I can't register my CS2 so I can use my CS5 upgrade disk. How do I do this?

[mscir2]

I installed CS2 so I could run my CS5 upgrade disk, but CS2 didn't register and I think that is preventing CS5 from seeing it, so the upgrade doesn't run. How do I fix this? Is there a registry hack? Adobe shoudl provide something for us since we spent the money.

[davescm]

In the past it was not necessary for the older version to be installed, but the serial number of it was required. However it is now acedemic as, according to the Adobe page linked below, CS5 can no longer be activated. Only CS5.5 and CS6 can still be activated, provided the activation count of two has not been exceeded (prevented by deactivating on the old PC).
https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html

Dave

[kglad]

@davescm 

(cs5, cs5.5 and cs6 can still be activated.)

[davescm]

@kglad If that is the case - Adobe need to update their help article (published in Feb 2025)
https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html

Dave

[kglad]

oh, then i'm wrong.

[AxelMatt]

Sorry but CS2 is a dead product. Adobe has cut off the activation servers several years ago. 

What you can try is to install CS5 first. Once you installing the product, it would ask for the previous version serial number and then enter the CS2 serial number. If the online activation failed then try the offline activation as @kglad described here: How do I activate my registered CS5 software? - Adobe Community - 14775326 

[Ged_Traynor]

@AxelMatt as Dave mentioned above, activation servers for CS5 have been shut down

[AxelMatt]

Thanks @Ged_Traynor for clarification. In case of CS5 is was unsure.

[mscir2]

Thanmks to all of the people who replied.

I found that installing the CS2 ADobe made available when their activation servers were discontinued, then selecting CS2 English as the upgrade product in CS5 and providing a serial number allowed CS5 to instll.

My PS needs are minimal now that I'm not doing web site work any more so CS5 is sufficient for my needs, and I still consider it an wesome product.

Thanks Again,
Mike

[jane-e]

I think that is preventing CS5 from seeing it, so the upgrade doesn't run.

...

Adobe shoudl provide something for us since we spent the money.

By @mscir2

So far no one has addressed that you are trying to install CS5. 

CS5 (and CS2) will continue to work on the OS and computer where they were installed. What you cannot do is reinstall or install on different computer because, as others have said, the activation servers have been shut down and you won't be able to activate.

Jane

[mscir2]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

Using the CS2 version Adobe provided after their activation servers were discontinued, nd then running CS5 and selecting CS2 English as the u/g product and a valid s/n allowed me to instll CS5. I'll look into the 5.5 u/g, thanks again to all who replied.
Please consider this resolved.

[kglad]

@mscir2 

good to hear.

[mscir2]

Thanks very much, I appreciate all of the help.

[kglad]

yes, don't purchase anything like cs5.5 or cs6.  you'll must likely waste (most of) your money.

[jane-e]

I'll look into the 5.5 u/g,

By @mscir2

The upgrade to CS5.5 is no longer available. Photoshop has been subscription-only since 2013.

Jane

[davescm]

@kglad @Ged_Traynor @jane-e @AxelMatt @mscir2 

I raised the question with Adobe staff as to whether CS5 can be activated. It was confirmed that the statement in the Adobe document I linked further up this thread is incorrect and CS5, CS5.5 and CS6 can all currently be activated. I hope that clarifies the situation.

Dave

[kglad]

@davescm 

oh, good to hear.  i was checking that message to ja wright, but thanks for that info.

[jane-e]

@kglad @Ged_Traynor @jane-e @AxelMatt @mscir2 

the Adobe document I linked further up this thread is incorrect and CS5, CS5.5 and CS6 can all currently be activated.

By @davescm

Sigh...

Thanks Dave!

Jane

[mscir2]

Thanks again to everyone who replied. Amazing support, especially considering the age  of the product, cheers.

[Ged_Traynor]

Thanks Dave, I hope Adobe correct the information to reflect this

[davescm]

The manager who clarified said they were looking to do that, Ged.
Dave

[AxelMatt]

@davescm Thank you very much for clarification.