Copy link to clipboard
Copied
After installing Adobe CS3 on my older Mac after a hard drive crash, I found I was unable to complete activation because Adobe's server for CS3 activations had been retired. Thankfully I was able to install CS4 on the machine and it activated! And this version still supports the old file types I need to access. I was able to use the date change workaround suggested by another forum member to auto-update.
Now that leads to the next question. How can I find out when Adobe is going to discontinue online activation for CS4 so I can plan accordingly? I did not get the memo on CS3 until it was too late. (FYI - I have a Creative Cloud subscription, but I still need access to older versions of the software to support customer data.)
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
>>>How can I find out when Adobe is going to discontinue online activation for CS4 so I can plan accordingly?
You can't. These things are never announced in a structured manner which allows for forward planning by end users.
CS2 and CS3 activation shutdowns both happened quickly in a non-negotiable way.
CS4 shutdown cannot be far away but I have no knowledge of when.
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
CS3's activation servers failed. Nobody plans for that, it just happens. CS4, 5 & 6 are on life support. But as long as you never need to re-install or upgrade your computer you should be golden for another 10 years.