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A
Anonymous
July 29, 2016
Answered

Installing CS3 LOCKED, CS3 is a dead product

  • July 29, 2016
  • 3 replies
  • 10987 views

Hello,

 

I recently picked up a new laptop, running Windows 10, and I am trying to install my CS3 program from the disc. Everytime I try to install it, I get the following error message: "the file 'adobepdf.dll' on windows vista cd-rom is needed."

 

I have looked online for solutions, and all I can seem to find are solutions to Windows Vista and 7, I need a solution for Windows 10. Most other online help seems to direct me to download something from their unrecognized site.

 

Please help!

 

Thank you,

Jason

    Correct answer John T Smith

    First, that Vista message is an error for Win10

    -Says Vista, but is not https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1836232

    Second, CS3 is FAR too old to be compatible with Win10

    An idea that MAY work to install and/or run old programs in Windows 10... works for some, not for others

    -http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/15523-compatibility-mode-settings-apps-change-windows-10-a.html

    -or Run as Administrator http://forums.adobe.com/thread/969395 to assign FULL permissions may help... says Encore, but sometimes required for ALL Adobe programs (this is NOT the same as using an Administrator account)

    3 replies

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    John T SmithCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 25, 2020

    The CS3 activation server has been removed... CS3 may not be activated, it is a dead product

    alexanderbg78
    alexanderbg78
    Participant
    October 19, 2017

    You can use adobepdf.dll at this location C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Xtras\AdobePDF\AMD64\ADOBEPDF.DLL

      C
      Charles_Mc
      Participant
      May 25, 2019

      For some reason some other answer was marked as the correct answer even though locating the file in the 'AMD64' folder and mentioned by alexanderbg78 is the answer that actually worked and got the installation to complete.  While it is technically correct to point out that CS3 is very long in the tooth, the OP did not ask for opinions on if it should be done but rather how it can be done.

      Jeff Arola
      Community Expert
      Jeff ArolaCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 25, 2019

      Actually adobe has a KB on this:

      https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/error-file-adobepdf-dll-needed.html

      John T Smith
      Community Expert
      John T SmithCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      July 29, 2016

      First, that Vista message is an error for Win10

      -Says Vista, but is not https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1836232

      Second, CS3 is FAR too old to be compatible with Win10

      An idea that MAY work to install and/or run old programs in Windows 10... works for some, not for others

      -http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/15523-compatibility-mode-settings-apps-change-windows-10-a.html

      -or Run as Administrator http://forums.adobe.com/thread/969395 to assign FULL permissions may help... says Encore, but sometimes required for ALL Adobe programs (this is NOT the same as using an Administrator account)

      C
      craigs37070119
      Participant
      April 23, 2018

      You're wrong.

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