Which Mac OS for Illustrator CS3?

[Edward Hall]

Please advise which is the most recent OS I need to change back to from Catalina which won't run my older version of Illustrator CS3? Thanks.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

According to the official documents its 10.5 (Leopard) https://helpx.adobe.com/de/illustrator/system-requirements-old-versions.html

I have it installed on 10.10 and at least it still runs. I have not fully tested if anything and everything still works.

Also: if you need to reinstall that version, it might be impossible, because the registration servers have been shut down. If you have downloaded the special version plus the special serial number that has been available some months back, you might still succeed.

[Edward Hall]

Thanks Monika,

I have Snow Leopard OS on disc, would that work?

[Monika Gause]

You need to check out what you can install on the computer.

And then you can only try if it works what you are doing.

As soon as it's outside the official specifications, you're on your own. What works for you might not work for me and vice versa.

[Test Screen Name]

You will not be able to run CS3. Not at all. Not on any system. The activation server was switched off. You can only go forwards. 

[Edward Hall]

I see, thanks.

[Edward Hall]

On second thoughts, do I need the activation server? the software is already on the machine it just won't talk to Catalina.

[Monika Gause]

When downgrading you cannot keep anything. All needs to be reinstalled.

[Edward Hall]

Right, sounds like a no no then. Thaks for your help.