Retrieving CS3 Master Collection authorization code

[monican28361184]

Hello,

I recently got my associates degree in graphic arts and my step-dad installed his copy of CS3 on my laptop. I was able to enter the serial number fine and was prompted for activation. I called the number provided on the activation prompt and there was an automated message saying there is no over-the-phone support for CS3. I communicated with somebody via chat support and they said:

MohammadKhurshid Alam: We only support latest product which is CS 6

MohammadKhurshid Alam: We want to inform you that this issue is only supported on Forums.adobe.com as we have a team of Expertise who are trained and have knowledge about this product.

MohammadKhurshid Alam: yes you will get the resolution as in forums our adobe experts are available so they will  give you resolution at earliest.

I have my serial number and was provided an activation code in the prompt. Is there any way for me to get the authorization code or is the product too outdated?

[Ned Murphy]

The serial number should be all you need.  Assuming you have a working internet connection, just install and activate the software following the prompts.

If you have a newer machine with a newer operating system you are likely to find that CS3 is not going to work for you.

[monican28361184]

I am running on Windows 10, although I am connected to the internet, when I try internet activation it comes back with "no internet connection" and when I tried phone activation, before I was aware that there was no phone support- this is what it said:

[Ned Murphy · Accepted solution]

The bigger problem is likely to be Windows 10.  CS3 and Windows 10  are not likely to get along and will produce the results you appear to be getting.  Try running as administrator when you try to activate online and see if that makes a difference, but don't get your hopes up.  The best bet for getting older software to work is to have an older machine with an older operating system.

I have Windows 7 and won't bother trying to install CS3 on it.

[monican28361184]

Thank you very much for your help!

[ronl81171576]

Unfortunately, this is not a "correct" answer.  I've been satisfactorily running CS3 on Windows 10 until I had a hard disk failure quite recently.  Even following Adobe's cumbersome uninstall/reinstall instructions no longer work.  Not only is finding answers difficult, but directly contacting them is nearly impossible.  I believe this is the end of the line for Adobe products and me...