Unable to Reactivate Adobe InDesign CS6 License After Windows Reinstallation

[G-V]

Hello,
I’m trying to reactivate Adobe InDesign CS6 on my Surface Book 2 after a clean reinstallation of Windows 11.

The software was previously installed and working on this same device. After reinstalling the OS, I attempted to reinstall CS6, but received a message stating that the serial number is invalid or revoked.

I understand CS6 is a legacy product, but since the license was already active on this device, I’m hoping there’s a way to restore it.

I’ve contacted support and reviewed Adobe’s documentation, including:

• Invalid or Revoked Serial Numbers (helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/invalid-revoked-serial-numbers.html)
• Adobe Genuine Program (adobe.com/genuine.html)

I’d appreciate any advice or insight from the community.

Thank you,
Giampaolo

[BobLevine]

Nobody here can help. If Adobe customer support can't help, you'll need to either subscribe to InDesign (month to month or annual basis) or find an alternative software to use.

CS6 is 13 years old. Good luck.

[G-V]

Thank you for your reply.
I understand that CS6 is no longer supported, and I’m aware of Adobe’s current subscription model.
However, my license was purchased legitimately and was already active on the same device before a clean OS reinstall. I’m simply trying to understand if there’s any possible way to restore access or if Adobe offers any transition options for users in this situation.
I appreciate any further clarification or direction you can provide.

Best regards,
Giampaolo

[BobLevine]

Again, nobody here can help and if Adobe won't/can't you're on your own.

I know it's not what you want to hear but that's the long and short of it.

[Peter Spier]

I've had success in the past migrating my CS6 license to new machines by running thein installer, then overwriting the program folder using a backup image from a previously working install, but I think the rules for activation have changed, and if you fail to deactivate before doing your upgrades I suspect you are just out of luck if sutomer support can;t or won't help. Once upon a time the Activation servers reset after a period of time, but I think that's now thing of the past.