Reactivate CS3 on new computer [CS3 is dead]

[glenns85909660]

After a computer crash I had to buy a new Mac. CS3 said I couldn't use my old disks to reinstall, but had to reactivate the program by uninstalling the old version, downloading a new installer, and getting a new serial #. Well, i did all that but for some reason I can't get the program up and running. Help!

[Peru Bob]

See if this helps:

https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/mac-software/open-apps-wont-work-mojave-photoshop-3684425/

[glenns85909660]

Thanks, but I'm running Sierra and trying to activate CS3. This article is for Mojave and CS5. It didn't help.

[John Waller]

You‘re aware that CS3 can no longer be activated? You just install the non-activation version and license it with the new non-activation serial number. I got the impression from your first post that that‘s what you had done.

Any reason you’re running Sierra on a new Mac? Or is the new Mac a refurbished one?

[glenns85909660]

It's a refurbished Mac. I tried installing the non-activation version but must've done something wrong.
Got the "Temporary Activation Expired" notice when I tried launching InDesign, then got the "Activation - No Connection" message when I clicked on the Re-Activate button.

[Govardhan.V]

Have you tried with the troubleshooting steps mentioned in below link ?

Resolve "temporary activation expired" error for CS3 and Acrobat 8

Link to obtain new Seria number :

Obtain a new serial number | CS3, CS4

[glenns85909660]

I'm not sure how to manually remove the cache.db file. I can get there by following the instruction in #3 but can't find it on the drive that was created by the refurbisher.

I have a new Serial Number but can't find a way to enter it. I tried entering it as an authorization code on the phone activation option but that didn't work.

[Govardhan.V]

Follow below steps :

1) Right click on Finder icon and  select "Go-To" Folder option.
2) You will get a text box, type-in below command and then hit 'Return' key.( " Do not miss ~ symbol " )

~/library

It will open User Library folder.

3)Then navigate to Application Support>Adobe> Adobe PCD > Cache > Cache.db

Trash Cache.db file.

or

Click on Finder icon and then in the menu bar at top of the screen , click on Go and select " Go to Folder " .

[glenns85909660]

There is no Adobe PCD.

[Govardhan.V]

Sorry try without  ~ symbol.

It shud be in System Library.

User Library = ~/Library

System Library = /Library

[glenns85909660]

Success! Thank you SO much!

[juanfordroad]

Realizing this thread is from last year I have been trying to do the same thing with my mac mini/yosemite; reload PS CS3 with the new serial number.  Trouble is, I can't find the page that directs me to that number.

I had it running back in 2018 when I loaded the non-activation link, followed all the steps and clicked never registar.  But last year I was forced to reformat the drive and lost all that.  Using the backup I have the original PS CS3 with the old serial number and no way to locate the new one.

Any thoughts??

Thanks.

[John Waller · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately CS3 is dead. Adobe killed it off last year. There is no way of activating it and there is no longer any way to install a non-activation version. There are no workarounds.

If you don't have a valid CS4, CS5 or CS6 serial number then a Creative Cloud subscription on a compatible system is your only option from Adobe.

[Test Screen Name]

You needed to back up the replacement installer. It is gone now. 

[Govardhan.V]

Also, please elaborate the issue in details like what exactly happening when you try to launch the application,

Are you getting any error message?