The serial number is already in use, you have no activated devices

[spencerc63514604]

I have an issue (and I think many others do too). When isntalling an Adobe prodcut (this case Adobe Elements 12) I get the error: "The serial number is already in use by the maximum allowed computers". 

When I go to my account online (https://account.adobe.com/activated-devices) it says "You have no actived devices".

When I contact support they said they can't help on their end and I must post to the forums. 

Any advice?

[John T Smith · Accepted solution]

Support is wrong

When you can't properly deactivate a serial number
(this is the ONLY support Adobe still offers for old programs)
BE SURE TO ONLY ASK FOR ACTIVATION SUPPORT TO ADJUST YOUR ACTIVATION COUNT
You may need to PERSIST or TRY AGAIN to find a support agent with more experience

Be sure to remain signed in with your Adobe ID before accessing the link below
Do be aware that Adobe's staffing is impacted by the virus, so wait times are long
-you MUST make sure that your browser does NOT block ads, scripts, or pop-ups
-you MUST also allow 'cookies' in your web browser for the link to work
This link will go directly to the chat option
Type "Agent" in the chat box to bypass the chatbot and be connected to a person
-Meaning type in the word Agent without the quote " " marks
https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen
- or by telephone https://helpx.adobe.com/contact/phone.html
.
Adobe does NOT do support by email, so beware of answering anyone who sends you a private message
-click for more information about scammers https://tinyurl.com/10791730

[spencerc63514604]

Thanks for the reply. I was a couple hours on chat with them. There were insitant that the only support I will get is from this forumn. Pretty disappointing to have software I've purchased no longer usable. 

[Test Screen Name · Accepted solution]

You need to start again. And say you need an Activation Count Reset first thing. Keep it very simple. Do not mention your product unless asked. Do not mention the online page (which is only relevant for subscriptions). You may have to try multiple staff. Support often say that you will get real support here, for things like this. But this is a LIE to get you off the line.

[Peru Bob · Accepted solution]

The support agent failed to do their job properly.
Go back to chat and only ask to have your activations reset.

Ask for a supervisor if necessary.

[spencerc63514604]

I finally got this resolved. 

On chat I followed the guidance below (Activation Count Reset, kept it simple, was persistent, etc.) However, they just kept repeating to go to the forums. I asked for a supervisor over and over and they declined. 

On the phone I got the same dialogue. They kept trying to convince me to the latest version as a resolution. They kept saying that had no way to reset the authorizations. 

Finally, after a day of chats and calls I told them I wasn't going to hang up until they got me someone that could resolve the issue and that I wasn't going to accept call backs, chats, or the forums. Even then they said they could help but after a couple hours going back and forth they finally transfered me to someone. That person also said they don't have the ability to remove past authorizations; however, they could modify the serial number to accept 2 additional computers which they did. 

Aside from Adobes support being so horrible, they really need a way for end users to de-auinthenticate their old computers for their legacy (non-subscription) products.