Is Adobe going to disable my CS3?

[snickany]

I'm still happy using my CS3 and see posts that the servers are dead for it, but have been getting a pop-up warning repeatedly that my program will be disabled in days!  Is there a fix?  They cannot revoke my license, right?  I understand I can't reinstall anywhere even with my serial number, but what about continuing use??  I'm in the middle of a project and no way I can afford the subscription for new software, aside from the fear of losing access to all my saved projects from past years.

[D Fosse]

If you're getting warnings that it will be disabled, it's because Adobe have detected an illegitimate serial number. There can be many reasons for that, even an error, so the only thing you can do is contact them. You won't be "punished" - you may well have bought it in good faith, but the serial number may have been misused by others.

We are just users and can't help you with that. I'm told the best way to contact them is to use the contact info given in the waring message itself. That goes directly to the people who can help you.

A Photography Plan subscription (PS+LrC+Br) is $10 a month. Yes, all expenses add up, but if you really need Photoshop that can hardly be called expensive.

[snickany]

That would make sense, EXCEPT if it detects my legitimate serial number, from new discs first opened by me after purchase at Office Max, still owned and sitting on my bookshelf now, it should not be threatening to disable.  The pop-up reads "THIS APP WILL DISABLE IN 8 DAYS - Your non-genuine Adobe app will be disabled soon - Using non-genuine Adobe apps may expose your device — and organization — to increased security risks. Contact your IT administrator to switch to genuine Adobe apps." 

The problem seems genuine Adobe software no longer being recognized?

I plan to contact them during business hours tomorrow and hope for the best and timely solution... just fearing they'll say it's time to upgrade and they can't help, and noticing the community forum hoped someone else has worked this out.  Plus, the link provided in the pop-up only goes to Adobe sales to purchase Creative Cloud.  I am a casual user, only doing creative personal projects a few times a year (like designing a scrapbook page or a baby shower invitation for my daughter), so it would be ridiculous to be required to begin subscribing because Adobe steals my license.  I'm not able to see how your response is helpful in any way.

[D Fosse]

after purchase at Office Max

By @snickany

The only safe source is to purchase directly from Adobe. As I said, I don't doubt that you bought this in good faith - but you have no idea how much scamming has been going on with Adobe software. It's a whole industry, or at least it was until the subscription model made life much harder for the pirates.

Anyway, if this is a mistake/error, they'll help you figure it out.

[Miss Marnie]

You are correct about how Adobe handlling your serial number. I also had a legitimate bought and paid for Adobe CS3 Suite. I purchased it from Adobe in 2005. I was elated with my software. I also used Adobe Creative Cloud when it first launched on another machine. I hated the idea of the subscription model but I tried it anyway. Afterall, I had my old reliable Adobe CS3 to fall back on. I decided Adobe Creative Cloud was not good for my needs. Well, in 2017 I got the Adobe CS3 pop up after an update to the software. I stopped being an Adobe customer after that.

[jane-e]

A Photography Plan subscription (PS+LrC+Br) is $10 a month.

By @D Fosse

We should also note that the Photography plan is a deeply discounted annual plan with a year's commitment. There is a fee for early cancellation.

Jane

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

I would recommened Photoshop Elements - its not subscription and has newer features than CS3.

https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements/buy-elements.html

[Guest]

I too am having this problem. My CS6 creative suite is legit - and super old, but I still use it occationally. I'm not going to subscribe. I already have the software and it's paid for - forever.