but don't use it enough to justify an expensive subscription. I paid a lot of money for it, I want to use it.

Any help would be appreciated.

[John T Smith]

steps to fix activation problem in https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2385900 may help

[lornevs]

Thank you for this. I tried it but it didn't work for me. I found the file in question and deleted it, re-downloaded the files (there are three, not two but only two are .exe files) but did not get the prompt and when I tried to set it up I still get the same error message. I see there are some other related threads and I'll check them out, meanwhile it's kinda good to know I'm not the only one and there is an answer out there somewhere.

[lornevs]

Update - I tried the solution I saw in the sidebar - it was for CS4 but the same issue. I deleted the caps file (under Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\backup\caps.db) and ran setup again. This time I did not get the corruption error, it initialized but then nothing. Normally it would tell me my screen resolution is too low (it's actually too high for this old thing to recognize) but nothing happens.

Progress, I guess.

[lornevs]

Also, I keep getting emails from someone called Adobe Larry James asking for my skype info and telephone number. Looks fake to me, sorry for not responding.

[Govardhan.V]

Its an Fraudulent request from a fake person. Please report it.

Did you downloaded the setup files from below link?

Download Adobe Creative Suite 3 products

[lornevs]

Thank you Brucgovn - I have a pretty good BS detector so was sure it's fake but how do I report it?

And yes I did download the files from that link and got the new No Activation key.

[Govardhan.V]

Have you installed any other Adobe apps on your comp and if yes are they working fine?

[lornevs]

I only have Acrobat Reader and no, it doesn't work either.

[Govardhan.V]

Okay , you can try with complete removal and reinstall process then.

End all Adobe related processes from Task Manager,

Run Adobe Cleaner tool and select Clean all option ..

http://download.macromedia.com/SupportTools/Cleaner/win/AdobeCreativeCloudCleanerTool.exe

Enable Hidden Files and Folders view.

Step 1)

You need to delete Adobe folders from below 5 locations  or rename it to Adobe-old.

• C: > ProgramData> Adobe. 

• C: > Program Files > Adobe.

• C: > Program Files(X86) > Adobe.

• C: > Program Files > Common Files >  Adobe.

• C: > Program Files(X86) > Common Files >  Adobe.

Step 2)

Press Windows button (located between Ctrl and Alt buttons) along with R button together at a time , you will get a run command window.

Type in below command and hit 'Enter' key.

appdata

It will open Appdata folder .

You need to delete Adobe folders from below 3 locations  or rename it to Adobe-old.

Appdata> Local > Adobe.

Appdata > Locallow >Adobe.

Appdata > Roaming > Adobe.

Once you had completed above mentioned steps , restart the computer once.

Then try to install CS 3 again.

[lornevs]

Wow - thank you for your well documented reply. I have a very busy weekend ahead of me, but I will clear my desk, pour a hot coffee and get this done.

I'll keep you posted.

[lornevs]

Well not having much luck here. Got the first part OK using the cleaner but can't get through step 1. I don't have a ProgramData folder and there's no Adobe folder under Program Files but when I try to delete the Adobe folder under Program Files (x86) I get the error that the folder or a file in it is open in another program. I can see nothing running in Task Manager. Everything is in a sub-folder called Acrobat 8 which I am sure I had uninstalled but it shows in Add/Remove Programs so I uninstalled it again, re-booted the computer and checked Task Manager again, same result. I tried to delete the sub-folders individually to see where the problem is but I get either the same error or it says I have to have permission from SYSTEM to change the folder (some empty folders deleted OK). Same thing when I try to delete (or re-name) the Adobe folder under Common Files. I had no problem deleting the folders under Appdata.

I did notice in Add/Remove Apps there is an Uninstall CS3 Master Collection, which wasn't there when I first tried to uninstall my original program, but when I click it and select uninstall nothing happens.

[lornevs]

OK so as I am stuck, I took this to a (paid) consultant to get some help. He couldn't figure it out; there is no evidence of any Adobe programs, running or not, on my computer but we could not get the files deleted because my computer says they are in use.

Only solution offered? Re-format.

Can anybody do better?

[Govardhan.V]

It is better try with Selective Startup by running only Microsoft related services or login to different Admin account and try to install.

Enable the (Hidden) Administrator Account on Windows 7, 8, or 10

[lornevs]

Thank you again Brucgovn, I learned a lot from your reply. I tried the hidden Administrator Account (which I didn't know anything about). Unfortunately I got the same results, the install activates but then does nothing and I still cannot delete the remaining Adobe files.

I checked and found my computer is already on Selective Startup but I'm not sure how to run only Microsoft related services. Would I do that using the Task Manager Startup tab?

I should reiterate, there are no Adobe programs on my computer running or otherwise.