How to reactivate old CS3 software on a new machine?

[TroiGC]

Support,

I have had Creative Suite 3 on my computer for years. Before I recently upgraded to a new computer, I deactivated CS3 so that I could reinstall/reactivate it on the new machine. While I've been able to re-download the software from your site, I am now unable to reactivate it with my original serial number (Removed by Moderator). Your assistance is greatly appreciated as there is no reason I should be denied use of software that I paid for just because it's old. Thank you very much.

[Sheena Kaul]

Hi,

Is there any specific error message/code that you get?

If possible please post a screenshot.

I have checked your serial number; it is Production Premium CS3 Windows serial number

Regards,

Sheena

[TroiGC]

Thanks for the reply. I'll explain what I've done so far. I downloaded and installed the Adobe Premier CS3 software and input the serial number. It initially confirmed it was a good serial number but when the software tried to activate online I got a message simply saying that I needed to contact Adobe to accomplish this. Now when I try to open the program, it wants my serial number all over again, but now it won't accept it. No additional message pop-ups either--it just don't give me any other options.

[Sheena Kaul]

You can install any application via the complete Production premium CS3 installer as the serial number is to activate the complete package not single apps.

[TroiGC]

Thank you very much for clarifying. Everything installed and activated as expected. I appreciate the help!

[Sheena Kaul]

You are welcome!

P.S. when using Adobe forums, please mark helpful/correct responses of Staff/helper, if there are any.

[vaurien]

You state, "You can install any application via the complete Production premium CS3 installer as the serial number is to activate the complete package not single apps." I have not found that to be true.

I am trying a fresh install on a new hard drive of the complete Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium and am stuck in trial version. My serial number displays a green checkmark to the right of it but the pulldown menu only displays these two choices

:

Adobe Production Studio Premium

and

Adobe Production Studio Standard

If I click NEXT for either choice, I get the same popup error message :

The serial number you have entered does not match the product you have selected.

I don't know if my answers might be in this Adobe page as the links are broken:

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/windows-7-cs4-cs3.html#main_Versions_of_Creative_Suite_pro...

Where I first bought hte product new in mid 2007, I had trouble installing it and it required a long phone support call with Adobe.

:

[John T Smith]

As far as I know, the CS3 activation server is gone and CS3 is no longer supported, so you won't be able to activate

[vaurien]

Solution to CS3 not avtivation.

This is what I found and it worked for me. Win 7 Pro & Production Premium CS3(all 32 not 64).

https://community.adobe.com/t5/Get-Started/CS3-Activation-the-solution/m-p/9343027#M332677

This Adobe page has you enter your present serial number and will provide a new serial number. You cannot use your original install disks but this page will provide instructions and links to download a new installer and files and install the program. It offers files for both Wndows and Mac.

https://landing.adobe.com/en/na/products/creative-cloud/ctir-2113-exchange-serial-number-cs3-4.html

As mine was a 32 bit system, I did not need to deal witht he dll file.

I'd write what I really think but the moderator would just remove it.