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When trying to activate your Creative Suite 2, Acrobat 7, or Macromedia products you may receive an error that the Activation server is unavailable. As of December 15th the activation servers for these products will be shut down. The specific affected products are as follows:
The activation server being shut down will not affect currently installed and activated Adobe software. You will only face this difficulty if you need to reactivate the software.
To remedy this difficulty we have made available a version of these software titles that does not require activation. For additional details and specific links to the software please see:
Error: Activation Server Unavailable | CS2 products, Acrobat 7 - http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/creative-suite-2-activation-end-life.html
Error: Activation Server Unavailable | Macromedia branded products - http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/macromedia-legacy-activation-error.html
Message was edited by: Jeff A Wright
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When trying to activate your Creative Suite 2, Acrobat 7, or Macromedia products you may receive an error that the Activation server is unavailable. As of December 15th the activation servers for these products will be shut down. The specific affected products are as follows:
The activation server being shut down will not affect currently installed and activated Adobe software. You will only face this difficulty if you need to reactivate the software.
To remedy this difficulty we have made available a version of these software titles that does not require activation. For additional details and specific links to the software please see:
Error: Activation Server Unavailable | CS2 products, Acrobat 7 - http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/creative-suite-2-activation-end-life.html
Error: Activation Server Unavailable | Macromedia branded products - http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/macromedia-legacy-activation-error.html
Message was edited by: Jeff A Wright
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I tried to activate my CS2 Premium and Acrobat 7 (Windows) and got an error message that the Activation server is unavailable.
I understand that Adobe to remedy this difficulty has made available a version of these software titles that does not require activation.
So after uninstalling all these, I downloaded the version provided at the Adobe website and have 3 questions:
1) Adobe provides a "Pdf file" that is supposed to explain the installation steps; it lists 7 file names to be downloaded for the premium version, however, when I signed in using my Adobe ID to download it, there were only 5 items (.exe files) to be seen for the CS2-Download. Are there missing files or is the "Pdf-file" incorrect?
2) This "Pdf-file" instructs me as the first step to open the 5 files, but lists them in an odd order. Are these to be simultaneously selected and opened?
3) One of the files ending with "_4" I do not see as available in the list of downloads at the Adobe website...where do I find it?
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Have you tried opening each of the exe files? Which Adobe software in specific are you trying to download, extract, and install? Finally in case it is relevant which version of Windows are you using?
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I'm using Windows XP Professional. I've not tried to open any exe files -- simply because there is no explanation of what they contain.
I've had the entire CS2 Premium installed on my PC, and use mainly Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat 7 Pro, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and sometimes Contribute. The last 3 Macromedia products have not been uninstalled yet.
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The EXE files are compressed versions of the install files per each CD they were originally included on. There is step by step instructions within the PDF you referenced at http://download.adobe.com/pub/adobe/magic/creativesuite/CS2_EOL/MLTI/CS2_install_Win.pdf. Run each of the EXEs and choose to install later as instructed within the PDF. You can then browse to the correct install folder when prompted in the installation process.
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It is exactly these step-by-step instructions that are difficult to follow: where the pdf lists 7 file names to be downloaded for the premium version, online there were only 5 items (.exe files) to download. OK, I'll try to run the exe files and choose to install later. Should I be deinstalling my Macromedia software before I start?
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There is no need to uninstall the Macromedia software. As the Creative Suite 2 installation should not affect it.
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If you're only seeing the 5 files, and not the missing D4 file or the Extras 2 folder for the Premium version, you'll probably have to contact Adobe. I don't think anyone outside of the company will be able to force the missing files to populate your list.
As for the instructions, I had to read through them a dozen times before I figured them out, myself. They basically tell you to extract all the files *EXCEPT* the one for Disk 1 first, because Disk 1 will automatically run the installer program, and they want the files already unpacked onto your hard drive before you run it.
Now, *I* am having a problem I need help with...I've followed the instructions to the T, and the stupid installer program won't work properly. I run and unpack all the other files first, then I unpack the Disk 1 file and let the installer run, it installs the first disk, then it asks me to insert Disk 2.
Uhm...there *is* no disk 2, it was a downloadable file that I already unpacked, per the instructions.
Obviously, there's details missing from this installation process that I'm not privy to.
I am running Windows 7 Professional 64. Yes, I know it's technically "completely unsupported." Yes, I've had the call center guy tell me it won't work. Yes, I was running it on Windows 7 Professional 64 for a full month without any problems (until I tried to run the program with my internet connection down and it told me I needed to re-authenticate, causing this situation to begin with).
I have also attempted to use this installer package on my Windows XP Pro 32 machine, I'm getting the exact same problem, it asks for a disk that simply doesn't exist.
Also, I'm POOR. Like, scraping to pay the bills POOR. The only reason I have Creative Suite 2 is that it was given to me as a gift a few years ago. Running out and throwing hundreds of dollars at CS6 is absolutely out of the question.
Ideas?
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Project D v2 I will test out the process versus the directions in a Windows XP virtual machine. I believe you will want to copy the contents of the Creative Suite folder from each of the discs to the Creative Suite folder in the disc one folder. The installer should then detect the payload and continue the installation instead of asking you to insert a disc.
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With the English version of the software the file CreativeSuiteCS2Disc2 extracts to C:\Creative Suite\Adobe Creative Suite 2.0\. CreativeSuiteCS2Disc1 and CreativeSuiteCS2Disc3 both extract to C:\Creative Suite CS2\Adobe Creative Suite 2.0\.
If you copy the contents of the C:\Creative Suite\Adobe Creative Suite 2.0\ folder to the C:\Creative Suite CS2\Adobe Creative Suite 2.0\ folder you will no longer be prompted to insert disc two.
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Jeff A Wright, I contacted you before Xmas -- I’m still trying to activate my “CS2 Premium” and Acrobat 8 (German version) and have successfully uninstalled all these from my PC (Windows XP Pro). According to table in the PDF instructions that Adobe provides at: http://download.adobe.com/pub/adobe/magic/creativesuite/CS2_EOL/MLTI/C S2_install_Win.pdf , there should be “7” file names to download for the premium version, however, there were only 5 files (.exe files) to be seen on this CS2-Download webpage. Two premium version files that end with "_4" and “Extras_2” are not visible in the list of downloads at the Adobe website...can you please check this and help me further? Who can I contact?
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Eyes-like-a-hawk please see message #11 where I have discussed the extraction process. Any addtional content or extras will not have changed from the retail license you purchased previously.
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Hello Jeff, you have not answered my question.
Should there be “7” file names to download for the premium version ?
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All of the installation files are available within the 3 files which are being offered for the English language Windows users the file names are as follows:
Please extract the files as was discussed in message #11.
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Thank You Jeff
Now it is clear. The Pdf instructions did not explain this. Thanks for the help!
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Your welcome my apologies I believe the instructions are from the same time period as Creative Suite 2.
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I registered the software using help->registration. Adobe sent me an e-mail and I can log into "my Adobe" but I don't see any serial number or download to use to make the software work without your activation server.
When I click on "my products" there are no products listed. When I try to use my serial number to "register new product" it says my serial # is already used. I have had that serial # since I bought the software in 2006 (which you can verify since I ordered it from Adobe - it even says so in my order history). The only person that serial number is in use by is me.
So what do I do now?
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The serial numbers for the new downloads are given on the download page. You don't use your old serial for the new download. Now, everyone reinstalling has the same serial number.
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Kulhain1: Go to http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/creative-suite-2-activation-end-life.html
In step 2 on this page, click the language version that you want. You'll land on the page with downloads and the new serial numbers.
Now you must log-in with your Adobe ID.
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Then it would appear the install files in the second download did not extract properly or are not being seen by the installer. Please try downloading again, possibly also try with a different web browser, and then try extracting the files again.
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jz923, your install folder should look like this if everything is in it's right place. hope this helps.
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I am having the same problem with it asking me for disk 2... Did you ever solve this?
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CountrneyBerry please see message #11 which explains how to extract the install files so that you are not prompted for disc 2.
Muneeb786 I don't have any information available at the moment on when the missing software titles will be available.
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Yes, this finally worked for me. It would be great to have a step by step explanation that explains how to do it -- you have to do a combination of using the instructions that come with the download (which mostly don't work) and several different responses to these e- mail forums - #11 and #123 are most important. I also had to Uninstall and manually delete all Adobe files from the computer (I used instructions from the adobe website to manually delete files from the windows registry) I don't know if this step is necessary for everyone but the install failed so many times for me I decided to do it.
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There are no links for Acrobat Pro 7 nor Creative Suite Prem 2.0.. What about these two products?
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JairajMike which language are you looking under? We are only offering volume license versions of our software which are affected by the activation server being unavailable.
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Hi Jeff,
Thank you for replying.
I suppose the language was Multiple Language(preferrably English) and the platform is Windows.
Thank you in advance.
Jairaj
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Creative Suite 2 is listed on the English page. If you wish to install Acrobat 7 Professional you will want to run the installer for Creative Suite 2.0 which includes Acrobat 7 Professional.
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Hi,
I am looking at the Production Studio Premium disks in front of me. I do not see After Affects listed here and that is a program I paid for and use.
I just deactivated this stuff to reinstall my OS weeks ago, do I get my After Affects download? I see everything but AfterAffects.
Thanks,
Mike
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TeotiGraphix are you receiving a message in After Effects that the Activation Server is unavailable? We have only provided links to versions of our software which employed are activation technology and the activation server is no longer available.
What version of of After Effects or Production Studio Premium are you referrring to exactly?
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Hmm,
Well I tried activating the Audition and Photoshop and got the server errors. I didn't even think to actually try After Effects!
The Box says Adobe Creative Suite Production Studio Premium. When the programs are installed, they say CS2.
I uninstalled everything per these instructions! I guess I will have to install it again and try.
I will write back, thanks
Mike
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Ok,
I reinstalled the Adobe After Effects 7.0 from the Creative Suite CDs I have and it is giving me the same server error.
How do I activate After Effects 7.0?
EDIT: And now that I downloaded Premiere 2.0 and tried installing it on WIndows 7 64, it won't startup correctly. What I think is BS is I had the whole suite running on Windows7 for 2 years. So are you going to tell me the software I paid over 1800$ (2006) for now is usless because you decided your activation server was costing you to much money?
This is rediculous, if I hadn't JUST reinstalled my OS I wouldn't even be having these problems but now you have locked me out of my products.
Mike
Message was edited by: TeotiGraphix
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PS,
Why can't you do phone activations still with the serial and activation number? Is that tied to the activation server where you can't get the activation number? This is what gets me frustrated, there IS a way to get the original CDs to activate without an internet connection! So why can't I use that method over the phone?
Mike
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TeotiGraphix no phone activations are no longer possible as the activation server has been shut down.
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So where does this leave me? After Effects 7.0 has obviously been affected by this shutdown and it's not included in my downloads. Premiere Pro2.0 dosn't work on my windows anymore when the one I installed from the disks worked just fine.
What do you suggest I do? Do you have any advice getting Premeire working on Windows 7 64?
Mike
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TeotiGraphix I have already inquired as to why After Effects 7.0 was not included. Most of Adobe is currently shut down for the holidays however. Once I have an update I will respond to this thread.
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+1 for After Effects. I have downloaded the parts of Production Suite CS2 that I need - except After Effects 7.
For hints on installing under Win7 x64, look here:
Linda
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Thank you Linda! I'm a programmer and should have known "C:/Program~2/Adobe" would have fixed the problem.
Thanks again! Now After Effects is the only issue left!
Mike
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Jeff, do you have any idea if the server will be back up to download this again? I read its just down temporarily?
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direct links to download still work:
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TeotiGraphix,
Did you ever get Premier to start up for after installing the downloads? I just installed on Windows 8 and everything (photoshop, illustrator, acrobat, indesign) works, except Premier.
Any advice?
Thanks!!
**Problem solved... I used Windows 8 Utility that helps identify problems with older software and did a repair from the Control Panel/Software and now its working! Yay!**
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I also have downloaded and successfully installed the 3 exes referred to in post #11. The following programs were installed: Photoshop, Image Ready, InDesign and Illustrator. Since I originally purchased Production Studio Premium, I am missing: Premiere Pro, After Effects, Encore and Audition. What do I have to do to download and install these missing programs?
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Premiere Pro has its own download link on the same page.
However, those of us who bought and own CS2 Production Premium are still waiting for Adobe to make available After Effects 7, Encore 2 and Audition 2 - the missing items from our original CS2 Production Premium discs. It's getting very frustrating to an increasing number of us who rely on this software that Adobe have yet to address this.
I have a project that needs to be done by early Feb, and I cannot even start until After Effects is installed.
Jeff: can we have an ETA of the missing CS2 Production Premium programs?
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Just -- seconding this. 'Cause the holiday season is over, school is starting, and having a lack of functioning purchased software is rather problematic.
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I was forced to replace my computer because of a failure. Please, we really need to know what Adobe plans do to with After Affects. Considering there is upgrade path for CS2 owners, we really need a quick answer.
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-X-Man I apologize but I don't have any specific updates to report at the moment. We are aware that the following software titles are currently unavailable:
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Do you know *when* this will be addressed? I've been run through way too many circles in customer service to even know what I should be asking, at this point.
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Well, this is depressing. I have the same problem, and was told by support to come to the forums for further help.
Seriously, we need Adobe to add After Effects 7 to the EOL page.
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So, blunt question: I understand that you are aware of the problem (though some of the customer service sectors do not appear to be, which is an exercise in frustration) but does this mean that there is likely going to be anything done about it, or is this a case where Adobe is aware, but has decided not to fix it?
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Jeff,
I had everything in Creative Suite 2.0 Premium running on my new Windows 8 computer early in December when my hard drive crashed. I received my replacement hard drive late in December (after the CS2 activation server was shut down). As mentioned in my earlier post, the CS2 programs I've been able to download and successfully install from your web site are incomplete (missing Premiere Pro, After Effects, Encore and Audition). Today I tried the separate download link for Premiere Pro 2.0. Although it completes the installation, when I try to run the program, it briefly displays the splash screen and then terminates. The version I installed from my original DVDs ran without issue.
It's time for Adobe to either provide downloads that work for all of the CS2 premium programs (to which I am entitled), re-enable the CS2 activation server, provide an activation key that will work with my original DVDs or provide a reasonable cost upgrade to a later version. You've been very silent since my original post. Up to the point the Adobe disabled the CS2 activation server, I was a very happy Adobe user. CS2 Premium, although quite expensive for me, was more than adequate for my needs and allowed me to earn a little bit of money on the side. Please step up to the plate and take care of your customers!!!
Trebor1954
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Trebor1954 I apologize but I do not have any additional updates to provide since my previous post #83. If you are experiencing an installation issue with the software currently available I would recommend creating a new thread in the Downloading, Installing, and Setting up forum - http://forums.adobe.com/community/download_install_setup. If you can please make sure to include the following:
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Hi Jeff,
Thank you so much for your response. Just one more query, all the products are from CS2 versions. What about the previous versions like Audition 2.0, 1.5 and other products? Just curious? My issue is already resolved.
Thank you,
Jairaj
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I just bought Production Studio Premium on Amazon to use on my home computer. Just finished installing only to find that the activation servers were shut down less than a month ago.
I'm in the process of downloading all of the files I found by following the instructions phone activation gave but I'm concerned about issues I'll have with those files... Running Windows 8.
Any advice from those who've already been down this path??
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I called adobe and with an agent on the line and he guided me through the suggested steps above unsuccessfully.
My uninstall of Production Studio Premium was incomplete and now I am not able to install either, my original DVDS or the CS2 downloads. He then attempted to connect me with a "installation expert" and my call was dropped. Now I am on hold with Adobe again with a wait time of 30 minutes.
I was also assured by the adobe agent that After Effects was included in the CS2 downloads but it does not apear in any of the extracted files.
Please help.
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Okay, I managed to get the first CS2 install completed using the progra~2 path. I am going to continue installing the other missing software(Premier Pro, Audition, Encore), but am desperate to get my After Effects working. Please let me know how to install it since the AE 7.0 on my DVDs will not activatie.
I do still have my original copy of Production Studio Premium listed in my control panel, though I can not find any files related to it. It will not uninstall. It only attempts to start the installer when I try. Would love advice on removing it.
PS - still holding for adobe with case number ready!
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JenniMac1215 our support team does not provide installation support for CS2 or Production Premium due to the age of the products.
Production Studio and After Effects is not currently available but a solution is actively being worked on. As mentioned in message #22 I will update this thread once the software is available.
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I bought this last week, SO while I understand that you no longer provide "installation support" for older versions, I DO NOT understand how Adobe can block people from ACTIVATING it so that they can not use it at all!
I would very much have prefered to not need all this "support" or to have this very expensive, non returnable now that it's open, paper weight. Especially considering installation was completely effortless until I reached ACTIVATION. In short, if Adobe would activate my software I would need ZERO support.
I got your note about After Effects, dated a week ago in #22. I expect everyone is back from the holidays by now and will be looking for a solution to the loss of After Effects soon.
.
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I am having the exact same issue. I reformated my hard drive, and now I am locked out of software I paid good money for. I am not very happy with Adobe at all. I know this activation protocol is great for keeping people from pirating this software, and that's great. However, I think this is a terrible business model. I spoke to an agent on the phone, and was told basically that my only solution was to upgrade. Why would I give more money to adobe if I don't even know how long I'd be "allowed" to use the upgrade. Please get this fixed soon.
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Like JenniMac1215 and Teoitigraphix I am now blocked from using my CS2 Production Premium After Effects 7 and Encore 2 software (that I paid full $ for) due to Adobe removing the activation server. Needless to say, I'm very frustrated and awaiting a fix ASAP.
The problems began after I recently upgraded my XP system hard drive via cloning, AE reported it needed to reactivate. No problem I thought. Except that the server was always "unavailable". After many failed activation connection attempts I searched and came across the Adobe page stating the server was taken down and I needed to uninstall all CS2 software, login, download and install the modified software (that doesn't require activation). BTW, the instructions provided are terrible; they refer to files that aren't there and the whole thing is very convoluted.
Trouble is, the CS2 provided omits several key programs from my original CS2 Production Premium discs like AE7 and Encore2.
I tried "supplimenting" the downloaded CS2 with the original discs CS2, but AE won't activate and has locked me out. I need AE to work on a project. No, I don't want to pay hundreds more to Adobe for the latest version when the version I have has been paid for, activated and working fine for years. The only reason I am locked out of my own software is because Adobe decided to take down their activation server.
Please fix this mess ASAP.
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This shut down of Adobe's activation server is clearly going to continue to effect more and more people as they make changes to their computers.
When should we expect to see some sort of resolution to the problem?
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Is there a specific capability which you are looking for that Acrobat 8 Professional does not offer?
Update: Acrobat 7 Professional is now available for download under the English language download page.
Message was edited by: Jeff A Wright
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a poster on this forum wanted to move their acrobat pro 7 to their new computer and, of course, needs to activate it or get a volume licensed product.
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I understand Kglad I am just trying to determine if there is a particular functionality need for Acrobat 7 Professional being available. At the moment I would recommend retail license holders of Acrobat 7 Professional download the Acrobat 8 Professional being offered on the download page.
Update: Acrobat 7 Professional is now available under the English download page.
Message was edited by: Jeff A Wright
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Hi Jeff A Wright.
Thank you for taking the time to answer to us.
I am currently trying to install cs2 on a newer computer. It is Adobe Creative Suite Premium.
In the list to download, I do not see these two files
CS_2.0_UE_Ret_D4.exe *
CS_2.0_WWE_Extras_2.exe *
When will they be available?
If they are not to be available, what can I use to replace them?
Thank you for your help.
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Absolutely! I've used and owned Photoshop since the beginning but now that I'm disabled and only use it for editing my photos they won't let me reinstall my legal software! VERY TACKY!!!!!!!
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I own Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional for Mac, which can no longer be activated online. I can't find the Mac installer for Acrobat 7 or 8 Pro for Mac. Where is it?
I have installed the CS2 installers, and it is NOT included.
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See post 49 "above"
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Saw post 49, still need the answers regarding my list of the older products.
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Frank if the software titles are not listed in the following documents:
or are one of the following software titles:
Then they are not affected by the activation server being shut down. You can also confirm by attempting to activate the software if applicable.
Message was edited by: Jeff A Wright
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Oops, comment to see post 49 meant for Brad.
Sorry about that Frank.
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Hey Jeff,
there's still a "problem". Acrobat 7 Pro is only available for Windows, but I have to reinstall it on MacOS. In the original package its placed on CD4. but there are only 3 dmg-files here to download and no single download for the Mac-version of Acrobat. Where can I get the this?
Thanks
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I don't have access to an old enough system to test the installation but if you install Acrobat 7 Professional for Mac from your installation media do you receive a message that the Activation server is unavailable?
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Also I can't try to activate as a solution because the box is sealed. I need to give good info before hand to whomever buys these sealed retail boxes from me so that I can give them a heads up on how to deal with the issue if the product is affected by the server shut down.
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Also it would help me to know if any of these products are old enough to be Preactivation (never needing activation)
AUTHORWARE 6.5
MACROMEDIA STUDIO MX PLUS WIN
MACROMEDIA DREAMWEAVER MX
MACROMEDIA FLASH BASIC 8
MACROMEDIA STUDIO 8
FRAMEMAKER 6, 7, 7.1, 7.3
Thanks
Frank