How to transfer a CS5 license to another PC

[robert_5952]

I have a two activation license for CS5.

One activation is running on a WIndows 11 PC and the second activation on a Windows 10 PC.

I am going to install Windows 11 as a clean install on the current Windows 10 PC.

If I deactivate the CS5 activation on Windows 10, will that activation become available to use on my Windows 11 install?

Also, when I deactivate one instance of CS5, does it in any way affect the activation on the other PC?  I mean I don't want to lose CS5 on the other machine!

Does all this deactivation and reactivation of licenses happen via the internet?

Will Adobe provide any assistance if I have a problem?

Thanks for your help.

[kglad]

it will IF your win 10 computer meets adobe's security requirements for conveying that deaction to adobe's computers.  to that end make sure your win 10 os is updated and your default browser is not opera and is updated.  and, of course, it will need an internet connection.

also, there are a variety of items that can block that info from being conveyed to adobe.  if that occurs, you'll lose your win 10 activation but you won't be able to re-use it (other than on that win 10 computer, if that win 10 computer is altered to convey the activation info to adobe).

[robert_5952]

Thanks for the warning.

Is there the same risk if I decided to deactivate CS5 on the Windows 11 machine?  I ask because I can live wihtout CS5 on that machine.

[robert_5952]

And sorry but can I check.

If I deactivate CS5 on the current Windows 10 PC, does that deactivation in any way risk deactivation of CS5 on the current Windows 11 PC?

[kglad]

deactivating on win 10 will not alter the activation elsewhere (eg, your win 11 computer).

there maybe less risk with the win 11 computer only because its os is more likely to be updated than the win 10 computer.  but there shouldn't be an os issue with either IF they've been recently updated.  the default browser is a bigger issue as is security software that could block info conveyance.

[robert_5952]

Thanks that's really helpful.  I'll have a go.

[kglad]

it's about 50-50 for posters here. half are successful, half are not.  if you fail, you have bigger problems.

so, preparation is key. take your time.  double check what you can, and make sure you know what a default browser means and you should probably post here what your's is and its version.

[Abambo]

I would do a full disk image of the current system disk, cloning the system. If the deactivation fails by bad chance, and the software is rendered unusable, you may still be able to restore the image and save the activated software. 

You do not need to uninstall the software, but this information could still be useful: https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/troubleshoot-uninstallation-issues-cs5-cs5.html

[Abambo]

This may be of help: https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/activation-limit-reached-for-non-subscri...

[Nancy OShea]

The elephant in the room:

15-year-old legacyware that was built to run on Windows XP/Vista/7 is unsupported. It was never retrofitted for use on modern equipment & OSs.

1. The technology is too far apart. 

2. CS5 is not high-DPI aware & thus not suitable for use on hi-res displays. 

3. Internet security protocols have changed.

4. Your user experience will likely be far below expectations, especially on Win11. 

With all that in mind, do have an exit strategy for migrating to modern products.

Given their advanced age, Creative Suite's servers may not be fully functional anymore. Deactivate/Activate at your own risk. 

Most Creative Cloud apps are certified to work on these systems, no more than 2 versions back:

• Windows 11 (64-bit) versions 24H2, 23H2; Windows 10 versions 22H2, 21H2;
• MacOS 15 (Sequoia), 14.7 (Sonoma), 13.6.7 (Ventura).

- https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/photoshop-cc-gpu-card-faq.html

MODERN OPTIONS:
==============
FREE Acrobat Reader -- view, comment, print & sign PDF.
https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/pdf-reader.html

Paid Acrobat Pro -- the complete solution for creating and saving PDF.
https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/acrobat-pro.html

Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements (3 year license, no subscription needed).
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

Creative Cloud Photography Plan. 
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

Creative Cloud Bundles & Single Apps for mobile, web & desktops
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

Good luck.