Fireworks is asking for serial number [Branched & moved from 2017 topic about CS6]

[James23131097thel]

Fireworks still works.  Today I just went through the whole process of re-installing Fireworks.  It's asking me for a serial number.  I tried it twice.  Customer Support doesn't support the app because it's an older app.  I pay monthly for access to these apps.  I'm calling headquarters on Monday to [complain] about having apps that I pay to have access to but can't fix my serial number issue.  Trust me, they can get by the dilemma.  They just don't [care] if you have always used it or not.  I should not have to go through this just to use a program that I was using a week ago.  It's not right.  Period.

[Moderator edited for clarity, language translators.]

[Nancy OShea]

@James23131097thel 

Creative Cloud apps DO NOT use serial numbers.  They are activated with your Creative Cloud ID and password. 

1. Open CC Desktop App.
2. Click your Avatar (top right image) > Preferences > General tab > Settings. Select "Always keep Creative Cloud up to date."
3. Click on your Avatar again.
4. Sign-out of Creative Cloud.
5. Close all apps.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Open CC Desktop app.
8. Click your Avatar.
9. Sign-in with your paid ID and password.

Failing that, several users have found that installing Muse from Creative Cloud Desktop app allows access to legacy Fireworks.  I don't know why it works but having Muse installed appears to get passed the serial number prompt.

Once FW is running again, be sure to prepare an exit strategy to other graphics software by exporting your layered PNG files to PSD or TIF files.  There is no way to predict how much longer FW will keep working.  It was discontinued 12 years ago. 

Good luck! 🙂

[Moderator moved from Download & Install to Fireworks.]

[shout4sites1]

Thanks Nancy, it works. Performed steps 1 to 9, installed Muse and FW doesn't ask for serial number anymore 🙂
Arno van Son

[mcfc4h]

Out of interest, which OS are you on?

[shout4sites1]

windows10

[mcfc4h]

shoud be OK on Windows 10 without having to do that crazy Muse workaorund, I would in the first instance try an offline Fireworks installer

[Abambo]

Fireworks is no more supported.The product is eol for quite a long time now. If you get it running, it's ok, if not, you are on your own. If you have a CC subscription, Fireworks is still part of the unsupported old programs. That's it.

[Paul-M]

No need for the Muse workaround, try the options below, if the first option doesn't work, the second should. Tested on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1) Launch the Creative Cloud app

2) From your  profile icon (top right) click sign out

3) Then, Select file => Exit Creative Cloud (top left) to exit the Creative Cloud app

4) Now launch Fireworks, you will be prompted to login with your Adobe sign in details, do so

5) If you see a 'license this software' button click it, that should do the job.

*If the above does not work try this:

1) Uninstall Fireworks from your machine

2) Rename the following folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE to OOBE_BK

3) Download an offline Fireworks installer from here (these are official Adobe installers), be sure to visit this page first and sign in with your Adobe login to set an Adobe cookie, otherwise the download will not work.

4) Now install Fireworks with the offline installer you downloaded

5) Make sure you turn off automatic updates in the Creative Cloud app (in preferences=>apps) afterwards, otherwise it will update Fireworks and you may get the same issue again.

6) See if Fireworks will now launch, if presented with a 'license this software' button click it.