How to update CC applications without CC desktop app

[jay fresno]

The Creative Cloud Desktop App stopped working on my computer. Is there a way to update my CC applications without using the CC app?

It was working fine, and then suddenly, it wasn't working. Gives the error message:

"Adobe Creative Cloud, needed to resolve the problem, is missing or damaged. You can try to replair to fix the issue. If the problem persists, download and install the new copy from http://www.adobe.com/go/adobecreativecloudapp"

It appears that it is not possible to fix the app. I've already spent hours with Adobe chat and phone support and the case was escalated 3 times. They finally gave up on fixing it.

Whatever the reason for the problem, I need a way to update applications that doesn't involve the CC desktop app.

[kglad · Accepted solution]

you should fix the problem.

follow solutions 2 and 3 here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/failed-install-creative-cloud-desktop.html

but if that fails or you don't want to try these are the latest updates available:

Downloadable installation files available:

• Suites and Programs:    CC 2017 |  CC 2015.5 | CC 2015 | CC 2014 | CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4, CS4 Web Standard | CS3
• Acrobat:  DC, XI, X | X Suite | 9,8 | 9 pro extended exe,9 pro extended 7z | 9 standard  | 8 standard |
• Authorware:  7.01 windows |
• Captivate:   9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5.5, 5 | 1
• Cold Fusion:  11, 10 | 9.0.2, 9.0.1, 9.0.0, 8.0.1, 8.0.0, 7.0, 6.1, 6.0, 5.0, 4.0 |
• Contribute:  CS5 | CS4, CS3 | 3,2
• FrameMaker:  12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7.2 |
• Lightroom:    6.0| 5.7.1|  4.4 | 3.6 |
• Photoshop Elements:   15,14,13,12,11,10,9,8 | 9,8,7 win | 8 mac | 7 mac
• Premiere Elements:   15,14,13,12,11,10,9,8| 9, 8, 7 win | 8 mac | 7 mac

Download and installation help for Adobe links

Download and installation help for Prodesigntools links are listed on most linked pages.  They are critical; especially steps 1, 2 and 3.  If you click a link that does not have those steps listed, open a second window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.

[jay fresno]

Someone marked your answer as correct, not me, probably a moderator. I will leave it as correct because you gave lots of good suggestions.

However, NONE of the suggestions worked on my computer. I've tried them over and over again, and as I said, spent hours on the phone with Adobe support.

Today, the creative cloud desktop app suddenly started working. Nothing has changed on my computer. Just as suddenly as it stopped working, it suddenly started working.

I see that others on the forum have had the same frustrating problem with it not working, I conclude that the creative cloud desktop app is DOWNRIGHT FLACKY!!!!

[kglad]

most people don't have problems.  that said, a lot of people do have problems.

if you have recurrent problems it's usually because of some other software on your computer. eg, av, anti-malware, cleaners etc.

anyway, if you ever have so many problems you want to do a clean install:

uninstall everything cc including preferences, https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-remove-app.html

then uninstall the cc desktop app, https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-creative-cloud-desktop-app.html

clean your computer of cc files per http://www.adobe.com/support/contact/cscleanertool.html

restart your computer (don't skip this)

reinstall the cc desktop app, https://creative.adobe.com/products/creative-cloud.

if you're unable to install the cc desktop app at this stage, use an administrator account (solution 3 here, https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/creative-cloud-missing-damaged.html)

use the desktop app to install your cc programs/trials

[jay fresno]

I wouldn't say that the problem is recurrent. It has only happened one time. Hopefully it won't recur!!!

As far as the clean install, that was tried by me and by the Adobe support people, and did not solve the issue. The support people tried everything. As I mentioned, this issue was escalated to the third level of Adobe support, and that person finally gave up on it after spending half a day on it.

Nothing changed on my computer. The CC desktop app was not working for about a week. Yet the app suddenly started working today without any rhyme or reason.

I very much appreciate that you took the time to post suggestions. They may be of help to others with the same issue.

[jay fresno]

Turned on my computer this evening and the problem has reared its ugly head again.

Since the desktop app doesn't work, I can't follow the instructions on the first link you suggested:

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-remove-app.html

[kglad]

if you have windows, you can use the control panel to uninstall your adobe cc programs.

[Viamichael]

I have continually experienced this issue. Can't load Creative Cloud, error code 50. I had an Adobe supervisor spend 6 hours remotely work on my issue. He finally solved it and lost much of my work and all presets. The next time I was notified of an update it did not work.

Sometimes after a day or 2 of long hours I get it to work. I have tried everything I could find on the net, renaming and/or deleting the OOBE folders, constantly restarting the computer. Just an absolute waste. The cleaner tool does nothing for me.

Many times the Creative Cloud app successfully installs and simply does not open. I have Photoshop 2019 successfully installed on my computer, but when I start it things look hopeful but nothing happens. If I open a raw file from Bridge the new Camera Raw opens but nothing happens when Photoshop is supposed to start.

I have an older system running Win 7. It is extremely stable and mostly used as an audio recording computer.

Thank you,

Michael