License not activating after clean OS install on new SSD

[c_3318]

Hi ya. Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 is not activating after doing a clean Windows 11 Pro install on a new SSD on same laptop. Almost 3 years ago, Adobe chat had to increase the number of uses due to a new motherboard. I assume that is why I am having problems again. I get an error message the next time I launch the app after entering the serial number stating there is only a 7 day trial. So, it does not seem to me to be accepting my serial number any longer. The chat option is no longer available to reach Adobe. The Community is the only option. How do I resolve this with Adobe? Thank you all for the help.

[kglad]

what problem do you see when activating?

[c_3318]

there is only a 7 day trial

[kglad]

then activate.  i assume you'll encounter a problem and that problem is important

[c_3318]

I did. That's the problem/error.

[John T Smith]

>Almost 3 years ago, Adobe chat had to increase the number of uses

New Adobe policy is that an activation count may NOT be reset by support... if you did not DE-activate when the program was working you have no option for activation

[c_3318]

Thank you John. So, go back to the old drive and deactivate then hopefully the error will go away correct?

Without swapping the old drive in an back out again, is there a way I can connect the old drive via USB and nagivate to somewhere to remove the registration?

[kglad]

Thank you John. So, go back to the old drive and deactivate then hopefully the error will go away correct?

Without swapping the old drive in an back out again, is there a way I can connect the old drive via USB and nagivate to somewhere to remove the registration?

By @c_3318

no.

and if that were the problem, you would see an excess activation count message when trying to activate.  if you're still confused, copy and paste into a reply here a screenshot of what you see after signing in and entering your serial number.

[c_3318]

Not noticing that.

[kglad]

open acrobat

click help > activate or sign in

[c_3318]

I'm signed in in the screenshot. See upper right corner.

[kglad]

click help and paste that screenshot of the help menu here

[c_3318]

[c_3318]

I think I know what my problem is besides needing to deactivate the old install. Adobe is now forcing me to stay logged in to use the product. I did have to do that until now, and I don't want to have to do it. So, I'm logging out. Then when I try to use it again, I get the 7 day trial message. I log back in and no issue other than my own because I don't want to stay logged in or have to log in and out.

I read elsewhere online about editing the registry to stop the signed in requirement, but that was for DC. I do not know how to apply it to the product I have.

[kglad]

don't sign out.  that's the same as deactivating on the computer you want to use.

[kglad]

p.s. do you have a current cc subscription to some app(s)?

p.p.s. deactivating on an old computer won't change what you're seeing.

[c_3318]

How do I remove the sign in requirement (I did ot use to have)?

No

So, do I want to go back and deactivate my old copy to release a use?

Tx kgad

[kglad]

it's part of the current activation process, https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/signing-into-and-activating-legacy-adobe...

[c_3318]

Good to know kglad. I see it only lists Acrobat 11 for Acrobat products. I have 2017???

[kglad]

i think that's still going to apply.  eg, if you're not signed-in and you start acrobat 2017 do you see a qr code (or something else) prompting you to sign in ?

[c_3318]

Yes, I am prompted to sign in

[kglad]

ok.

[kglad]

then you're already signed in.  your acrobat should continue working beyond the (actually 30 day trial period).

[c_3318]

Here's that 7 day message I'm getting. I'm still having problems, but I'm trying to figure out how I'm geting logged out unintentionally now.

[kglad]

it's usually some security software, eg, av.