Silent install of acrobat 9 that will prompt for serial number

Report · May 12, 2009

I need to roll out a number of client computers from Dell using their Image Direct program. We order an acrobat license with each computer and when we get the computer from Dell with the Dell image it comes pre-installed with acrobat 9 and the first time you run the program it prompts you for the serial which is on the acrobat cd that is included. I would like to replicate that with the custom image we put on there to load at the factory.

Currently with our imaging setup I replicated that by installing with a serial number then deactivating and removing the serial number before imaging. When we restored the image and started acrobat 9 it again prompted for the serial which allowed us to put in the unique serial number that comes with the computer.

I don't have that option with Image Direct as I can't pre-install acrobat due to virtual drivers so the only way to add it to image is to upload a silent install package and scipt it to install during the image build. This means I don't have a chance to deactivate the serial number used for install before it gets to end user.

Is there a way around this without going to enterprise licensing and being able to use the same serial number on all installs?

Report · Sep 17, 2009

It would be really nice if Adobe answered licensing questions for paying customers...I have a similar question posted.

Did you ever get an answer outside of the forums?

Report · Feb 28, 2013

Hi guys,

I am having the same problem. Did you get any answers for this ?

Report · Feb 28, 2013

The answer might be in the enterprise install documentation, did you read there? I don't know if it presupposes enterprise licensing or not.

Report · Feb 28, 2013

It sounds like you are trying to use a retail serial as an enterprise serial and would like to bypass it's restrictions by deactivating it . . . I assume that's not possible, but perhaps I don't understand your issue.

I doubt you'll get a good answer on the forum. Try support, your sales rep, or a help link on the licensing web site (if there is one).

Ben

Report · Feb 28, 2013

Actually, that's a very good point. To do what they do, Dell aren't retail (and don't have a retail arrangement) and aren't enterprise (and don't use enterprise licensing). They will have an OEM agreement, and may have access to privileged information and methods. Worth bearing in mind if you're trying to do the same.