Re-install CS3 Design Premium Qualifying Program Error

[HopefulGuy]

how can I re-install and re-activate CS-3 on a new pc? Although the product is no longer supported I should be able to re-install and activate the product.
I want to use the Adobe PDF Pro 8 but cant use it until I launch and activate Photoshop or one of the other programs in the Suite first then Qualifying Program Error.
I upgraded from CS2 Premium to CS3 Design Premium with WEB Standard back in 2007.
I dont need the others as I have a subscription for some of them.
Can this be achieved or have I just got a useless (expensive) box of Adobe Product?

[Amebr]

I think I remember reading that Adobe turned of the activation servers for CS3 quite some years ago - I want to say at least 5 years ago? Unless someone comes along with better news, I suspect you have an expensive bookend.

[John Waller · Accepted solution]

Can this be achieved or have I just got a useless (expensive) box of Adobe Product?

Unfortunately not. CS3 is a dead product and can no longer be activated.

See the official confirmation from Adobe: https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite.html

[Gazaah]

Hey thanks John,
I know that CS3 (and a lot of other progs) are old but I, like many people, still use win 7 pro for certain work.
I think the 'system' of registration and activation STINKS as I am now hung out to dry by Adobe..
Adobe should give every customer with product purchased product outright and no longer supported, a serial number that will activate their products paid for and owned in perpetutory.
I think there is a case of unfair and unreasonable denial of use here.
I have wasted my hard earned $$$ buying these products outright in good faith with no way of continued use through no fault of my own.

Wrong Adobe 😞

[Lumigraphics]

Adobe did have a downloadable version with perpetual serial number for a few years, but that has been discontinued. You missed your chance to get it.

[Gazaah]

Well, Adobe has looked after me and I can't thank them enough for their generous support.
Well done Adobe, thank you very much.

[Nancy OShea]

@Gazaah,

I'm sorry to be blunt but it's unreasonable to expect that 15 year old software will be maintained and accessible indefinitely.  You didn't buy a "forever license," nobody did.  You had a license to use CS3 for as long as Adobe could make it available. 

CS3 had a 3-5 year shelf life after which you should have upgraded to CS5 or CS6. Why didn't you upgrade?  If you had, you would still have access to Creative Suite  -- albeit an outdated version.

Creative Suite is no longer sold legally by any vendor, retailer or in country now.

MODERN OPTIONS:
Photoshop Elements or Premier Elements (approx $100, no subscription needed).
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

Creative Cloud Photography Plan (approx $10/month for 12 months). Includes the following:
- Photoshop CC and Photoshop on iPad
- Lightroom on desktop, mobile and the web
- Lightroom Classic
- Portfolio website + hosting
- Spark with premium features
- Bridge
- 20 GB cloud storage (upgradable to 1 TB).
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

Creative Cloud All Apps (51 + apps & services) and Single Apps Plans
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

=============
Beware of fake Adobe reps who may contact you privately offering to sell you software or take control of your computer. It's a scam, run away! Real Adobe employees will never reach out via Outlook, Yahoo, Gmail or Skype.
=============
3 Easy Ways to Identify Genuine Adobe Staff
https://tinyurl.com/10791730

[Gazaah]

Thank you Nancy, all good now.
Have a great day.

The issue is resolved now.

[John Waller]

The issue is resolved now.

Good to hear. Care to share how so others may benefit?

[Gazaah]

contact the customer care via the on line chat.

[Abambo]

You mean this: https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen.

I hope you do not mean Skype chat or something alike?