Unable to activate Indesign CS2 on new hard drive

[Guest]

I know this is old software, but it works for me.  Until my hard drive died.  Used Windows 7 64 bit system image to restore new hard drive.  Everything worked except Adobe Indesign.  I uninstalled the program.  Reinstalled from the CD that I bought.  Still needs activation which doesn't seem to be supported by Adobe. The online support agent was no help.  I have the serial number on the CD box.  Will Adobe let me use this old software?  I know this issue was discussed here a few years ago, but I can't get that resolution to work today. My software was purchased from a third party, not directly from Adobe, way back when I got it.

[BobLevine]

See if anything here helps.

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/downloaded-older-app.html

[Guest]

the software wasn't purchased direct from Adobe, so that page doesn't seem to apply.

[Nancy OShea · Accepted solution]

CS2 is officially dead software now.  The  CS2 Activation servers were taken offline a long, long time ago.  And the download links for a replacement version have been removed from Adobe's servers.  Staff members no longer have access to those links.   If you're very, very persuasive, you might find an Adobe agent willing to give you a CS3 download link.  But that's assuming you have proof of purchase,  a legitimate serial number and an older computer to support it.   Good luck!

Contact Customer Care

[Guest]

Nancy,  thanks.  If that is the case, then I'll find another way to create documents.  I'm old, and when I have a piece of software that works, that's all I need.  I have no time or desire to buy and learn how to use new and better software, when the old version still gets the job done.  I certainly won't be giving Adobe any more money.

[Nancy OShea]

I understand.   But the shelf life of most software is 3-5 years, not 15-20 years.  You had a good run with CS2.  Hopefully you'll find something close that works as well for you.

[Guest]

I had a good run?  I tried to discuss the issue with an Adobe agent who could barely speak or write English.  Adobe can't even provide their agents with spell check software?  And I'm supposed to buy new software from this company?

[Nancy OShea]

lees17758950  wrote

And I'm supposed to buy new software from this company?

It's true that customer care is offshore but Adobe is headquartered in San Jose, California.  Despite language differences, I have always had a good experience with Adobe chat agents.  They were polite and eager to assist. 

I should also mention that a 7 day trial costs nothing so you can try before you decide.   Please refer to minimum system requirements below.

• Adobe Creative Cloud system requirements
• InDesign system requirements

[Guest]

I'd say Adobe had a good run on me. I'm done. Goodbye.

[Srishti Bali]

Moving the discussion to Downloading, Installing, Setting Up​