Deativating CS5

[uripadees]

I am having issues with my pc and might have to take in to where I bought it. If there is a chance that they need to reboot it, do I need to deativate my Photoshop so I can reinstall it back on my pc? 

[D Fosse]

If you need to reinstall, then yes, you absolutely must deactivate first. It cannot be reactivated unless you've freed up that activation slot.

Or it was only ever activated once, so that you had a second one in reserve the whole time.

Make sure you get the confirmation message after you clicked Deactivate.

[uripadees]

So, how may times can I install it on this pc? Do I have to call Adobe to get a reset if it doesn't install? Also, if I deactivate and it didn't need a reboot, can I go back and reactivate it?

[D Fosse]

Adobe won't reset activations anymore, that's the whole thing. You must deactivate yourself, and you need to keep track of the two you have.

If you deactivate and no reinstall, you can just reactivate.

You can install as many times as you want, as long as there is a vacant activation slot from the two allowed.

Just as a heads up, the activation servers for CS up to and including CS4 have been permanently shut down, and CS5 - CS6 are likely to follow at some point. After all, this is 15 year old software.

[uripadees]

Is there a way to find out what I have in the slots?

[D Fosse]

Only you can know your activation history. If you can't remember, assume it's only the one you're using now.

[uripadees]

If my memory serves me will, this is the third pc I have installed it on with the same software. Each time I deactivate it before installing on new pc. I guess it will be a crap shoot to see if I can reinstall it back on this pc, if and when that times comes. Hate to lose it, can't afford monthly payments. 

[uripadees · Accepted solution]

Problem solved with my pc, no reboot. Thanks everyone for your support. 

[jane-e]

@uripadees 

Thanks for sharing your good news! Do you have any details that might help others in the same situation?

Jane

[uripadees]

Well, the issue I had was with my pc going into hibernation. Not knowing how to resolve it I had a tech fix it while still online. It was a foopaa on my part. Thanks for being there.

[jane-e]

@uripadees 

There is a new method to reactivate. Read this help file (dated 16 September 2025) carefully.

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/licensing-activation-issues/cant-activate...

Also, Adobe does not reset activations.

Jane

[uripadees]

Thanks for the help. I don't have a smart phone, I use a flip phone. Call me old fashion. There for can't use the QR code. 

[davescm]

You should be able to copy and paste the link below the QR code.
Dave