Can't Re-Activate Photoshop CS3 [CS3 is dead]

[Chuck_Lotanos]

I followed the re-activation instructions step by step (in adobe.com/go/activation), but it still didn't work.

I've read through the forums and tried everything they suggested - used CC cleaner, restarted the computer, uninstalled everything, re-installed everything... still can't use the program.

Adobe doesn't seem to have a support chat or everything (which is the basic tech support you expect to get in these circumstances) so these forums are my last hope. that's pretty urgent and I don't know what to do... thanks in advance!

[Guest]

Hi

Activation servers for CS3 have been shutdown, see below

Activation or connection error when starting CS3 or Acrobat 8

Check the "What are my options" part for more info

[Chuck_Lotanos]

Hey Ged, thanks for your answer.

As I mentioned before, I already followed these instructions (Uninstalled the current version, downloaded and installed the new version of CS3 - still no activation). That's why i'm here... do you have any advice?

[Test Screen Name]

Please tell us exactly what happens. All we have is “doesn’t work”.

[Chuck_Lotanos]

I only have two options - activating via internet or via phone. Both fail activating the program. After uninstalling the old version, writing down the new serial and installing the "new" version - it still shows the same two options that don't work.

[Guest]

Hi

Take a look at the correct answer here to see if it helps

CS3 - Still getting Activation Error Message with new Installer

[Chuck_Lotanos]

Thanks again, Ged. That looks promising, but I can't find any folder that's called "Adobe PCD". Any idea why?

Just to be sure, I checked and I didn't find any invisible folders.

[Guest]

Hi

Not really sure what's going on there, the only thing I can think of is to try running the Adobe cleaner tool again

Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems

Reboot then run the new CS3 installer again and see if the folders appears

[SMOk3420]

It's in your "Hidden Items". Go to view > and make sure you check the "Hidden Items" box

and try again.

[Chuck_Lotanos]

Guys, thank you two SO much! That finally did the job and my CS3 is up and running again.
Thanks again for the patience and the help.

Cheers,

Chuck

[Test Screen Name]

This means there are still traces of the old software trying to activate. The new software alone won’t do that. I hope someone can find instructions for a deeper clean.

[Nancy OShea · Accepted solution]

It's 2020 and CS3 and earlier are officially dead now.  The activation servers are gone.  Adobe ended the replacement program by removing links to activation-free installers and serial numbers.  It is no longer possible to re-install CS3.

CS 4 - 6 are on life support.  Going forward, if you want Adobe product support, you really need modern software or a paid Creative Cloud Plan.

• https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html
• https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html